The children’s mother, 29-year-old Kayla Renae Shepherd, is facing two news charges — aggravated possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Both were previously indicted on four counts of endangering children in November.
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
On Nov. 18 Dayton police responded to Arlene Avenue after a 911 caller found the 8-year-old and his 9-year-old sister.
“I was looking out my door and I saw them walking and something just didn’t sit right with me,” the 911 caller said, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center records.
The boy’s mouth was “beat up,” the caller added.
He had bruises, cuts, bloodshot eyes and a severe lip injury that left him unable to close his mouth, according to juvenile court records.
The children were taken to Dayton Children’s Hospital. The girl reportedly had a bruise on her side and signs of malnutrition and was discharged the next day.
“The children claimed they were regularly tortured by Mr. Knox,” juvenile court records read. “They reported that he regularly hits and smacks (the boy), sometimes even cutting him with objects.”
The boy had injuries all over his body, including his genitalia and buttocks. He had burns, cuts, bruises and fractures that were in different stages of healing. He was also malnourished.
The boy was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 21.
The children were reportedly kept to one room and needed Knox’s permission to go to the bathroom.
Shepherd believed the children had been confined to one room since the summer.
“She stated she last saw her son in October 2024 and her daughter in early November 2024,” an affidavit from Dayton Municipal Court read.
The girl reportedly told investigators they were not allowed to leave the room or Knox would punish them.
Juvenile court records stated the children’s bedroom had a strong odor and trash and refuse were in the room. There was also blood on the walls and throughout the bedroom.
The children reportedly left to seek help while Knox and Shepherd were out because the boy’s mouth didn’t look good.
“The systemic abuse these children went through is simply unimaginable,” said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. “Thankfully, the children were able to escape from the hell that had become their existence and sought help.”
Shepherd was released after posting bond on Dec. 5. Knox remains in custody at the Montgomery County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
About the Author