Floyd County Endangering Children Case (2025)
Defendants: Donnie Shepherd, age 64; Elizabeth Hamilton Shepherd, age 32 — both of Prestonsburg, Floyd County. Mountain Top Media
Charges: Indicted by a Floyd County grand jury on two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, a felony (up to 5 years). Mountain Top Media
Allegations: Conditions in which two young children were living were described as deplorable. Hair follicle tests showed possible exposure to methamphetamine and Suboxone. Mountain Top Media
Status: Arrested after the indictment. Mountain Top Media

Why This Case Matters for Jayden’s Law
Severe neglect & environmental exposure: The case shows children exposed to harmful substances (meth, Suboxone), which are often overlooked unless there is physical injury. Jayden’s Law would strengthen punishments and oversight for such exposure.

First-degree wanton endangerment: This law must clarify that wanton endangerment involving children qualifies as criminal abuse or aggravated abuse, not just endangerment, especially when conditions are hazardous and prolonged.

Neglect in non-parent roles / caregivers: May involve family or other caretakers. The law needs to ensure that any caregiver, not just biological parents, who endangers a child is held to strict accountability.

Permanent custody/visitation repercussions: Those convicted of exposing children to drugs or unsafe living conditions should permanently lose custody/visitation rights under Jayden’s Law.