US prosecutor seeks death penalty for mother over twins' deaths

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

An Idaho prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against a 23-year-old woman charged with murdering her 18-month-old twins in 2025.

An Idaho prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against Andrea Shaw, 23, charged with murder in the deaths of her twin toddlers in 2025. Shaw has pleaded not guilty and says the 18-month-old twins became sick and died after receiving flu shots and routine childhood vaccinations.

Payette County Prosecutor Mike Duke wrote in court documents that an autopsy revealed symptoms consistent with smothering, stating that suffocation 'is the only conceivable explanation' for their deaths. Deputy prosecuting attorney Ryon Sirucek notified the court of his intent to seek the death penalty, citing four aggravating factors: that more than one murder was committed; that the killings were especially heinous, atrocious or cruel; that the defendant showed 'utter disregard' for human life; and that she would likely pose a continuing threat to society.

Shaw's attorney Joseph Filicetti called the death penalty pursuit 'outrageous', saying prosecutors would not be able to prove the underlying case beyond a reasonable doubt. He said the county coroner found the cause of death undetermined but consistent with hyperthermia or overheating, though the coroner was not on the witness list for the grand jury. The pathologists who examined the twins also said their causes of death were undetermined, Filicetti said. The defence team plans to file a motion to dismiss the case.

How it is being reported

• Andrea Shaw: US prosecutor seeks death penalty for mother charged over twins' deathsAndrea Shaw says her 18-month-old twins became sick and died after receiving routine childhood vaccinations. Prosecutors disagree.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 13:40
• Andrea Shaw: US prosecutor seeks death penalty for mother charged over twins' deathsAndrea Shaw says her 18-month-old twins became sick and died after receiving routine childhood vaccinations. Prosecutors disagree.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 13:40

In this story: Andrea Shaw · Mike Duke · Ryon Sirucek · Joseph Filicetti · Idaho · Payette County

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