Oklahoman gets 25 years for shaking 3-month-old son

TULSA Okla. – A Catoosa man, responsible for physically abusing his 3-month-old son was sentenced today in Federal Court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jacob Thomas Shell, 29, to 25 years in federal prison, for child abuse in Indian Country, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined later.

“Jacob Shell forever changed the daily life and future of his three-month old baby,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.  “Child abuse is never acceptable, and with the support of our local law enforcement partners will be aggressively prosecuted. This case should serve as a reminder that parents who feel overwhelmed should seek help.”

According to court documents, On February 12, 2020, Shell, became frustrated after being awakened by the crying of his 3-month-old son. He violently and forcibly shook and threw the child until he stopped crying and was limp. The victim, a Choctaw citizen, sustained lifelong injuries and is now physically, developmentally, and cognitively delayed. The child suffered severe visual impairment, forcing him to attend the school for the blind. The child also sustained severe nerve damage, which impacted the child’s physical mobility and use of his right arm. The victim is still undergoing treatment and was in the hospital for a neurosurgical procedure the day Shell was sentenced.

The adoptive parents in, a victim impact statement stated, “Already, by the age of three, our son has spent more time fighting for his life than most people ever will.” They also noted his twin brother is taking on the role of an older brother who helps and cares for his twin as if he were a year and half younger instead of having a same age playmate.

The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler prosecuted the case.