Iowa Woman Convicted of Murdering 7-Month-Old Daughter

Sheyenne Shore claimed baby Xena hit her head during 'tummy time', but autopsy found fatal injuries inconsistent with accident

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby's broken wrist, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the grim physical evidence in this tragic child abuse case.A shocking close-up of the physical evidence that led to a mother's conviction for her infant's murder, exposing the tragic reality of child abuse.Ames Today

Sheyenne Shore, 26, has been found guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment in the 2023 death of her 7-month-old daughter Xena. Shore initially claimed Xena hit her head during 'tummy time', but an autopsy determined the infant's fatal injuries, including broken bones and internal bleeding, were not accidental. Shore and Xena's father, Juan Montalvo Jr., fled to California after Xena's death but were later arrested and charged.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges in proving child abuse and neglect, especially when parents provide implausible explanations for a child's injuries. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of Iowa's child welfare system in protecting vulnerable infants from harm.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, when Sheyenne Shore brought Xena to the hospital, the 7-month-old was already dead, with cuts, bruises, a broken wrist, and internal bleeding. Shore told police Xena had hit her head on toys during 'tummy time', but the medical examiner determined the injuries were not accidental. Investigators found bloodstained blankets and clothes in the family's apartment, and surveillance footage showed Shore leaving the home without Xena on the day of her death. Shore and Xena's father, Juan Montalvo Jr., fled to California after the incident but were later arrested and charged.

  • On June 11, 2023, Sheyenne Shore brought Xena to the hospital, where the baby was pronounced dead.
  • In February 2025, Juan Montalvo Jr. pleaded guilty to child endangerment and was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
  • On April 2, 2026, Sheyenne Shore was found guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment.
  • Sheyenne Shore's sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2026.

The players

Sheyenne Shore

A 26-year-old Iowa woman who was convicted of first-degree murder and child endangerment in the 2023 death of her 7-month-old daughter, Xena.

Juan Montalvo Jr.

The 37-year-old father of Xena, who pleaded guilty to child endangerment in February 2025 and was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

Xena

The 7-month-old daughter of Sheyenne Shore and Juan Montalvo Jr., who died in 2023 with multiple injuries that were ruled a homicide.

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What they’re saying

“She's gone, they tried everything they could.”

— Sheyenne Shore

What’s next

Sheyenne Shore's sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2026, where she could face life in prison for the first-degree murder conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger child welfare protections and better training for medical professionals to identify and report suspected abuse. It also underscores the challenges in prosecuting child homicide cases when parents provide implausible explanations for a child's injuries.