An Idaho mother who gained attention for claiming her infant twins died from vaccine-related injuries has been arrested and charged with their murders. Andrea Shaw, 23, of Payette, was taken into custody earlier this week on two counts of murder.
The Payette Police Department announced the arrest, which comes after a lengthy investigation into the deaths of her 18-month-old twins, Dallas and Tyson, in May 2025. Shaw and her husband, Nathaniel Shaw, 23, had publicly stated their belief that the children died due to adverse reactions to vaccines they received. The couple appeared on a podcast to share their story, detailing the children's declining health following vaccinations for influenza, Hepatitis A, and DTaP.
According to Shaw's account on the podcast, the twins became lethargic and showed concerning physical changes after a nap following their vaccinations. She described one twin as appearing tired and losing weight, while the other became unresponsive. Their mother-in-law reportedly took the children to a hospital, where they were treated and later discharged. Shaw stated she later found both children deceased in their beds.
Investigators, however, launched a homicide investigation. Court documents and statements from law enforcement indicate that the manner of death was determined not to be medically related and that asphyxiation may be involved, according to Shaw's own accounts during police interrogation. The official cause of death has not been publicly detailed by the state medical examiner's office.
Shaw's lawyer, Joseph Filicetti, told the Daily Mail that his client was shocked and saddened by the arrest. He stated that Shaw recently gave birth via cesarean section and plans to deny all allegations. Her legal team is reportedly seeking to have her bail, set at $2 million, reduced.
Payette Police Chief Gary A Marshall issued a statement acknowledging the extensive efforts of multiple agencies in the investigation. He emphasized the commitment to seeking justice for the victims and upholding the integrity of the legal process, while also reminding the public that the charges are allegations and Shaw is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Shaw is currently being held in Ada County Jail pending extradition to Payette County for arraignment. The investigation involved assistance from the Idaho State Police Forensic Services, the Ada County Medical Examiner's Office, the Boise Police Department, and the Payette County Prosecutor's and Coroner's Offices.