An Idaho woman who previously claimed her toddler twins died after receiving vaccinations has been charged with their murders. Andrea Shaw, 23, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder on June 29, 2026, according to court records and a statement from the Payette Police Department. Authorities allege Shaw suffocated her 18-month-old twins in May 2025.
Shaw was arrested by Boise police officers on Tuesday and arraigned on Thursday. She is being held on a $2 million bond and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 14, 2026.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Shaw appeared on an internet show produced by Children’s Health Defense (CHD), an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in May 2025. During the appearance, she stated that her twins died days after receiving vaccinations for flu, hepatitis A, and DTaP. Kennedy resigned from CHD in December 2024 to join President Donald Trump’s administration.
Shaw’s attorney, Joe Filicetti, denied the charges in a text message, stating that she “denies anything and everything” and that the state “cannot prove” the allegations. “We will defend her with wholeheartedness,” Filicetti added.
The Payette Police Department and the Payette County prosecutor’s office declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
Deeper Dive & Context
Shaw’s Claims and Medical Expertise
During her appearance on the CHD show, Shaw claimed her twins became ill shortly after receiving vaccinations. She stated, “They had got their shots at the same time by two nurses at the same time. And they got sick.”
However, medical experts emphasize that the vaccines in question—hepatitis A, influenza, and DTaP—are safe and effective for children and are recommended by major medical organizations.
Legal and Investigative Details
The Payette Police Department initially suspected foul play after the twins’ bodies were discovered in May 2025. The department has not provided further details about the evidence in the case, citing the ongoing judicial process.
Shaw is also a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit brought by CHD and others against the American Medical Association (AMA), challenging vaccine mandates.
Public and Political Reactions
The case has drawn attention due to Shaw’s prior association with CHD, a group known for its opposition to vaccines. Kennedy’s resignation from the organization in December 2024 has also been noted, though he has not been directly involved in the case.
The $2 million bond set for Shaw is unusually high, suggesting prosecutors believe the evidence against her is strong. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under Idaho law.
The case remains under investigation, with further details expected to emerge during future court proceedings.