Homeschooling’s 

Invisible Children

2 Children of Shelley Blair

Content note: Case narratives include descriptions of severe violence inflicted on children, including abuse and neglect, sexual violence, torture, and murder, as well as mentions of suicide and domestic violence. They also include photos of victims and perpetrators of violence.

Blair

In 2008, Shelley Blair’s two adopted children, a 12 year old boy and a 13 year old girl, ran away from her home and were found wandering at the side of a busy road. The two were severely malnourished and were covered with bruises. Blair pleaded guilty to beating the children, withholding food from them, binding them with duct tape, and locking them in their rooms indefinitely with only buckets to relieve themselves in. She was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Blair had also pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse in 2003, but was nevertheless allowed to homeschool her two children, who reported that the abuse became worse over time. Blair’s friends and pastor said she was a good caregiver who simply took on too much.

Date: October 2008
Location: Spring Hill, Tennessee

Documents: Date:
Runaways tell police of abuse 2008-10-23
Mother may be charged in neglect of 2 children 2008-10-23
Woman Bothered By Accused Abuser’s Access To Children 2008-10-27
Police Investigate Mom Once Charged With Child Abuse 2008-10-27
Mom Accused Of Abuse Pleads Not Guilty 2009-03-03
Spring Hill Woman Accused Of Child Abuse Faces Judge 2009-03-03
Woman Pleads Guilty To Assault, Kidnapping Of Adopted Children 2011-10-11
Sentencing Continued For Spring Hill Foster Mother 2011-12-07
Shelley Blair Sentenced To 16 Years In Prison 2011-12-08
Spring Hill woman sentenced for child abuse 2011-12-08