Shawn Matthew Luhm (left, DOB 3/4/1983) Kayla Anne Luhm (center, DOB 6/21/89) and Melissa Dawn Currie (right, DOB 10/11/1984). Booking photos taken 5/14/2021.
Shawn Matthew Luhm (left, DOB 3/4/1983) Kayla Anne Luhm (center, DOB 6/21/89) and Melissa Dawn Currie (right, DOB 10/11/1984). Booking photos taken 5/14/2021.

Shawn and Kayla Luhm Charged in Death of Eight-Month-Old Daughter

Author: District Attorney
Date: 5/17/2021 2:30 PM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Shawn Matthew Luhm (38) and Kayla Anne Luhm (31) of Paso Robles have been charged with felony child abuse related to the death of their 8-month-old daughter. Melissa Dawn Currie (36) has been charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact related to the death of the child.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that felony child abuse charges have been filed against Shawn Matthew Luhm (38) and Kayla Anne Luhm (31) of Paso Robles related to the death of their 8-month-old daughter, Lilith.  Melissa Dawn Currie (36), an acquaintance of the Luhms, has been charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact for allegedly concealing evidence related to the child’s death. 

On February 4, 2021, the baby was reported as unresponsive and was airlifted from the Luhm home in Heritage Ranch near Lake Nacimiento to Twin cities Hospital and then to Stanford Medical Center.  Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the baby was declared deceased on February 10, 2021.  The primary cause of death is suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity, with other contributing factors. 

Shawn Luhm, Kayla Luhm and Melissa Currie were arrested on May 14, 2021, by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.  All three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in Department 3 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

As with any prosecution, investigation is ongoing.  We are seeking the public’s assistance in providing any information you may have about this case.  Individuals with information are encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at 805-549-7867 or online at www.slotips.org.

The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Lindsey Bittner.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that must be proven in a court of law by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Click here to view a copy of the complaint document.  Click here to view a copy of Shawn Luhm’s booking photo.  Click here to view a copy of Kayla Luhm’s booking photo. Click here to view a copy of Melissa Currie’s booking photo.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.

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