***** This is the information law enforcement has released as of today so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep your speculations to yourself as it really would be foolish and hurtful to the families as we are going through this extremely difficult time! Speculations do no good and the press release clearly said 

“Mr. Shanley is facing charges of Legend Drug Deception (Level 2 Felony), Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felony), and Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony).   Additional charges may be filed as the investigation is still ongoing.”****

*** ALSO PLEASE NOTE in the press release Mr Shanley said Zachary was his cousin this is not true Zachary was no relation to Mr. Shanley***** 

#sayhisname #justiceforzachary #holderstrong #justiceforAmanda #sayhername #justiceforAmandaandZachary #wewontstop

** For Immediate Release **

On 10/25/21 shortly before 8:00 a.m. the Rensselaer Police responded to the 800 block of N. Scott Street for a report of a female unresponsive in the residence.  When officers arrived, officers observed 37-year-old Joshua Shanley administering CPR to the female who was identified as his wife.  Officers assisted medics in continuing CPR before it was determined that she was deceased.  Mr. Shanley advised officers that his wife had been feeling ill recently and more specifically complaining of chest pains and dizzy spells.

Mr. Shanley consented to a search of the residence as it was suspected that the death was caused by a drug overdose.  Officers located bottles for pain medication that had been filled just a few days prior that were completely empty.  An investigation began into the circumstances surrounding the death.

On 11/11/21 the Rensselaer Police Department responded to Mr. Shanley’s residence for a report of a male subject sitting in a vehicle outside, slumped over the wheel.  When officers arrived, Shanley was located and he stated he had a seizure but he did not need any assistance.  Approximately one hour later the Police Department received another 911 call for a subject having a medical emergency inside of Mr. Shanley’s residence.  Officers found a 34-year-old male unresponsive that appeared to be overdosing.  Four doses of Naloxone were administered by officers on scene with no effect.  CPR was done however the subject passed away.

Mr. Shanley advised that the subject was his cousin and the two had went to Lafayette the day before to cash a $14,000 check that Mr. Shanley had received from his wife passing away in October.     When asked by officers what had occurred prior to 911 being called, Mr. Shanley seemed to be deceptive with officers.  This investigation was then tied in with the death of Mr. Shanley’s wife in October.

Mr. Shanley gave consent to search his cell phone which was then taken by officers to the Rensselaer Police Department.  Evidence was located showing that Mr. Shanley made trips several times a week to purchase narcotics.  Mr. Shanley also had a message to his supplier stating that he got “14 grand today” and discussed purchasing narcotics.  There is an extensive conversation regarding what Mr. Shanley could purchase.

Another conversation between Mr. Shanley and his dealer was located that took place just hours after the death of Mr. Shanley’s wife.  Mr. Shanley tells the subject that the pills he purchased caused his wife to overdose.  There is also evidence that Mr. Shanley had his juvenile son drive him on more than one occasion to the Indianapolis area to meet up with his dealer so he could purchase narcotics.    

Charges were sent to the Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for Mr. Shanley.  He had left the Rensselaer area with his children who were not in school since it was back in session.  He was not located until he came to town on 1/18/22 where he was taken into custody. 

Mr. Shanley is facing charges of Legend Drug Deception (Level 2 Felony), Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felony), and Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony).   Additional charges may be filed as the investigation is still ongoing.