Father accused of leaving disabled son in bathtub for weeks

MESA, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - An Arizona father is facing charges after he allegedly left his disabled adult son in a bathtub for seven weeks.

Melvin Shimkus, 52, was booked on one count of vulnerable adult abuse and is being held on a $12,000 bond. He is accused of leaving his 31-year-old son, Hunter Shimkus, in a bathtub for seven weeks.

The victim, who has a nerve disease that prevents him from walking, was found with severe wounds and was described in court documents as “extremely emaciated.”

Warning: Details of this story may be graphic. Reader discretion is advised.

What officers found

Mesa officers were called to a home shortly before 10 p.m. Monday after a 911 caller reported that Hunter Shimkus had been in a bathtub for seven weeks and was covered in feces.

When responding officers entered the bathroom, they were met with a “strong, pungent odor” resembling “rotting meat and feces,” according to court documents. Inside the tub, they found Hunter Shimkus appearing “extremely emaciated.” Small ropes were holding his right leg, and his right foot was “extremely deformed,” police said.

Court documents state the 31-year-old’s right knee was bent at a 90-degree angle in the opposite direction, his muscles appeared to be gone and he had open sores throughout his body.

“He clearly suffered from severe, severe, severe neglect,” an investigator said. “The neglect was so extreme that it caused significant, possible permanent injuries to the victim.”

Court documents also state Hunter Shimkus has a nerve disease that prevents him from walking and limits the use of his hands.

What the suspect told police

Melvin Shimkus told police he had been caring for his son over the past year. He said he had placed Hunter Shimkus in the tub a week earlier and, when he checked on him that day, found one of his legs bent in the opposite direction. He said he offered to take his son to the hospital, but the 31-year-old refused multiple times, according to court documents.

Police say Melvin Shimkus was the only person caring for his son; though the two had been living at the home with two other family members. Court documents state the suspect told those family members that Hunter Shimkus’ leg was bent the wrong way and that he could smell feces coming from the bathroom.

What family members said

A family member told police Hunter Shimkus had been in the tub since May 16 — the last time authorities were called to the home. At that time, court documents state the 31-year-old refused medical attention and had not left the tub since.

Hunter’s aunt, Carol Scofield, who also lived at the home, said the family tried for months to get him medical care, but he refused.

“Everything was done that we could do,” Scofield said. “Everyone tried to convince Hunter to go to the hospital. Hunter said no. When the paramedics came, he said no. They turned around and walked off, said we can’t touch him. He’s an adult.”

Scofield said Hunter Shimkus insisted he did not want to leave the tub. She maintains that Melvin Shimkus was caring for his son and believes he was wrongfully arrested.

“Yes, I do. Honest to God, I do,” Scofield said.

Hunter Shimkus was hospitalized. His current condition is unknown.