After shooting husband over child abuse allegations, former daycare owner has no regrets, pushes for reform

After nearly three years in federal prison, former Maryland daycare owner Shanteari Young is stepping back into public life with a clear message: she intends to rebuild.

Young spoke with the Baltimore Banner about her plans, saying she feels ready to move forward even as she continues to navigate the emotional and legal fallout from the 2022 shooting of her husband.

Shanteari Young: Adjusting to Life Outside Custody

Young, now 53, completed her federal supervision in December after her release earlier in the year. She told the outlet that the events leading to her arrest unfolded in a matter of days and reshaped every part of her life.

Although she does not regret confronting her husband, she said she does not want others to respond to trauma with violence. Instead, she hopes her experience will encourage stronger protections for children and more accountability in child‑care settings.

Why the Case Drew National Attention

The shooting occurred inside a Washington, D.C., hotel then known as the Mandarin, now the Black‑owned Salamander. Young confronted her husband, James Weems, after learning he had sexually abused a child enrolled at Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center, the facility she operated in Baltimore County. The confrontation ended with Weems wounded and Young facing federal charges.

Former Maryland Daycare Owner Facing Her Husband Again in Court

During her incarceration, Young filed for divorce. She later testified against Weems in 2024, marking their first face‑to‑face encounter since the shooting.

Prosecutors accused Weems, a retired Baltimore Police officer, of abusing a 10‑year‑old girl. A Baltimore County jury convicted him on multiple counts.

Civil Litigation Still Looms

Young’s legal challenges did not end with her release. She remains a defendant in three civil lawsuits connected to the now‑closed daycare. She told the Baltimore Banner she intends to participate fully in the legal process but hopes the cases will not overshadow her efforts to support families affected by abuse.

Shanteari Young Turns Personal Crisis Into Public Advocacy

Young is now channeling her energy into policy work. She supports a Maryland proposal that would require child‑care providers to complete specialized training on identifying and reporting abuse. The bill was introduced by Baltimore Democrat Sean Stinnett.

She is also preparing to launch a nonprofit, Opened Umbrellas 4 Lil Kidz LLC, which will offer resources to children who have experienced sexual abuse and to their families. Alongside that work, she is finishing a book titled “My Protector,” which she expects to release this spring.

Looking Toward a Different Future

Young said she wants her story to highlight the long‑term impact of abuse and the need for early intervention. She also hopes to show that rebuilding is possible after public scrutiny and personal upheaval.

“I want to show people that something catastrophic can happen to you, but you can rebuild and you can move on,” she told the Baltimore Banner. “I’m trying to change this into a positive situation and help people.”

Young plans to focus on prevention, education, and healing as she steps into a new phase of advocacy. She believes her experience can help strengthen trust in child‑care systems and support families navigating trauma.