### Police Release Images of Grandparents Convicted for the Murder of Two-Year-Old Ethan Ives-Griffiths
North Wales Police have today published the first official custody photographs of Michael and Kerry Ives following their recent conviction for the murder of their grandson, two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths. The images also include a custody photograph of Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, who was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of her child, alongside cruelty charges.
After a lengthy and harrowing trial held at Mold Crown Court, a jury unanimously found Michael Ives, aged 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, guilty of both murder and child cruelty offences. Their daughter, 28-year-old Shannon Ives, stood convicted on charges of causing or allowing Ethan’s death, as well as cruelty to a child under the age of sixteen.
The case revolved around the appalling mistreatment of young Ethan, who, according to prosecution evidence, was left shockingly malnourished and suffered severe dehydration while in the care of his grandparents at their home on Kingsley Road, Garden City, Deeside. Jurors learned that Ethan endured at least forty visible external injuries, painting a distressing portrait of neglect and repeated physical abuse.
Tragically, Ethan had moved in with his grandparents in June 2021, and the court was told of a series of incidents that led up to his death. On 13 August 2021, the boy collapsed, regaining consciousness only to deteriorate further the very next day. By 16 August, after being transferred from the Countess of Chester Hospital to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Ethan had died from his injuries.
A crucial part of the prosecution’s case involved evidence given by Dr Brian Rodgers, a Home Office pathologist, who described Ethan’s head injuries as “catastrophic”. The jury heard that he would have suffered extreme distress and pain in the period leading up to his death, with the abuse allegedly culminating in a violent attack.
Accounts provided in court revealed troubling scenes within the family home. On the evening of 14 August, Michael Ives reportedly told police and medical staff that he had heard a “bang” and found Ethan unresponsive on the floor, his breathing shallow and his movements described as “gasping”. Michael’s wife, Kerry, recounted how, in panic, she called her other daughter via Facetime before alerting emergency services. This six-minute delay in calling 999 was heavily scrutinised during proceedings, as the jury considered the family’s response times and actions following Ethan’s collapse.
During the trial, Kerry Ives claimed ignorance of her grandson’s obvious injuries, arguing that she neither assaulted the child nor encouraged anyone else to do so. She did, however, admit having witnessed her daughter, Shannon Ives, strike Ethan on a previous occasion—a revelation that intensified scrutiny of Shannon’s role in the household.
Conversely, Shannon, who did not reside at the grandparents’ home full-time, insisted that she was distraught after finding her son in hospital and, days after his death, told police that her parents had been the only adults present in the living room at the time of Ethan’s final collapse. This claim was addressed by Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC, who argued that a “pact of silence” had emerged between Michael and Kerry Ives as they attempted to shield themselves from responsibility.
The judge presiding over the case, Mr Justice Griffiths, made clear upon reaching the verdict that Michael and Kerry Ives will face life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for October. Justice Griffiths also indicated Shannon Ives is expected to receive a substantial custodial sentence.
The release of these police images has brought renewed focus on a case that has deeply affected the local community. While many questions remain regarding how such severe neglect could unfold within a family setting, the convictions mark a significant moment of accountability for those deemed responsible for Ethan’s tragic death.
In the aftermath, local authorities and advocacy organisations are yet again highlighting the critical importance of vigilance and early intervention in safeguarding vulnerable children. This case serves as a stark and devastating reminder of the consequences when such protection fails.