Shelly, mother to Nikki, Sami, and Tori, and the daughter of Les Watson and an alcoholic, unstable mother, regularly physically, verbally, and sexually abuses her children and manipulates anyone dependent on her care. She is responsible for the deaths of Kathy Loreno, Shane Watson, Mac McLintock, and Ron Woodworth.

Shelly’s third husband is a submissive partner who willingly believes her lies and does her bidding. He is often gone for his construction job and only home on weekends, meaning he is not always aware of the extent of Shelly’s violence. Along with Shelly, he is responsible for the deaths of Kathy Loreno, Shane Watson, and Ron Woodworth.

Shelly’s only child with her first husband Randy, Nikki is the eldest Knotek daughter and is especially targeted by her mother’s abuse. She grows close to Shane and dreams of running away. Despite her mother’s manipulations, Nikki manages to escape the family and grows estranged from her parents while staying close to Sami and, eventually, Tori.