History of Amber Portwood in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 14, 2024

Amber Leann Portwood is an American reality TV personality known for her appearance on the MTV series "16 and Pregnant" in 2009. The show documented her pregnancy and early motherhood. However, Portwood gained notoriety for domestic violence incidents. In 2010, she was filmed physically abusing her then-partner, Gary Shirley, leading to her imprisonment. She was also later accused of abuse by another partner, Andrew Glennon.

1964: Birth of Shawn Edwin Portwood Sr.

Amber Portwood's father, Shawn Edwin Portwood Sr., was born in 1964.

1995: Birth of Candace Portwood

Amber Portwood's sister, Candace Portwood, was born in 1995.

1996: Death of Candace Portwood

Amber Portwood's sister, Candace Portwood, tragically passed away in infancy in 1996.

2008: Pregnancy with Leah

Amber Portwood became pregnant by her then-boyfriend Gary Shirley in 2008, a life-changing event that would later be documented on reality television.

2009: 16 and Pregnant Premiere

In 2009, Amber Portwood rose to fame on the MTV reality show "16 and Pregnant," which documented her pregnancy journey.

September 2010: Footage of Violence Aired

In September 2010, MTV aired footage of Amber Portwood's violent behavior towards Gary Shirley, sparking public outrage and a police investigation.

November 3, 2010: CPS Monitoring Agreement

On November 3, 2010, Amber Portwood agreed to be monitored by Indiana Child Protective Services for six months in exchange for retaining custody of her daughter Leah.

2010: Domestic Violence Incident

Amber Portwood's involvement in a domestic violence incident with her partner, Gary Shirley, was aired on MTV in 2010, leading to public scrutiny and legal repercussions.

June 9, 2011: Guilty Plea to Domestic Battery

Amber Portwood pleaded guilty to two felony counts of domestic battery on June 9, 2011, and received a two-year suspended sentence and two years of probation.

December 2011: Arrest for Drug Possession

Amber Portwood's arrest for possession of a controlled substance in December 2011 marked another low point in her legal troubles.

December 2011: Gary Shirley Granted Full Custody

In December 2011, Gary Shirley was granted full custody of their daughter Leah, marking a significant point in Amber Portwood's legal battles and personal life.

January 27, 2012: Guilty Plea and Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

On January 27, 2012, Amber Portwood entered a guilty plea to charges of drug possession and probation violation, with a sentencing hearing set for February 6.

February 6, 2012: Five-Year Suspended Sentence

On February 6, 2012, Amber Portwood was given a five-year suspended sentence with the condition of completing rehab, potentially leading to the dismissal of all charges.

March 2012: Failed Drug Test and Probation Violation

Amber Portwood's failure to take a required drug test in March 2012 violated her probation and put her at risk of serving her five-year suspended sentence.

June 13, 2012: Start of Prison Sentence

Amber Portwood began serving her five-year prison sentence on June 13, 2012, during which she was mandated to attend substance abuse classes and work towards her GED.

June 2012: Five-Year Sentence Reimposed

In June 2012, after further probation violations, the court reinstated Amber Portwood's full five-year sentence.

2012: Teen Mom Concludes

Amber Portwood's time on the original "Teen Mom" series ended in 2012 after four seasons.

December 20, 2013: Appearance on Dr. Phil

In a significant post-prison appearance, Amber Portwood appeared on the "Dr. Phil" show on December 20, 2013, discussing her release, sobriety, and efforts to regain custody of her daughter.

2014: Engagement to Matt Baier

Amber Portwood became engaged to Matt Baier, an amateur DJ she met on Twitter, in 2014.

2014: Death of Shawn Edwin Portwood Sr.

Amber Portwood's father, Shawn Edwin Portwood Sr. passed away in 2014.

March 2015: Teen Mom OG Premiere

In March 2015, Amber Portwood rejoined the cast of "Teen Mom," renamed "Teen Mom OG" for its fifth season, alongside other original cast members.

2017: Pregnancy with James Andrew Glennon

Amber Portwood became pregnant with her second child in 2017, this time with her boyfriend Andrew Glennon.

2017: End of Engagement with Matt Baier

Amber Portwood's engagement to Matt Baier came to an end in 2017.

May 8, 2018: Birth of James Andrew Glennon

Amber Portwood welcomed her second child, a son named James Andrew Glennon, with her boyfriend Andrew Glennon, on May 8, 2018.

July 5, 2019: Arrest for Domestic Battery and Criminal Recklessness

On July 5, 2019, Amber Portwood was arrested in Indianapolis on charges of domestic battery, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and intimidation against Andrew Glennon, her partner at the time.

October 2019: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Following her July arrest, Amber Portwood pleaded guilty to two felony charges in October 2019 and received a sentence of 906 days of probation, with the possibility of a five-year prison term if violated.