Scott's first appearance in the game is in the fourth chapter, " Sleazy Place," wherein he visits the motel in which Lauren Winter lives. As shown when Shelby is brought in for questioning, it seems that he once knew Carter Blake whilst working as a cop, and that they appear to have a friendly relationship because of it. was that of a police lieutenant for the local police force. His previous employment before becoming a P.I. Being someone who listens to others, methodical in work, straight-eyed, determined, and able to cope under pressure makes Scott Shelby an effective private investigator, allowing him to assess human behavior and perceive clues other people may miss. Scott's persona consists of being quiet, organized, vigilant, and highly introverted, hardly ever talking about himself to others. It is also revealed when Lauren offers him a cigarette, Scott tells her, "No thanks, I quit," informing the player that he used to be a smoker. Depending on the player's choices, Scott has the potential to kindle a relationship with Lauren Winter. Shelby suffers from asthma as illustrated throughout the game (though is dexterous enough to cope with an armed robber at a convenience store and survive a shoot-out with several men). He retires at middle age and decides to become a private investigator. Marine and then an officer at the local police force, eventually working his way up to the rank of lieutenant. Sometime after John's death, Scott is taken away to be put in a foster home where he is adopted by the Shelby family, which his mother described as being "nice." In his adult years, he becomes a U.S. John mutters his last words - "Don't forget about me, Scottie." - and drowns while holding his brother's hand. However, he merely throws Scott onto the ground and yells at him to go away, claiming that if John dies, it will be "one less greedy mouth to feed." Scott runs back to his twin and apologizes, begging for him not to die. With the water rising, the area deserted, and their mother far away at work, Scott runs to his father as a last resort and begs for him to save his brother. He attempts to pull him out, but to no avail.
Moments after, Scott hears John calling out for help and finds him caught in an open pipe full of water. After a while, the two decide to play hide-and-seek, and John runs to hide.
Not minding the rain, the twins decide to go and play at the nearby construction site. One day in 1977, Scott and his brother are thrown out of their trailer home by their drunken and abusive father who demands that they leave.