An 18-year-old day care worker has been arrested for allegedly causing the death of a baby boy just days before his first birthday in an apparent bid for attention. Theah Loudemia Russell faces charges of second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees following her apprehension on January 13. It is unclear whether she has entered a plea or secured legal representation.
The arrest followed a three-month investigation into the passing of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, whom Russell reported as not breathing on September 22 of the previous year. Authorities from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office initiated an inquiry at Rocking Horse Ranch in Savage, Minnesota, where just days before Harvey’s demise, police responded to a call concerning a baby girl experiencing breathing difficulties, with blood and foam in her mouth.
Although the infant began breathing by the time law enforcement arrived, she was taken to a hospital by her parents for evaluation and treatment. Initially deemed a medical episode with no signs of foul play, the child was discharged and appeared well over the weekend. However, upon her return to the day care on September 22, she exhibited similar symptoms, prompting another hospital visit by her parents without involving the police.
Subsequently, the Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the facility’s license due to concerns about potential harm to children. Savage Police Chief Brady Juell stated during a press conference that Russell’s conduct had raised suspicions, leading investigators to consider her a person of interest. Russell had been working at the day care for three weeks before the incidents in question.
Chief Juell asserted that there was probable cause to believe Russell intentionally suffocated the children on multiple occasions for attention-seeking purposes, leading to the tragic death of Harvey Muklebust. Described as a joyful child just days shy of his first birthday, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral expenses. The fundraiser highlighted Harvey’s infectious smile and heartwarming giggles, emphasizing the devastating impact of his loss on the community.