A worker at a daycare is accused of causing the death of a baby boy just before his first birthday in a bid for attention. Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees on January 13. It is uncertain whether she has entered a plea or obtained legal representation.
The arrest followed a three-month investigation into the passing of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust. Russell informed authorities on September 22 last year that Harvey was not breathing. Subsequently, authorities at Scott County Sheriff’s office initiated an inquiry at Rocking Horse Ranch in Savage, Minnesota. A few days earlier, law enforcement responded to a distress call involving a baby girl who was having difficulty breathing, with blood and foam emanating from her mouth.
Upon arrival, the baby was breathing, and her parents took her to a hospital for treatment. Initially, the incident seemed medically related with no suspicions of foul play. The child was examined, released, and appeared healthy over the weekend. However, upon returning to the daycare on September 22, she showed symptoms again, prompting her parents to take her to the hospital once more.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the daycare’s license due to concerns about potential harm to children, as per court documents from KARE11. Savage Police Chief Brady Juell mentioned in a press conference that Russell’s behavior raised suspicion, making her a person of interest in the case. Juell stated that investigators had probable cause to believe Russell intentionally suffocated the children for attention, leading to Harvey Muklebust’s tragic death.
Harvey, who was about to turn one, was described as a source of joy and happiness by his family and community. A fundraiser was set up to cover funeral expenses, highlighting his infectious smile and joyful presence. Chief Juell expressed how deeply the incident had impacted the local community.
