Savage, Minnesota — A Minnesota daycare worker is facing serious criminal charges after investigators say she intentionally suffocated two infants, killing an 11-month-old boy just days before his first birthday in what police describe as an effort to gain attention.
Authorities identified the suspect as Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, who was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Scott County Jail. According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Russell is charged with second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees. Court records do not indicate that she has entered a plea.
Investigation Focused on Daycare Death
At a press conference Wednesday, Brady Juell, chief of the Savage Police Department, said the arrest followed a three-month investigation into the September death of Harvey Muklebust, an infant enrolled at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility.
On Sept. 22, 2025, Russell called 911 claiming Harvey was not breathing. First responders rushed to the daycare and began life-saving efforts before transporting the child to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“This case has shaken our entire community,” Juell said, calling the circumstances “heartbreaking.”
Earlier Incident Raised Red Flags
Police later uncovered that Harvey’s death was not the first alarming incident at the daycare.
Three days earlier, officers had responded to a call involving a baby girl who was reportedly not breathing, with blood and foam coming from her mouth.
By the time police arrived, the infant was breathing, and her parents transported her to the hospital themselves. At the time, authorities believed the episode was medical in nature and found no immediate signs of foul play.
When the same infant returned to the daycare days later, she reportedly displayed similar symptoms and was again taken to the hospital. Police were not notified during that second incident.
License Suspended Over “Imminent Risk”
Following Harvey’s death, the Minnesota Department of Human Services moved quickly, suspending the daycare’s license on Sept. 23, citing an “imminent risk of harm” to children, according to court documents.
As investigators reviewed the timeline, they determined that Russell had last contact with both infants immediately before their medical emergencies. She had been employed at the facility for only three weeks at the time.
Alleged Admission and Motive
Police say Russell’s behavior at the scene raised immediate suspicion, prompting a deeper review of her background. Investigators interviewed former employers and acquaintances, uncovering what they described as a pattern of attention-seeking behavior.
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According to police, those incidents allegedly included:
- Repeated 911 calls for nonsensical reasons
- Hanging up during emergency calls
- Starting fires at a church camp
- Erratic behavior involving other children
Juell said investigators believe Russell intentionally suffocated the infants on three separate occasions.
“We have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children to seek attention,” Juell said. “That third incident tragically resulted in the death of Harvey Muklebust.”
During police questioning, Russell allegedly gave detailed descriptions of how she carried out the suffocations, according to authorities.
Community Mourns Infant’s Death
Harvey Muklebust was five days shy of his first birthday when he died. A fundraiser created to help his family with funeral expenses described him as a joyful child who brought happiness to everyone around him.
“He was pure sunshine from the moment he was born,” the fundraiser read. “He could light up an entire room with his contagious smile.”
Case Moves Through the Courts
Russell is currently being held on $3.5 million bail, with her first court appearance scheduled for Feb. 4. Authorities say the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case.
Police emphasized their commitment to supporting the victims’ families and ensuring accountability.
“No words can fully express the sorrow we feel for the Muklebust family,” Juell said. “Our focus now is justice.”
Cases involving alleged abuse in childcare settings often raise difficult questions about oversight, warning signs, and safeguards.
What steps do you believe should be taken to better protect children in daycare environments? Share your thoughts in the comments.
