An 18-year-old Minnesota daycare worker, Theah Loudemia Russell, was arrested after authorities say she admitted to suffocating two infants; an 11-month-old boy, Harvey Muklebust, later died. The incidents occurred at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minn., and prompted a suspension of the facility's license for "imminent risk of harm." Russell faces second-degree murder and multiple felony assault charges, is being held on $3.5 million bail, and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 4. Authorities say the alleged acts were committed to seek attention; the allegations remain unproven in court.
Minnesota Daycare Worker Arrested After Allegedly Admitting to Suffocating Two Infants, One of Whom Died
Go Fund MeHarvey Muklebust
An 18-year-old daycare worker in Minnesota has been arrested after authorities say she admitted to suffocating two infants, one of whom — an 11-month-old boy — later died. The arrest follows a multi-month investigation into incidents at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minn.
Timeline of Alleged Incidents
According to law enforcement, on Sept. 22, 2025, Theah Loudemia Russell called 911 to report that 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust was not breathing. First responders and police performed life-saving measures at the daycare and the child was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Google MapsRocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minnesota.
Police say officers had responded to the same facility three days earlier after a baby girl was reported not breathing and observed with blood and foam at her mouth; she was breathing when officers arrived and was transported to a hospital by her parents for evaluation. Investigators say the child was evaluated and released before returning to the daycare, where similar symptoms reportedly reoccurred.
Investigation, Suspicion and Allegations
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell told reporters that Russell's conduct at the scenes raised investigators' suspicions. Authorities say Russell had last contact with each affected child immediately before the events and had been on staff at the facility for about three weeks.
Scott County SheriffTheah Loudemia Russell
Investigators reviewed Russell's background and say they found a documented history of attention-seeking behavior. Police allege previous incidents included multiple 911 calls about nonspecific matters, alleged fire-starting at a church camp and erratic behavior toward other children. Authorities stated that Russell allegedly provided detailed descriptions during questioning of how she committed the suffocations.
License Suspension, Charges and Legal Status
The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the daycare's license on Sept. 23, citing an "imminent risk of harm" to children, according to local reports. Russell was booked into the Scott County Jail on Jan. 13 on charges that include second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees. She is being held on $3.5 million bail, and her first court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 4, according to local news outlets.
A GoFundMe set up to help the family cover funeral and related expenses described Harvey as "pure happiness and sunshine," and community leaders said the case has deeply affected local residents. Chief Juell called the situation "heartbreaking" and expressed condolences to the family.
Note: These are allegations and the suspect has not been convicted. Russell is entitled to a presumption of innocence while the legal process proceeds.
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