At a Glance
- Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, confessed to suffocating two infants at a Minnesota daycare, killing 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust in September 2025.
- Police say Russell committed the acts to “seek attention,” citing a documented history of erratic 911 calls and fire-starting.
- Russell faces second-degree murder and felony assault charges; bail set at $3.5 million, next court date Feb. 4.
- Why it matters: The case exposes critical gaps in daycare screening after a three-week employee allegedly attacked children in her care.
A Minnesota daycare worker has been arrested after allegedly admitting she intentionally suffocated two babies-one fatally-inside a suburban Minneapolis childcare center in what authorities describe as a calculated bid for attention.
The Arrest
Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was booked into Scott County Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 13, charged with second-degree murder and first- and third-degree felony assault, according to sheriff’s records reviewed by News Of Losangeles.
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell told reporters the following day that Russell’s arrest capped a three-month investigation triggered by the Sept. 22, 2025, death of Harvey Muklebust, who was five days shy of his first birthday.
Russell placed a 911 call that morning claiming the boy was not breathing. First responders raced to Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minn., performed lifesaving measures, and rushed Harvey to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Pattern of Harm
Three days earlier, on Sept. 19, police had been summoned to the same daycare after an infant girl was found not breathing with blood and foam coming from her mouth. The child resumed breathing before officers arrived; parents transported her to hospital. No foul play was suspected at the time.
The girl returned to daycare Sept. 22-the same day Harvey died-and exhibited identical symptoms. Again, police were not notified.
Investigators now contend Russell suffocated both children on three separate occasions, Juell said.
Attention-Seeking Motive
Juell stated Russell had last contact with each victim immediately prior to every incident. Hired only three weeks earlier, Russell became the focus when her on-scene behavior “immediately raised suspicion.”
Background checks uncovered a documented history of attention-seeking behavior, including:
- Multiple 911 hang-up calls about “nonsensical” situations
- Setting fires at church camp
- Erratic behavior toward other minors
During police questioning Russell allegedly provided detailed descriptions of how she carried out the suffocations.
Facility Fallout
The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended Rocking Horse Ranch’s license on Sept. 23, 2025, citing an “imminent risk of harm,” court documents show. The facility remains closed.
Community Reaction
Harvey’s obituary remembered him as “pure happiness and sunshine.” A GoFundMe campaign said he “could light up an entire room with his contagious smile.”
Chief Juell called the case “heartbreaking” and said it has “shaken our entire community.”
> “No words can fully express the profound sorrow we feel for the Muklebust family … we are committed to supporting them through every step that will undoubtedly be a long and difficult journey.”
Legal Outlook
Russell is held on $3.5 million bail; her first court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 4, according to local outlet FOX 9.
It is unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained counsel.
