Authorities in Savage, Minnesota, announced Wednesday that an 18-year-old former day care employee has been arrested following a months-long investigation into the death of an infant and multiple incidents of alleged abuse at a local child-care facility.
Police identified the suspect as Theah Russell, who is expected to be charged with second-degree murder in the September 2025 death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust at Rocking Horse Ranch Day Care, along with two counts of attempted murder involving another child at the facility.
According to investigators, Russell had been employed at the day care for just three weeks when a series of disturbing incidents unfolded.
Police say the investigation uncovered a clear pattern in which Russell was the last staff member to interact with the children before each medical emergency.
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell said the evidence points to deliberate acts of suffocation carried out on multiple occasions.
“After reviewing all aspects of this investigation, we have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children,” Juell said during a press briefing. “In the third incident, that conduct resulted in the death of Harvey Muklebust.”
Court documents reveal that a 4-month-old girl suffered two separate medical emergencies consistent with suffocation but survived after receiving prompt medical care.
On both occasions, Russell was assigned to supervise the infant.
The child had reportedly returned to the day care healthy on the morning of the fatal incident involving Muklebust before later requiring emergency intervention, according to Fox 9.
On September 22, 2025, first responders were called to Rocking Horse Ranch after Muklebust was found unresponsive in his crib. Despite lifesaving efforts, the infant was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
During multiple interviews with investigators, Russell allegedly confessed to suffocating both children, admitting responsibility for the attempted harm of the surviving infant and the fatal incident involving Muklebust.
According to police, Russell told investigators she committed the acts for attention, a statement authorities described as chilling given the vulnerability of the victims and the trust placed in her as a caregiver.
“I want to be perfectly clear,” Juell emphasized. “Russell confessed to attempting to harm our first victim on two occasions and to the murder of Harvey Muklebust.”
Investigators also cited earlier warning signs, including false 911 calls, small fires set at a church camp, and other concerning behaviors that emerged during the broader investigation, KSTP reported.
Authorities say those incidents helped establish a pattern of conduct that ultimately led them to Russell.
Harvey’s grandmother, Julie Muklebust, addressed the tragedy in an emotional statement, remembering her grandson’s short life and the lasting pain left behind.
“Harvey brought so much light into our family,” she said. “His fingerprints and drool stains are still on his crib sheets. I’m not ready to wash those memories away. We will honor him every day.”
Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar said formal charges are expected Thursday, with a bail hearing scheduled for Friday. If convicted, Russell faces decades in prison.
Following the incidents, the Minnesota Department of Human Services temporarily suspended the day care’s license, citing an “imminent risk of harm” to children.
The facility itself is not facing criminal charges at this time, according to KARE 11.
Officials say the case highlights the critical importance of rigorous oversight, rapid response to red flags, and constant vigilance in child-care environments—especially when even brief lapses can have devastating consequences.
The arrest brings a measure of accountability to a shaken community still grieving the loss of a child and grappling with how such a tragedy could occur.
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