Full Breakdown
Arrest Made in Infant Death at Savage Day Care
1/16/2026, 12:11:41 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 22, 2025, an 11-month-old infant named Harvey Muklebust was reported unresponsive at Rocking Horse Ranch day care in Savage, Minnesota. The day care employee, Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, called 911, but Harvey was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. Following the incident, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families suspended the day care's license.
Arrest and Charges
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell announced the arrest of Russell on suspicion of second-degree murder in connection with Harvey's death. She is also expected to face charges of attempted murder related to two prior incidents involving another child at the same facility. The investigation, which lasted three months, revealed a troubling pattern of behavior by Russell, who had been employed at the day care for only three weeks.
Investigation Findings
Authorities discovered that Russell had last contact with both children before their medical emergencies. In the case of the 4-month-old girl, she had been found unresponsive with blood and foam around her mouth on two separate occasions. The police investigation indicated that Russell exhibited "attention-seeking behavior," including making false 911 calls and erratic actions towards other children. Juell stated that Russell confessed to intentionally suffocating both children during questioning.
Community Impact
The arrest has deeply affected the Savage community. Mayor Christine Kelly remarked that the case has weighed heavily on residents, and the arrest brings them closer to answers and accountability. Harvey's grandmother, Julie Muklebust, expressed her family's grief, stating, "Harvey was such a blessing to our family, and his death has left a tremendous hole in our hearts." She emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for Harvey.
Official Statements
Scott County Prosecutor Ron Hocevar confirmed that his office is working to file formal charges against Russell, which are expected to be submitted by the end of the week. Theah Russell remains in custody at the Scott County Jail but has not yet been formally charged.
Criticism & Opposition
While the investigation has focused on Russell's actions, there has been no criminal investigation into Rocking Horse Ranch itself. Some community members have raised concerns about the day care's oversight and the hiring practices that allowed Russell to be employed there for such a short period before the tragic events unfolded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on the totality of the evidence in this three-months investigation, we have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally sufficated these children on three occasions to seek attention,” — Brady Juell, Savage Police Chief
- “Harvey’s fingerprints are on my sliding glass door, and his drool stains still show on his crib sheets.” — Julie Muklebust, Harvey's Grandmother
- “This murder and attempted murder of another child deeply affected our community like nothing we have seen in the past.” — Brady Juell, Savage Police Chief
What's Next
Russell is expected to have a bail hearing following the filing of formal charges. The community continues to seek justice for Harvey Muklebust while grappling with the implications of the case on local child care practices.
