A tragic and horrifying crime has unfolded within the walls of a daycare in Savage, Minnesota. In September 2025, 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust lost his life at the hands of caregiver Theah Russell, who has now been charged with second-degree murder. Reports indicate that Russell, employed at the Rocking Horse Ranch daycare facility, suffocated the infant in what authorities call an… attention-seeking act.
The situation escalated when an employee contacted 911 on September 22, urgently reporting that Muklebust was not breathing. Despite efforts to save him, the baby was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The care facility had already come under scrutiny a few days earlier. On September 19, police responded to a previous incident involving a 4-month-old infant found with blood under their nose and mouth. This pattern raises serious alarm about the safety of children in Russell’s care.
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell disclosed details about Russell’s troubling history. He noted that she exhibited… erratic behavior toward children prior to this incident. Investigations uncovered a documented pattern of attention-seeking tendencies, which included irrational incidents like… nonsensical 911 calls and firestarting. Her behavior proved alarming enough that it warranted immediate action.
The daycare’s license has since been suspended, but the damage inflicted upon Muklebust’s family is irreparable. At a press conference, family members of the baby expressed their heartbreak and sought justice, repeating his name with sorrowful urgency. Their pain underscores an unbearable reality for parents everywhere.
This incident echoes disturbing trends seen elsewhere. Just the previous year, a daycare worker in Georgia, Yvette Thurston, was arrested for brutally beating a one-year-old boy. The child’s father described the horror of seeing his son with a black eye and lacerations, an image he says is forever etched in his mind. He lamented on social media that this nightmare was forced upon them, a reflection of the fears that plague every parent.
Both cases highlight significant issues regarding the scrutiny of daycare practices and the protection of vulnerable children. The emotional weight carried by families in the aftermath of such incidents is immeasurable. As investigations continue, the need for accountability and safety in child care settings remains a pressing concern.
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