18-Year-Old Daycare Worker Confesses to Suffocating Infant to Death in Minnesota
An 18-year-old former daycare worker in Savage, Minnesota, United States, has confessed to intentionally suffocating two infants, one of whom later died, in what police described as an attention-seeking act.
The suspect, identified as Theah Loudemia Russell, is currently in custody and is expected to face a second-degree murder charge, alongside additional charges, according to Savage Police Chief Brady Juell.
Authorities said formal charges were scheduled to be filed on Thursday, January 15, 2025. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Police revealed that Russell, who worked at Rocking Horse Ranch daycare, placed a 911 call on September 22, 2025, reporting that an infant was not breathing.
The child was later identified as 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust. Emergency responders rushed the baby to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators later uncovered troubling incidents linked to Russell in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Chief Juell disclosed that three days before Muklebust’s death, police were called to the same daycare after reports of an unresponsive 4-month-old infant found with blood beneath the nose and mouth.
In a further disturbing revelation, the same infant was reportedly found in a similar condition two hours before the 911 call concerning Muklebust, although police were not contacted at that time.
According to police, Russell’s conduct at the scene of the infant’s collapse immediately raised red flags.
“Her behavior and actions at the scene immediately raised suspicion, drawing investigative focus to her as the primary person of interest,” Juell said.
A deeper investigation into Russell’s background reportedly revealed a pattern of attention-seeking behavior, including prior unusual 911 calls, fire-setting incidents, and erratic conduct around children, police said.
During a police interview, Russell reportedly admitted to intentionally suffocating both infants.
Chief Juell stated that she confessed to attempting to kill the first infant on two separate occasions, and to causing the death of Harvey Muklebust, describing the acts as motivated by a desire for attention.
Russell had reportedly worked at the daycare for only three weeks before the fatal incident occurred.
Following the infant’s death, the Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the operating license of Rocking Horse Ranch on September 23. Authorities confirmed that the suspension is currently under appeal.
The daycare’s owner, Lisa Weiss, declined to comment on the case when contacted by local media.
The case has sparked outrage and grief across the community, with many expressing shock over how such acts could occur within a childcare facility entrusted with infant safety.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
