A young woman who worked at a daycare in Minnesota has been arrested. Police say she admitted to hurting two babies. One of the babies, an 11-month-old boy, died. Officials believe she did it to get attention.
The woman, 18-year-old Theah Loudemia Russell, is in jail. She’s been charged with murder and assault. It’s not clear if she has a lawyer yet.
Police Chief Brady Juell said that they investigated the death of the baby boy, Harvey Muklebust, for three months before arresting Russell.
Back in September 2025, Russell called for help, saying Harvey wasn’t breathing. Emergency workers tried to save him, but he died at the hospital.
Just a few days before Harvey’s death, police had been called to the same daycare for another baby who wasn’t breathing well. That baby had blood and foam coming from her mouth. By the time police got there, she was breathing again, and her parents took her to the hospital.
At first, it seemed like a medical problem. But after Harvey’s death, police started to suspect Russell.
Chief Juell said that Russell was always the last person to be with the babies before they got sick. She had only been working at the daycare for three weeks.
Investigators learned that Russell had a history of trying to get attention. She had made unnecessary 911 calls, started fires, and acted strangely around other kids.
The police chief believes that Russell intentionally hurt the children to get attention.
Russell is being held in jail, and her court date is in February.
Harvey’s family said that he was a happy baby who brought joy to everyone. The police chief said this case is very sad and has affected the whole community.
