A Minnesota couple has been charged with manslaughter after their 10-year-old daughter with autism was found dead, allegedly crushed by her own bed after being left unsupervised for hours.
Darcy Cross, 57, and Heather Cross, 49, were arrested on September 17, weeks after officers were called to their Pine River home on August 25, according to a probable cause affidavit.
When first responders arrived, they said Heather was trying to perform CPR on the girl, but officers quickly realized she had been dead for hours. An officer noted the child was already in rigor mortis, and investigators described the bedroom as having an overpowering smell of urine and feces. The only furniture was a safety bed and several soiled mattresses.
Heather told police her daughter had severe autism and sleep disorders, and described her as a “fecal painter.” She said she gave her daughter a bottle and medication early that morning before going back to bed. Later, she claimed she heard her daughters playing in their rooms. Darcy told investigators he mowed the lawn from noon to 4:30 p.m. and returned to find his daughter’s head pinned under the broken bed frame.
Authorities allege the child was left alone for 10 to 12 hours without supervision. Investigators also uncovered text messages showing Heather had sent pictures of the broken bed frame to Darcy two days before the child’s death, despite telling police she’d never seen it damaged.
When the bed was reconstructed during the investigation, officials found the metal poles that were supposed to secure the frame were all broken. A technician said the parts had likely been broken for some time, adding that the couple had purchased replacements but refused professional help to install them.
The tragedy has raised further concerns after a social worker reported that just weeks earlier, Heather had lashed out at her during a home visit, telling her to “get the f*** out.”
Following the parents’ arrests, their other daughter was placed in protective custody. Both Heather and Darcy are also facing a gross misdemeanor charge of contributing to the need for child protection. Their next court date is set for October 1.
So glad that I had parents who knew God
They both look so mean.