A Minnesota community is reeling after a teenage day care worker was accused of intentionally suffocating two infants — killing one of them — just weeks after starting her job.
Authorities say 18-year-old Theah Russell is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, who became unresponsive while in her care at Rocking Horse Ranch day care in Savage.
At a Wednesday press conference, Brady Juell revealed that Russell had been employed at the facility for only three weeks when the incidents occurred.
Police say Russell initially claimed Harvey was constipated and that his parents had given him melatonin to help him sleep. But under questioning, investigators say she later confessed to intentionally suffocating Harvey — as well as a second child, a 4-month-old baby — on multiple occasions.
According to authorities, troubling medical incidents involving the younger infant were reported earlier in September 2025. On Sept. 19, the baby was found with blood and foam coming from her nose and mouth — an event that happened twice while Russell was caring for her. The infant survived both incidents.
Harvey was found unresponsive on Sept. 22, just five days before his first birthday. Police say he also had a blood-like substance around his mouth and nose. That incident, authorities said, proved fatal.
“Russell was a common denominator in each of these incidents,” Juell said. “She had last contact with each of the affected children.”
As investigators looked deeper into Harvey’s death, Russell’s behavior raised immediate red flags. Police say they uncovered a documented history of attention-seeking behavior, including repeated 911 calls reporting nonsensical incidents and hanging up.
Authorities also said Russell had past incidents involving starting fires at a church camp and displaying erratic behavior toward other children.
During police interviews, Russell allegedly confessed in detail to suffocating both infants, describing how she attempted to kill the 4-month-old twice and how she killed Harvey. Police believe the attacks were carried out in an effort to gain attention.
“I want to be perfectly clear,” Juell said. “Theah Russell has confessed to the attempted murder of our first victim on two occasions and to the murder of Harvey Muklebust.”
Harvey’s grandmother, Julie Muklebust, spoke through tears at the press conference, describing the devastating loss her family now lives with every day.
“Harvey was such a blessing to our family,” she said. “His fingerprints are still on my sliding glass door. His drool stains are still on his crib sheets. Every day we ask ourselves why it had to be you.”
She vowed that the family would continue fighting for justice in Harvey’s name.
According to his obituary, Harvey’s favorite thing in the world was being with his family — whether that meant making a mess while eating pizza or snuggling on the couch. Loved ones remembered him for his infectious smile and joyful laugh.
Russell has not yet been formally charged, but Ron Hocevar said prosecutors are working to file official charges by the end of the week.
I teach 4 & 5 year old children in Sunday School. I have been there for 20 years and taught in other Sunday Schools and children’s choirs for a total of 52 years. I am also a retired school teacher. We have extensive background checks every year. We are volunteers, but everyone who enters the class to help must have a background check. Did this place not do them? She should be suffocated.
Where on earth do they find these people?????
With that background the kid should never never have been hired to take care of anyone much less children . Take your children out of that place immediately !