In Savage, Minnesota, authorities have taken an 18-year-old day care employee into custody on serious charges stemming from a deeply troubling case. The suspect, identified as Theah Russell, is implicated in the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust and stands accused of second-degree murder, along with two counts of attempted murder involving another child, both at Rocking Horse Ranch Day Care.
The investigation, which has spanned several months, revealed a series of alarming incidents at the child-care facility, culminating in September 2025 with the death of young Harvey. Employed at the day care for a mere three weeks, Russell quickly became a figure of concern as a pattern emerged: she was consistently the last staff member seen with the children before each episode requiring medical attention.
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell delivered a press briefing outlining the investigation's findings. "We have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children," Juell stated. The evidence suggests that these were deliberate acts, with the final incident tragically resulting in Harvey Muklebust's death.
Court documents disclose that another child, a 4-month-old girl, endured two separate medical emergencies indicative of suffocation. In both instances, Russell was responsible for the infant's care. Fortunately, prompt medical intervention allowed the girl to survive.
The case took a darker turn when Russell admitted to the suffocations during interviews with investigators. She expressed that her actions were motivated by a desire for attention—a chilling revelation considering the inherent vulnerability of the victims and the trust placed in her as a caregiver.
Harvey's grandmother, Julie Muklebust, spoke heartrendingly of her grandson, describing the indelible mark he left on their lives and the deep pain his loss has caused. "His fingerprints and drool stains are still on his crib sheets. I’m not ready to wash those memories away," she lamented.
Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar announced that formal charges are forthcoming, with a bail hearing set for the end of the week. Russell could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has responded to the tragedy by temporarily suspending the day care's license, citing an immediate threat to child safety. The day care itself currently faces no criminal charges.
This case underscores the paramount importance of vigilant oversight in child-care settings and the potentially catastrophic consequences of even brief oversights. The community, still reeling from the loss and the unsettling nature of the crime, looks to this arrest as a step towards justice.
