Daycare Worker Allegedly Admits to Suffocating Baby to Death Days Shy of 1st Birthday to ‘Seek Attention’

A Minnesota daycare worker was arrested after she allegedly admitted to suffocating two babies — including an 11‑month‑old boy who died — in what authorities say was an attention-seeking act.

Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was booked into the Scott County Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 13 on charges of second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees, according to Scott County Sheriff’s Office arrest records reviewed by PEOPLE. It’s unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Savage Police Chief Brady Juell said Russell’s arrest comes after a three month investigation into the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust.

On Sept. 22, 2025, Russell called 911 to report that Harvey was not breathing, the chief said. Police and emergency responders arrived at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minn., where they immediately began lifesaving efforts.

The boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Three days before the boy’s death, police responded to the same daycare on a report of a baby girl who was not breathing and had blood and foam coming out of her mouth, according to Juell. She was breathing by the time officers arrived, and the parents took her to the hospital.

The chief said it initially appeared to be a medical episode with “no immediate foul play concerns raised.” The child was evaluated, released and reportedly acted normally over the weekend. When she returned to the daycare on Sept. 22, she showed the same symptoms. Her parents took her to the hospital, but police were not called.

KARE 11 reported the Minnesota Department of Human Services issued a suspension of the facility license the next day, on Sept. 23 — citing an “imminent risk of harm” to children, according to court documents.

Juell stated that Russell’s actions at the scene “immediately raised suspicion,” prompting investigators to consider her a person of interest.

“She had last contact with each of the affected children immediately prior to these events,” the chief claimed, adding that Russell had been employed at the daycare for three weeks at that point.

Investigators looked into Russell’s background, including previous employers and those who knew her, which revealed a “documented history of attention-seeking behavior,” the chief told reporters.

Some of these incidents allegedly include Russell making multiple 911 calls about “nonsensical” situations and hanging up, as well as starting fires at church camp and exhibiting “erratic behavior” toward other children.

“We have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children on three occasions to seek attention,” Juell said. “And that third incident tragically resulted in the death of Harvey Muklebust.”

Russell was arrested at her home and taken in for police questioning, during which she allegedly “provided detailed descriptions” of how she carried out the suffocations of both children.

According to Harvey’s obituary, he was five days shy of his first birthday when he died. A GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral and other costs said the boy was “pure happiness and sunshine from the moment he was born.”

“He could light up an entire room with his contagious smile and filled everyone’s hearts with joy when he giggled,” the fundraiser read.

Juell described the case as “heartbreaking” and said it has “shaken our entire community.”

“No words can fully express the profound sorrow we feel for the Muklebust family and all of those affected by this crime. Our thoughts remain with Harvey’s loved ones and we are committed to supporting them through every step that will undoubtedly be a long and difficult journey.”

Russell is currently being held on $3.5 million bail, and her first court appearance is set for Feb. 4, FOX 9 reported.