Woman indicted in death of infant at Savage day care

Theah Loudemia Russell faces charges of first-degree murder and assault in the death of 1-year-old Harvey Muklebust.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby's pacifier against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or crime scene elements.The tragic death of an infant at a Savage, Minnesota day care has sparked renewed calls for increased safety measures and oversight at child care facilities.Savage Today

A 19-year-old woman has been indicted on four charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault, in the death of an infant at a Savage, Minnesota day care. Theah Loudemia Russell was initially charged with second-degree murder and assault after an employee of Rocking Horse Ranch day care called 911 on September 22 to report an infant who wasn't breathing. The child, identified as Harvey Muklebust, was pronounced dead just days short of his first birthday.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised concerns about safety and oversight at day care facilities, leading to the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Rocking Horse Ranch's license, as well as the introduction of a new bill in the Minnesota legislature that would require some day cares to install cameras.

The details

According to court documents, Russell told investigators she had choked Harvey, stating he was in his crib when he started crying again, so she 'choked him and he stopped breathing.' Investigators found a clear pattern: Russell was involved in all three incidents at the day care, had last contact with the children before the incidents occurred, and exhibited suspicious behavior in the immediate aftermath of each incident. Russell, who had only been employed for three weeks at Rocking Horse Ranch, was also known to exhibit 'attention-seeking behavior' in the past, including intentionally setting fires, erratic behaviors towards other children, and calling 911 for bogus incidents.

  • On September 22, an employee of the day care called 911 to report an infant who wasn't breathing.
  • The child, identified as Harvey Muklebust, was pronounced dead just days short of his first birthday.
  • Russell was arrested and charged in January.

The players

Theah Loudemia Russell

A 19-year-old woman who was charged in the death of an infant at Rocking Horse day care in Savage, Minnesota. She has been indicted on four charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.

Harvey Muklebust

The infant who died at Rocking Horse day care, just days short of his first birthday.

Rocking Horse Ranch

The day care facility in Savage, Minnesota where the infant's death occurred. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families suspended the facility's license immediately after the death, but it has since been reinstated.

Brady Juell

The Savage Police Chief who said that after a three-month investigation, they found a clear pattern: Russell was involved in all three incidents at the day care, had last contact with the children before the incidents occurred, and exhibited suspicious behavior in the immediate aftermath of each incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.