Former Daycare Worker Arrested in Savage Infant Death After Multi-Agency Investigation
Published: January 14, 2026
SAVAGE, MINNESOTA - Savage officials released disturbing new details Tuesday in the investigation into the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, announcing that a former daycare employee has been arrested and is accused of intentionally harming multiple children while working at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare.
The Savage Police Department confirmed that Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was arrested Tuesday morning and is currently being held in the Scott County Jail. Russell, who had worked at the daycare for approximately three weeks, is expected to face second-degree unintentional murder charges in connection with Harvey’s death, along with additional felony charges related to the attempted suffocation of another infant.
Formal charges were expected to be filed by Wednesday, with a bail hearing anticipated Friday morning, according to Ron Hocevar.
Provided by the Scott County Jail.
Timeline of Incidents
Investigators outlined a troubling sequence of events that unfolded over several days in September 2025.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Savage police responded to Rocking Horse Ranch, located in the 14000 block of Louisiana Avenue South in Savage, Minnesota, after reports that a four-month-old infant had briefly stopped breathing and was found with blood and foam around the nose and mouth. By the time officers arrived, the child was breathing again and was transported to a hospital by the parents. At that time, the incident was believed to be a medical episode, and the child was evaluated and later released.
On Monday, September 22, the same child returned to the daycare, appearing healthy. A short time later, the child was again found unresponsive with blood around the nose and mouth. Parents were notified and transported the child to the hospital. Law enforcement was not called to the daycare following the second incident because it was still believed to be medical in nature.
Just hours later, at approximately 8:20 a.m., 911 was called to Rocking Horse Ranch for Harvey Muklebust, who was found not breathing. Police, fire, and EMS initiated life-saving efforts, but Harvey was pronounced dead at the hospital at approximately 11:34 a.m.
Following Harvey’s death, the daycare was immediately closed, children were released to their families, and the facility was secured and processed as a crime scene with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Investigation Findings
Over more than three months, investigators conducted dozens of interviews with daycare staff, parents, and others connected to the facility. Authorities said a clear pattern emerged: Russell was the common denominator in all three incidents and had last contact with each affected child shortly before they became unresponsive.
Savage Police Chief Brady Juell said Russell’s behavior during the incidents raised immediate concerns, leading investigators to identify her as a person of interest early in the case.
Investigators also reviewed Russell’s background, including interviews with family members, friends, and prior employers. According to police, the review revealed a documented history of attention-seeking behavior, including repeated 911 calls reporting nonsensical incidents or hanging up, prior incidents involving starting fires at a church camp, and erratic behavior toward other children.
Authorities concluded that Russell intentionally suffocated the children in an effort to gain attention, with the third incident resulting in Harvey’s death.
Confession and Charges
Chief Juell confirmed that Russell confessed during questioning, admitting to intentionally suffocating the infant involved in the earlier incidents and to killing Harvey Muklebust. Police said she provided detailed descriptions of how the acts were carried out. Specific details of the confession are being withheld at this time out of respect for the family and will be outlined in the formal criminal complaint.
Russell was arrested at approximately 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while leaving her home and was transported to the Savage Police Department for questioning.
Prosecutors said they are initially pursuing second-degree unintentional murder charges related to Harvey’s death, along with multiple first-degree assault charges connected to the other child. Officials emphasized that the case remains active and charges could be amended as additional evidence is reviewed.
Agencies and Departments Involved in the Investigation
Savage officials emphasized that the investigation into Harvey Muklebust’s death was a large-scale, multi-agency effort spanning more than three months and involving thousands of investigative hours.
The Savage Police Department served as the lead investigative agency, coordinating efforts across local, state, and federal partners. Charging decisions and prosecutorial oversight were handled by the Scott County Attorney’s Office. Significant investigative and forensic support was provided by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, including crime scene processing, homicide investigators, and laboratory and forensic analysis. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy and provided medical findings critical to the case.
Federal agencies also played a key role. Officials cited assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including specialized support from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, which provided behavioral and investigative analysis during the case.
Additional law enforcement support was provided by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Shakopee Police Department, Prior Lake Police Department, and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials also confirmed that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families was involved in matters related to childcare licensing, family services, and regulatory oversight. Authorities stressed that childcare licensing and regulatory actions are separate from criminal prosecution.
Law enforcement leaders made clear that the case was not handled by any single department, noting that collaboration between the BCA and FBI was especially critical in advancing the investigation. Officials described the case as one of the most complex and resource-intensive investigations the community has faced.
Daycare Status and Liability
Authorities stated that Rocking Horse Ranch and its ownership are not facing criminal charges at this time. Licensing and regulatory matters remain under the jurisdiction of state child-care authorities. The daycare remains closed and has not been permitted to reopen.
Police also confirmed that the daycare did not have interior surveillance cameras in the area where the incidents occurred.
Family Statement and Community Impact
Harvey’s grandmother spoke on behalf of the family, describing him as a joyful, loving child just days away from his first birthday. She thanked investigators for their dedication and compassion and said the family remains committed to seeing justice served.
Officials acknowledged the profound emotional toll the case has taken on families, investigators, and the community. Chief Juell described the investigation as one of the most thorough of his career, involving thousands of hours of work by local, state, and federal partners, including the FBI, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, and multiple regional law enforcement agencies.
Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are committed to pursuing the case through prosecution to ensure Russell is never able to harm another child.
A photo of Harvey Muklebust, provided by the City of Savage.
ORIGINAL STORY: Infant Death Under Investigation at Savage Childcare Facility
Written By: Will Wight
