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Daycare worker allegedly suffocated baby, prosecutors say.
Summary
Prosecutors say an 18-year-old daycare worker admitted suffocating two children and one 11-month-old later died; she is in custody on criminal charges and is due in court on February 4.
Content
Authorities say an 18-year-old worker at a Minnesota daycare admitted suffocating two children while on duty, and a subsequent investigation led to criminal charges. One of the infants, an 11-month-old boy, later died. Local police and child welfare officials reviewed the incidents over several months. The daycare's license was suspended and the facility was closed after the child's death.
Known details:
- The worker is identified by authorities as Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, of Savage, Minnesota.
- Prosecutors say she admitted to suffocating two children; one child, 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, later died.
- Russell was arrested and booked on second-degree murder and felony assault charges and remains in custody, with bail set at $3.5 million.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the daycare's license and the facility was closed following the death.
- Her first court appearance is scheduled for February 4.
Summary:
Officials reported that admissions by the worker prompted a months-long investigation and criminal charges after two children experienced life-threatening incidents while in her care. The death of the 11-month-old led to the immediate closure of the facility and a license suspension. The worker is held in custody with bail set, and a court date is scheduled for February 4.
