Home / Crime and Justice / Autistic Girl Crushed by Bed: Parents Face Murder Charge
Autistic Girl Crushed by Bed: Parents Face Murder Charge
2 May
Summary
- Parents now face murder charges for daughter's death.
- Allegedly crushed by her own bed in a safety enclosure.
- Accused of defrauding assistance programs for over $20,000 yearly.
Heather and Darcy Cross, parents from Pine River, Minnesota, now face two counts of second-degree murder following the 2025 death of their 10-year-old daughter. Authorities allege the child, who had autism, died after being trapped and crushed by her own specialized safety bed. First responders discovered the girl deceased in August 2025, noting rigor mortis and an unsanitary environment.
In addition to the murder charges, the couple faces four counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance. Investigations revealed they allegedly defrauded the MnCHOICES program of over $20,000 annually between 2022 and 2025. This fraud stemmed from misrepresenting the needs of their surviving daughter to secure increased benefits.
Initially charged with manslaughter, the couple's legal situation escalated with the amended charges. Their surviving daughter was placed in child protective services following the tragic incident. The investigation into the fraud allegations uncovered significant discrepancies in the reported behaviors of the surviving child compared to observations by school staff and care providers.
