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Daycare Worker Accused of Suffocating Kids for Attention
18 Jan
Summary
- Daycare worker allegedly admitted to suffocating children for attention.
- An 11-month-old died after alleged attempts by the worker.
- The worker had a documented history of attention-seeking behavior.
A Minnesota daycare worker is facing serious charges after allegedly admitting to suffocating two young children to gain attention. Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was arrested following a three-month investigation into medical complications that occurred while children were in her care at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility. The investigation intensified after 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust died just days before his first birthday.
Authorities were initially alerted to the daycare in September 2025 when a four-month-old infant was found not breathing. While this incident initially seemed like a medical episode, a doctor's concern about possible asphyxiation prompted further investigation. Shortly after, Russell reported Muklebust had stopped breathing, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
During interviews, Russell allegedly confessed to choking the children by placing her fingers on their throats, describing her actions as an 'attention-seeking act.' Investigators discovered a documented history of attention-seeking behavior, including nonsensical 911 calls and erratic conduct. The daycare's license was suspended due to the imminent risk of harm.
