SAVAGE, MN – The family of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust is mourning the loss of their son, whose life was tragically cut short at a local day care, where police allege he was killed by a newly hired worker. Harvey was nearing his first birthday when his parents received the devastating news that he had been found unresponsive at Rocking Horse Ranch day care, prompting an investigation that now centers on an 18-year-old employee.
Harvey’s grandmother, Julie Muklebust, remembered him as “a blessing to our family,” recalling the tiny fingerprints left on her sliding glass door and the quiet reminders of his joyful presence in their home. Family members shared how Harvey brought happiness to all who knew him, lighting up rooms with his infectious smile and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
The boy’s death occurred just five days before his first birthday, amplifying the heartbreak for the Muklebust family, who now struggle to understand how such a tragedy could happen. Harvey’s favorite moments, according to those close to him, were spent bundled up with his family on the couch or enthusiastically making a mess at the dinner table.
Police say the day care worker, Theah Russell, had been employed at Rocking Horse Ranch for only three weeks before the fatal incident. According to investigators, Russell initially claimed that little Harvey had been struggling with constipation and had taken melatonin to help him sleep. However, during questioning, authorities report that she admitted to intentionally suffocating Harvey as well as another infant in her care.
Officers began scrutinizing Russell after a series of unexplained medical emergencies at the day care. On September 19, a four-month-old girl was found with blood and foam at her nose and mouth while under Russell’s supervision. The same infant reportedly suffered two separate bouts of distress but survived both incidents and has since fully recovered.
Three days after the earlier incident, police learned that Harvey was discovered with similar symptoms. Despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived. Investigators said that Russell later confessed to purposely harming both infants in what officials have described as acts driven by a desire for attention.
Further examination of Russell’s background uncovered a pattern of erratic or alarming behavior, including previous false emergency calls and troubling conduct toward other children. Authorities say Russell also disclosed details of how she attempted to harm the infants, providing evidence investigators say corroborated with physical findings.
Scott County officials are moving quickly to pursue charges, with prosecutors expected to file formal accusations of second-degree murder against Russell by the week’s end. Law enforcement leaders say that Russell was the common factor in the three incidents and that there is probable cause linking her to the attacks.
Throughout the ordeal, Harvey’s family has continued to draw attention to the boy’s spirit, vowing to honor his memory by seeking justice. In emotional remarks, his grandmother said, “Every day we live with the pain of what happened to you, but we promise that every day we will say your name. Every day we will continue to fight for you and in the end we will make sure that justice has been served.”
As the investigation moves forward, the Muklebust family hopes that Harvey is remembered for the joy he brought in his short life and that the tragedy prompts vigilance to protect other children entrusted to care outside the home.