Pine River, MN – A Minnesota couple has been arrested after their 10-year-old daughter with autism was found dead in a locked bed under disturbing conditions. The parents, Heather Lynn Cross, 49, and Darcy Ronald Cross, 57, have been charged with manslaughter and neglect after allegedly confining their daughter, Cecilia, to her bed for up to 12 hours.
Discovery of Cecilia’s Body
On August 25, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call around 4:30 p.m. to a home on County Road 1 in Pine River, approximately 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis. When deputies arrived, they found Heather Cross performing CPR on Cecilia, but Cecilia was already showing signs of rigor mortis, indicating she had been dead for hours. Authorities also observed deep marks across Cecilia’s neck and an overpowering smell of feces and urine in the room.
Living Conditions and Neglect
Inside the room, there was only a specialized safety bed with a canopy, which was also covered in feces. There was no furniture or any other items in the room. Heather Cross told authorities that Cecilia, who was nonverbal and had been diagnosed with pica disorder, often “painted with feces”, which she claimed was typical of her daughter’s behavior. Cross further described Cecilia as an “escape artist”, explaining that both girls were zipped into their beds at night for safety reasons.
The Last Check on Cecilia
The parents allegedly left Cecilia confined in the bed for up to 12 hours, with no check-ins until 4:30 p.m. that day. Heather Cross claimed that she briefly attended to Cecilia earlier in the morning between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., but did not check on her again until finding her unconscious later. The bed manufacturer had offered to fix the safety bed but was declined by the Crosses.
Second Daughter Found in Similar Confinement
A few days after Cecilia’s death, investigators returned to the home and found the surviving daughter still confined to her bed during the day. When confronted by a social services worker, Heather Cross allegedly became aggressive, stating she could “zip the bed whenever the f— she wants to.”
Legal Action and Arrests
Authorities took custody of the surviving daughter on September 17, and the Crosses were arrested the following day. They remain in the Crow Wing County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Their next court hearing is set for October 1, where they will face further legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Cecilia Cross highlights severe issues of child neglect and parental abuse, with devastating consequences. Authorities urge the public to be aware of signs of neglect and encourage reporting any concerns about child welfare.
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