Fruit Heights, Utah – A Utah couple is facing aggravated murder charges after investigators allege their 18-month-old daughter endured long periods of isolation, extreme neglect, and dangerous living conditions before her death. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the mother’s profession as a registered nurse and her reported refusal to attempt lifesaving care.
Infant Found Deceased After Being Left Alone for Extended Periods
Authorities said Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chesnut Murray, both 31, were arrested Wednesday and booked without bond following the death of their daughter, Ruby Marie Murray. According to police, the mother called 911 around 10:30 a.m. on March 19 after discovering the toddler unresponsive in her crib.
Investigators noted that despite her medical training, Carrie Murray declined to administer CPR. Probable cause documents state she told dispatchers she believed the child was “beyond help.”
In interviews, detectives described her demeanor as detached. She allegedly suggested Ruby may have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, despite acknowledging that the child was older than typical SIDS cases.
Police say she went on to remark, “It was her time I guess,” and later added, “I feel guilt really strong — I feel no guilt over this.”
Abusive Conditions Detailed in Probable Cause Filing
A review of the baby monitor footage and the scene inside Ruby’s bedroom revealed what authorities described as severe neglect.
Police reported that the crib was filled with multiple sippy cups, pieces of Eggo-style waffles, old food debris, trash, and wrappers beneath the mattress. The bedding and interior surfaces were described as heavily soiled.
The room itself was kept warmer than the rest of the house — around 77 degrees — yet Ruby’s body temperature measured 83 degrees, a level investigators noted placed her at risk of hypothermia.
According to police, the parents also admitted they played loud rock and pop music in Ruby’s room, naming bands like Green Day and Fall Out Boy. The volume reportedly interfered with her ability to sleep and remained on for long stretches of time.
Feeding and Care Routines Raise Serious Concerns
The couple allegedly told detectives that Ruby was fed about three times per day, often with nothing more than toasted waffles. Police noted that she had eaten baby food only “once or twice.”
Monitor footage reportedly showed a pattern of prolonged isolation. On the entire day before her death — March 18 — Ruby was never removed from her crib. Investigators said her only interactions were when Mitchell placed a sippy cup and waffle inside the crib late that morning and again later that evening.
Total time either parent or the 4-year-old sibling (“L.M.”) spent engaging with Ruby that day amounted to 49 seconds, according to the probable cause statement.
Mitchell Murray allegedly explained that Ruby routinely had what he called “crib days,” referring to full days when she remained in the crib while he worked. Investigators estimate this occurred once or twice per week.
During the four days leading up to Ruby’s death, detectives found she had spent only six hours outside the crib and was with another person in the room for fewer than 50 minutes total. Her diaper, they noted, went unchanged the entire day before she died and was changed only six times across those four days.
Official Cause of Death and Charges Filed
A medical examiner determined that Ruby died from dehydration and undernutrition, ruling that she had been subjected to excessive heat, darkness, isolation, and sleep deprivation.
Both parents now face charges of aggravated murder and aggravated child abuse, among the most severe felony counts under Utah law.
Jail officials confirmed on Thursday that Carrie and Mitchell Murray remain in custody without bond.
How This Case Fits Into Broader Child Abuse Concerns
Cases of fatal neglect continue to alarm child-protection authorities nationwide. Utah officials emphasize that early reporting from neighbors, family members, or caregivers is critical when signs of neglect surface. Indicators often include children left alone for long periods, extreme lack of hygiene, inadequate feeding, or inconsistent caregiver interaction.
Investigators in this case stated the conditions seen on the monitor footage reflected a level of isolation and deprivation that raised immediate red flags.
Police Urge Community Awareness
Authorities encourage residents to contact law enforcement or child protective services whenever they observe potentially harmful living situations involving minors. Detectives noted that interventions, even anonymous, can prevent tragedies.
If convicted, the parents could face life sentences due to the severity of the charges and the circumstances detailed in the probable cause filings.
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