Utah Couple Sentenced for Infant Daughter's Death by Neglect

A Nibley, Utah, couple has been sentenced to prison for the death of their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray, who died of severe dehydration and malnutrition in a crib described as trash-strewn. Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chestnut Murray, both 32, received two consecutive one-to-15-year prison terms.

In July, the couple pleaded guilty to child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse charges. The child's death occurred in March 2025. Investigators found the infant in a sleep sack with multiple blankets despite a room temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The crib contained sippy cups, waffles, and trash beneath the mattress.

Court documents indicate the couple engaged in a pattern of neglect, including what Mitchell Murray described as "crib days," where Ruby would remain in her crib for extended periods, sometimes one to two days per week, with periodic checks.

According to reports, Ruby was out of her crib for only six hours in the four days leading up to her death. The night before she died, as the infant cried, the parents reportedly played loud music to drown out her sounds.

Carrie Murray, who is a trained registered nurse, did not attempt life-saving measures when she found her daughter unresponsive the following morning. The Utah State Medical Examiner's Office officially determined the cause of death to be dehydration and malnutrition.

During the sentencing, Utah District Judge Spencer Walsh described the neglect as "appalling" and "shocking."