Utah Parents Sentenced for Toddler's Death in Neglected Crib

Mitchell Chestnut Murray and Carrie Marie Murray, both 32, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the death of their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray. The couple pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse and child abuse homicide, both second-degree felonies, in connection with their daughter's death on March 19, 2025. They were each sentenced to two consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison.

Authorities stated the couple engaged in a "severe pattern of neglect" leading to Ruby's death from malnutrition and dehydration. Charging documents alleged the Murrays showed "depraved indifference to human life" by "unreasonably subjecting [Ruby] to excessive heat, darkness, solitary confinement or sleep deprivation; and conduct that resulted in starvation, dehydration, failure to thrive or malnutrition, that jeopardized her life."

The Cache County Sheriff's Office was called to the couple's home on March 19, 2025, after Carrie Murray reported finding her daughter dead in her crib. Despite being a registered nurse, she reportedly refused to perform life-saving measures, telling dispatchers she believed the child was beyond help. Upon arrival, investigators found the child in a crib with multiple blankets and a sleep sack in a room heated to 77 degrees Fahrenheit by a space heater. The crib contained sippy cups, numerous pieces of waffles, trash, wrappers, and more waffle pieces underneath the mattress.

At the time of her death, Ruby weighed approximately 17 pounds, placing her below the fifth percentile for children her age. Court documents revealed that in the four days preceding Ruby's death, she was out of her crib for just over six hours, and another human being was present with her for only 49 minutes and 15 seconds. Her diaper was changed only six times during that period.

Mitchell Murray explained to investigators what he called "crib days," where Ruby would remain in her crib all day while he worked, typically one to two days per week. He claimed he would check on Ruby two to three times during these days. However, investigators found no evidence Ruby was taken out of her crib on March 18, 2025, despite her father reportedly checking on her 16 hours before she was found dead. Surveillance footage and baby monitors indicated Ruby was moving, crying, whimpering, and gasping throughout the night before her death.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the couple would play loud music from bands like Green Day, Fall Out Boy, or Panic! At the Disco throughout the night, which authorities believe may have interfered with the child's sleep. The Medical Examiner's Office ruled Ruby's cause of death as "dehydration and undernutrition."

During their sentencing, both parents expressed remorse. Mitchell Murray stated, "I regret what happened. I should have done better. I'm sorry." Carrie Murray wrote in a court filing that knowing she is responsible for her daughter's death is "horrific," adding, "I am so incredibly sorry. I will never stop being sorry. I pray for forgiveness frequently."

Family and friends submitted letters to the judge vouching for the Murrays as caring parents and describing Ruby's death as unintentional. Mitchell's parents wrote, "We ask for compassion and mercy as they face the consequences of this heartbreaking accident and try to rebuild their family." Mitchell's grandmother described him as a man of "finer character."

However, the judge emphasized the severity of the neglect. He told Mitchell that he "checked out" during parenthood, criticizing the time spent gaming and streaming. Regarding Carrie, the judge stated she had fallen "so far below the standard of care that any reasonable parent would offer a little girl," citing months of poor nutrition, sporadic hygiene, and a "shocking lack of human interaction."

The couple will receive credit for the 283 days they have already served and have 30 days to appeal their sentences. They will also be placed on the state's child abuse registry.