A heartbreaking case has shaken the Savage, Minnesota community after authorities revealed that an 18-year-old former daycare employee has confessed to intentionally suffocating infants in her care. The incident occurred at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare, where one infant tragically lost his life and another narrowly survived.

According to police, the suspect, Theah Loudemia Russell, is accused in the death of an 11-month-old baby boy who became unresponsive at the daycare in September 2025. Emergency responders were called after the child stopped breathing, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he later died. The devastating loss prompted a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

During the course of that investigation, detectives uncovered evidence linking Russell to a separate incident just days earlier involving a 4-month-old infant at the same facility. In that case, the baby was found unresponsive but survived after receiving medical attention. This earlier event raised red flags and ultimately helped investigators piece together a disturbing pattern.

Police say Russell admitted during questioning that she intentionally suffocated both infants, describing the acts as being driven by a desire for attention. Authorities characterized the confession as deeply troubling and emphasized the seriousness of the alleged crimes. Following her arrest, Russell was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Scott County Jail.

Prosecutors are expected to pursue severe charges, including second-degree murder in connection with the infant’s death and attempted murder related to the surviving child. Formal charges are anticipated as the case moves through the legal system