Theah Russell, a daycare worker in Savage, Minnesota, is accused of suffocating two kids in an "attention-seeking act," killing 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust.
The second baby was suffocated on two different occasions but survived, police said.
In a press conference, Police Chief Brady Juell said an arrest “has been made in the tragic death of 11-month of Harvey Muklebust" at Rocking Horse Ranch, in Savage, Minnesota.
"We had probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children on three occasions to seek attention," said Juell.
Harvey's grandmother, Julie Muklebust, spoke at the press conference on behalf of the family. "From the moment Harvey was born, he filled our world with sunshine. His passion for playing, infectious laugh, loving heart put a smile on everyone's face," the grandmother said.
Harvey was already crawling and learning to say "momma and dada," she said. He was known as "our little Harve monster. Harvey was such a blessing to our family...Every day we live with the pain."
"Harvey's fingerprints are on my sliding glass door," she added, getting emotional.
Russell confessed to intentionally suffocating the two children in "an attention-seeking act," Juell said. "She confessed to the murder of Harvey Muklebust."
Theah Russell was an “18-year-old employee of the daycare center,” and she is now facing charges of second-degree murder and additional related charges, Juell said. The arrest followed a “three-month investigation” led by the Savage Police Department.
The daycare is not under investigation, officials said.
On September 19, Savage police responded to the daycare after reports that an unidentified infant was briefly not breathing and was found with blood and foam under her mouth, Juell said. The child started breathing again and was taken to the hospital. It appeared to be a medical episode. The child was released and was reported to be acting normally, with no further issues, he said.
On September 22, the same child returned to the daycare healthy and well, but then was found unresponsive and not breathing with blood around her nose and mouth again, he said. She was sent to the hospital again, and police were not dispatched.
In the final incident, Russell called 911 to report that Harvey was not breathing, Juell said. Police responded and took him to the hospital, but he tragically died.
"The daycare was immediately closed after this incident," according to Juell.
Investigators conducted dozens of interviews after that point. "A clear pattern" emerged," the chief said. "Theah Russell was a common denominator in each of these incidents" because she had last contact with the children, he alleged. She had only been employed by the daycare for three weeks. Her behavior at the scene drew suspicion, he said.
An exhaustive review of her background showed a "documented history of attention-seeking behavior," including calling 911 with "nonsensical" reports, allegedly starting fires at a church camp, and erratic behavior toward other children, according to Juell.
Mayor Christine Kelly said in the press conference that the case had “weighed heavily on our community.” She said the arrest “brings us closer to answers and accountability.
“We recognize the family who has endured an unimaginable loss and has waited for this day,” said Kelly.