A registered nurse in Utah has told police she feels "no guilt" after her 18-month-old daughter was found dead in a crib filled with rubbish and old food, according to newly released court documents.
Shocking Details of Neglect Emerge
Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chesnut Murray, both aged 31, have been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated child abuse over the death of their daughter, Ruby Marie Murray. The toddler was discovered unresponsive in her crib on March 19.
Probable cause statements reveal that Carrie Murray, a trained nurse, called 911 at around 10.30 am after finding Ruby deceased. She reportedly refused to perform any lifesaving measures, telling dispatchers the child was already beyond help.
'It Was Her Time': A Mother's Chilling Remarks
When questioned by officers, Carrie Murray appeared detached. She suggested her "biggest guess" was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), despite admitting Ruby was older than the typical age for such a diagnosis. "It was her time, I guess," she allegedly said.
In a particularly stark remark documented by investigators, she stated: "I feel guilt really strong - I feel no guilt over this." She claimed she bore no responsibility for the tragic outcome.
A Grim Scene of Deprivation
Police examining the scene and reviewing baby monitor footage described appalling conditions. Ruby's crib was littered with:
- Multiple sippy cups
- A large amount of pieces of Eggo-style waffles
- Old chunks of food stuck to the bedding
- Layers of rubbish, wrappers, and more waffle remnants under the mattress
Her room was kept abnormally warm at about 77 degrees Fahrenheit, yet Ruby's body temperature was just 83 degrees, indicating severe hypothermia. Loud rock and pop music played constantly, which the parents acknowledged interfered with her sleep.
A Life of 'Crib Days' and Minimal Contact
The investigation painted a picture of extreme isolation and neglect. Mitchell Murray told police it was routine for Ruby to have "crib days," where she remained in the cot all day while he worked, happening once or twice a week.
Footage from the day before her death, March 18, was devastating. Ruby was never removed from her crib. Her father was seen placing a sippy cup and a waffle into the cot at 11.57 am and again at 6.29 pm. The total time any parent or Carrie's four-year-old child spent engaging with Ruby that entire day was just 49 seconds.
In the four days leading to her death, Ruby spent only six hours out of the crib and was in the presence of another person for less than 50 minutes total. Her nappy was not changed on her final day and only six times across those four days.
The couple admitted Ruby was fed roughly three times a day but had only eaten proper baby food once or twice. Her diet consisted almost entirely of toasted waffles left in the crib.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The medical examiner ultimately determined Ruby died from dehydration and undernutrition. The probable cause statement concluded the parents had "unreasonably subjected (Ruby) to excessive heat, darkness, solitary confinement, or sleep deprivation."
Carrie and Mitchell Murray were arrested on Wednesday and are currently being held without bond as the investigation continues.
