Judge Condemns Utah Parents After Toddler Dies Following Months of Neglect

A Utah couple has been sentenced to consecutive prison terms after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the death of their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray.

Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chestnut Murray, both 32, were each sentenced Friday to two consecutive terms of 1 to 15 years, according to the New York Post.

The Nibley, Cache County, couple pleaded guilty in July to child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse charges in connection with Ruby’s March 2025 death.

Charging documents described a pattern of severe neglect involving the toddler. Authorities said Ruby was found dead inside her crib after spending much of her final days confined there.

Mitchell reportedly told investigators about what he called “crib days,” during which Ruby would remain in her crib for an entire day while he worked. He said those days occurred once or twice a week and that he periodically checked on his daughter.

According to Crime Online, Ruby had reportedly been out of her crib for only about six hours during the four days before her death. She weighed 17 pounds when she died.

Investigators who arrived at the family’s home found Ruby dressed in long-sleeved pajamas and a sleep sack with several blankets. Court documents also described food and trash inside the crib, including sippy cups and pieces of an egg-style waffle beneath the mattress.

The room was reportedly heated to about 77 degrees by a space heater.

Court documents further state that Ruby cried and gasped for air during the night before she died while her parents played loud music. She was found dead at about 10:30 a.m. the following morning.

Authorities said neither parent attempted life-saving measures after finding Ruby, despite Carrie being a registered nurse.

During the investigation, Carrie reportedly told authorities she believed it was Ruby’s “time to die.” She also reportedly said she felt no guilt over the child’s death.

Utah District Judge Spencer Walsh sharply criticized the parents during Friday’s sentencing, calling the neglect described in the case “appalling” and “shocking.”

The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ruby died from dehydration and malnutrition.

The case concluded with both parents receiving consecutive prison terms after their guilty pleas.