Crow Wing Co. Parents Charged in Daughter’s Death
Crow Wing County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A rural Pine River couple faces serious charges after their 10-year-old daughter was found dead inside a broken safety bed at their home. Heather Lynn Cross, 49, and Darcy Ronald Cross, 57, were charged Friday, September 19, in Crow Wing County District Court with felony second-degree manslaughter and gross misdemeanor contributing to the need for child protection or services.
According to court records, deputies and Crosslake police responded on August 25 to a report of a child crushed by her bed. Officers found Heather Cross performing CPR, but investigators later determined the girl had already been deceased for some time, with rigor mortis present.
The child, who had multiple medical conditions, was confined in a broken safety bed. Technicians confirmed the Cross family had ordered replacement parts but refused professional help to fix the unit. Evidence suggested the bed had been broken for weeks. Investigators also reported severe unsanitary conditions, including strong odors of urine and feces in the bedroom.
The couple’s 12-year-old daughter was found in a separate bedroom and taken into protective custody. Authorities allege the parents misused the safety beds, confining the children for long daytime hours without supervision. A physician who prescribed the beds stated they were for sleep only, not confinement.
Court documents indicate Heather Cross gave her daughter milk and medication early on August 25, but did not check on her again until 4:30 p.m. Darcy Cross discovered the girl pinned under the broken frame. Phone records showed Heather had sent photos of the broken bed to Darcy two days earlier.
Investigators also reported the parents regularly used casino players’ cards, logging dozens of visits in 2025, while receiving financial support through a state waiver program for providing care to their children.
The couple appeared in court on Friday, where bail was set at $400,000 without conditions, or $100,000 with conditions. Their next hearing is scheduled for October 1.
Learn more about reporting child neglect.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
Heather Lynn Cross