Savage, Scott County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) A Savage daycare worker is facing three felony charges after an infant died.
Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, of Savage, is charged in Scott County District Court.
The charges include second-degree murder and two assault counts.
Charges filed
- Murder in the second degree, without intent, during a felony: Minn. Stat. § 609.19
- Assault in the first degree, great bodily harm: Minn. Stat. § 609.221
- Assault in the third degree, substantial bodily harm: Minn. Stat. § 609.223
What the complaint describes
According to the criminal complaint, police were called on September 22, 2025.
The call reported a 10-month-old infant who was not breathing at the daycare.
Officers found the baby limp and pale, with blue color around the mouth.
Medics tried life-saving care and rushed the child to a hospital.
The infant was later pronounced dead at 11:34 a.m., the complaint says.
The same daycare also had an earlier emergency on September 19, 2025.
The complaint says a 5-month-old infant stopped breathing for almost a minute.
The baby also vomited blood while in Russell’s care, investigators allege.
The infant went to a hospital and was later released.
The complaint says the 5-month-old returned to the daycare on September 22.
That child then had another emergency with bloody mucus and breathing trouble.
Investigators say this happened shortly before the 10-month-old was found unresponsive.
A child abuse specialist told police the signs fit choking or a blocked airway.
Interview and re-enactment
Detectives interviewed Russell on January 13, 2026, the complaint states.
Investigators allege she admitted to choking both infants.
The complaint says she put her fingers into the babies’ throats.
She allegedly said the crying “scared” her.
She allegedly said she wanted the baby to stop breathing.
Investigators also say she used the same two fingers each time.
Detectives reported a re-enactment of the alleged acts.
They said Russell appeared calm and clear-minded during the walk-through.
The complaint says she did not cry or ask about the family.
Court status
Court records show bail was set at $3,500,000, with conditions.
Judge Christian S. Wilton issued the bail order, the filing says.
An order to keep Russell in custody was signed on January 15, 2026.
Judge Charles Webber signed the detention order, court records show.
The case was filed on January 15, 2026.
Helpful resources
Public court records may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Parents can also review provider licensing at the state’s DHS Licensing Lookup.
Licensing guidance is posted by Minnesota DHS.
The Scott County Attorney’s Office page is available here.
Information about Children’s Minnesota is at childrensmn.org.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.