An 18-month-old Utah girl spent much of the final days of her life confined to her crib, with investigators later finding that she had received very limited care before her death.
Now, more than a year after Ruby Marie Murray died, her parents have been sentenced to prison.
Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chesnut Murray, both 32, were each sentenced to one to 15 years in prison for child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse. The two sentences will run consecutively, meaning each parent could spend as long as 30 years behind bars. They were also given credit for the 283 days they had already spent in custody and were ordered to be placed on the child abuse registry.
Ruby died on March 19, 2025, at the family’s home in Nibley, Cache County. She weighed about 17 pounds when she died. Authorities determined that complications from malnutrition and dehydration contributed to her death.
A final day with almost no interaction
Investigators reconstructed Ruby’s final days using surveillance footage and baby-monitor information.
The evidence showed that Ruby was never taken out of her crib on March 18, the day before she died. During that entire day, the total recorded interaction between Ruby and her parents and sibling was about 49 seconds. Her diaper was not changed that day.
Investigators also found that Ruby had spent only a little more than six hours outside her crib during the four days before her death. During that period, she was in the presence of another person for less than an hour.
The lack of care was not described as a single isolated incident. Investigators said the pattern extended across several days.
On March 14, Ruby was out of her crib for only part of the day and received limited attention. On March 16, she spent several hours outside the crib but was largely left alone on the bedroom floor. The following day, she was out of the crib for only about five minutes, primarily for diaper changes.
Mitchell Murray told investigators that he referred to these as “crib days,” when Ruby would remain in her crib while he worked from home. He said this happened once or twice a week.
Food, water and living conditions became part of the investigation
The investigation also raised concerns about Ruby’s nutrition and living environment.
According to court records, Ruby was frequently given waffles and was provided a sippy cup. Her parents told investigators that she had eaten baby food only once or twice and that most of her meals consisted of simple foods such as waffles.
Investigators described the crib as heavily soiled, with old food and trash found around and underneath the mattress. The child’s bedroom was also noticeably warmer than other parts of the home, with a space heater operating nearby.
Investigators also said loud music was regularly played in Ruby’s room and that footage showed she did not appear to maintain a normal sleep pattern.
The evidence reviewed after her death ultimately led authorities to describe the circumstances as a prolonged pattern of neglect rather than an isolated lapse in supervision.
Ruby’s mother initially believed she had died of SIDS
Carrie Murray told investigators that she discovered Ruby deceased in her crib on the morning of March 19, 2025.
When 911 was called, she told dispatchers that she was a nurse and believed her daughter was already beyond help, according to the investigation.
During questioning, Carrie said she believed Ruby may have died from sudden infant death syndrome, although she acknowledged that Ruby was older than the age typically associated with SIDS.
Her statements during the investigation later became part of the evidence in the case.
The parents were initially charged with aggravated murder and aggravated child abuse. In July 2026, however, both pleaded guilty to reduced charges of child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse, both second-degree felonies.
Parents apologized before sentencing
At sentencing, both parents expressed remorse over Ruby’s death.
Carrie Murray wrote in a letter filed with the court that she was deeply sorry for what happened and acknowledged that her actions and failures had contributed to her daughter’s death. She also wrote that she had imagined a future for Ruby that would never happen.
Mitchell Murray similarly told the court that he regretted what happened and should have done better.
Family members and friends also submitted letters supporting the couple before sentencing. Some described them as caring parents and asked the court to consider the broader circumstances of their lives while imposing punishment. One family member pointed out that the couple also had another young child who would be affected by the sentence.
The judge ultimately imposed consecutive prison terms, emphasizing the seriousness of Ruby’s death and the responsibility the parents had for her care.
For Ruby’s family, the case now moves beyond the criminal proceedings. Her death, investigators said, followed a prolonged period in which basic needs such as adequate nutrition, hydration, supervision and care were not consistently provided.
The Murrays are now serving sentences of one to 15 years on each of the two charges, with the terms running one after another.
