Utah parents sentenced for death of 18-month-old daughter

On March 19, 2025, 18-month-old Ruby Marie Murray died in her home in Utah due to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and prolonged neglect. Her parents, 32-year-old Mitchell Chestnut Murray and 32-year-old Kari Marie Murray, were sentenced last week after pleading guilty in July to child abuse and a reduced charge of child abuse homicide, both second-degree felonies. Authorities stated the couple subjected the child to isolation, darkness, and excessive heat while failing to provide adequate food and water, reportedly playing loud music to mask the child's crying.

The investigation revealed that the toddler was left in her crib for days in a room with high temperatures while wearing heavy clothing. Kari, who is a registered nurse, discovered the child unresponsive and notified authorities at approximately 10:30 a.m. Following the conviction, the couple received two consecutive prison sentences ranging from one to 15 years and will be placed on the state's child abuse registry. Reports indicate the mother showed no remorse for the incident, allegedly stating it was the child's time to die.