Parents sentenced to two consecutive terms of up to 15 years for toddler's death
Mitchell Chestnut Murray and Carrie Marie Murray received two consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years each after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse and child abuse homicide in the death of their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray.
Ruby Marie Murray, 18 months old, died on March 19, 2025, in Nibley, Utah, after weeks of severe neglect that left her confined to a crib filled with rubbish, with only six diaper changes in her final four days. Prosecutors presented evidence of excessive heat, darkness, and lack of basic care, leading to dehydration and undernutrition. The parents, Mitchell Chestnut Murray and Carrie Marie Murray, both 32, pleaded guilty in July to aggravated child abuse and a reduced charge of child abuse homicide.
During sentencing, Judge Spencer D Walsh called the neglect “shocking” and highlighted the parents’ indifference to human life. Carrie, a nurse, called 911 and told officers the death was “her time,” while Mitchell claimed he checked on Ruby only a few times while working on his computer. Both received two consecutive terms of one to 15 years, with credit for 283 days already served and a 30-day window to appeal.
Why it matters
The case underscores the lethal consequences of extreme child neglect and the legal system's response to such abuse.
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