Utah Couple Sentenced After Baby Daughter Died From Dehydration and Undernutrition

Nibley, UT — A Utah couple has been sentenced to potentially decades behind bars after their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray, died following prolonged neglect, according to court records and local reports.

Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chesnut Murray, both 32, were sentenced to between one and 15 years for child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse in connection with Ruby’s death, according to KSL.

Because the sentences will be served consecutively, the couple could spend up to 30 years in prison. They will receive credit for the 283 days they had already spent behind bars.

The couple originally faced murder charges but pleaded guilty to reduced charges in July.

Ruby was left in her crib for hours

Investigators said Ruby’s final days involved prolonged periods alone in her crib, with evidence pointing to severe neglect.

According to probable cause statements reviewed by Law&Crime, Carrie Murray discovered Ruby deceased in her crib at about 10:30 a.m. on March 19, 2025, at the family’s home in Nibley, roughly 80 miles north of Salt Lake City.

Carrie called 911 but reportedly did not perform lifesaving measures. She told dispatchers that she was a nurse and believed the child was already beyond help.

When questioned by investigators, she reportedly suggested that Ruby may have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while acknowledging that the toddler was older than typical for a SIDS death.

Police said the mother also told investigators, “It was her time I guess,” and disputed responsibility for the death.

Baby monitor footage revealed troubling conditions

Investigators reviewed baby monitor footage and documented conditions inside Ruby’s crib.

The crib reportedly contained several sippy cups and pieces of waffle, while old food and trash were found around and underneath the mattress.

Investigators also noted that Ruby’s room was kept at approximately 77 degrees, while her body temperature was only 83 degrees when she was found, according to the probable cause statement.

The parents reportedly told investigators that loud rock and pop music was frequently played in Ruby’s room and could interfere with her sleep.

They also said Ruby was generally fed about three times a day with occasional snacks. Investigators said her diet consisted largely of toasted waffles, with actual baby food reportedly given only once or twice.

Parents spent just 49 seconds with Ruby

One of the most striking findings came from the review of footage from the day before Ruby died.

Investigators said Ruby was never removed from her crib on March 18, 2025.

Mitchell reportedly placed a sippy cup and waffle in the crib with her at two separate times that day. According to the probable cause statement, the total interaction Carrie, Mitchell and another child had with Ruby during the entire day was just 49 seconds.

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Mitchell reportedly described these as “crib days,” saying Ruby sometimes remained in her crib throughout the day while he worked. Investigators said this happened once or twice a week.

During the four days before Ruby died, investigators found that she was outside the crib for only about six hours and was in a room with another person for less than 50 minutes.

Her diaper reportedly was not changed during the entire day before her death.

Ruby’s death was linked to dehydration and undernutrition

Ruby was ultimately determined to have died from dehydration and undernutrition, with investigators citing conditions that included excessive heat, darkness, solitary confinement and sleep deprivation.

Both parents apologized during sentencing.

Carrie Murray told the court she was “remorseful and sorrowful” and acknowledged that her actions and inactions contributed to her daughter’s death.

Mitchell Murray also expressed regret, saying he should have done better.

Judge Spencer D. Walsh sharply addressed the parents during sentencing, criticizing their decision to spend time gaming or streaming instead of properly caring for their child.

The sentences now leave the couple facing the possibility of decades in prison for the neglect that preceded Ruby’s death.

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