A Utah couple has been sentenced to consecutive prison terms after their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray, died in March 2025 from dehydration and malnutrition, according to court records and reports.

Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chestnut Murray, both 32, were sentenced Friday to two consecutive terms of one to 15 years. The couple previously pleaded guilty in July to child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse charges in Utah’s First District Court.

Baby Found Dead in Filthy Crib
Ruby was discovered dead inside her crib at the family’s home in Nibley, Cache County, in March 2025.

According to charging documents, the crib contained several sippy cups, trash, and a large amount of waffle pieces, including food beneath the mattress. Ruby was reportedly wearing long-sleeved pajamas and a sleep sack with several blankets, despite a space heater keeping the room at approximately 77 degrees.

The toddler weighed 17 pounds at the time of her death, according to reports.

The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ruby died from dehydration and malnutrition.

Parents Reportedly Left Daughter in Crib for Extended Periods
Court documents described a pattern of neglect involving the young child.

Mitchell reportedly told investigators about what he called “crib days,” during which Ruby remained in her crib for most of the day while he worked. He claimed that these periods occurred once or twice a week and that he checked on her periodically.

According to the affidavit cited by reports, Ruby had spent only six hours outside her crib during the final four days of her life.

The night before her death, Ruby was reportedly crying and gasping for air while her parents played loud music. The music allegedly drowned out the sounds coming from the child’s room.

Ruby was found unresponsive the following morning at approximately 10:30 a.m.

No Life-Saving Measures Reportedly Performed
According to the charging documents, the parents did not perform life-saving measures after discovering Ruby’s condition.

Carrie was reportedly a registered nurse, making the allegations surrounding the response particularly significant in the court proceedings.

During questioning, Carrie allegedly made statements indicating an apparent lack of concern for her daughter’s death. Investigators quoted her as saying, “It was her time, I guess.”

She also reportedly stated that she felt strong guilt but no guilt over what had happened, according to court documents cited by media reports.

Judge Condemns the Parents’ Neglect
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Utah District Judge Spencer Walsh strongly criticized the couple’s treatment of their daughter.

“It’s appalling… it’s shocking the type of neglect demonstrated here,” Walsh said, according to reports.

The couple had initially faced aggravated murder and aggravated child abuse charges after Ruby’s death. Their guilty pleas in July resulted in convictions for child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse.

The consecutive sentences mean that the terms will be served one after another rather than simultaneously.

Ruby’s Death Leads to Prison Sentences
Ruby’s death exposed the devastating consequences of prolonged neglect involving a vulnerable child.

The court proceedings focused on the conditions in which the toddler lived, the extended periods she reportedly spent confined to her crib, and the failure to provide adequate nutrition and care.

Carrie and Mitchell Murray will each serve consecutive terms of one to 15 years following their sentencing in Utah’s First District Court.

Course: NY Post