A Utah couple has been sentenced after their 18-month-old daughter, Ruby Marie Murray, died in March 2025 in a case prosecutors described as involving severe neglect and child abuse.

Carrie Marie Murray and Mitchell Chestnut Murray, both 32, pleaded guilty in July to charges including child abuse homicide and aggravated child abuse in Utah’s First District Court.

According to court documents and reports from local news outlets, investigators discovered troubling conditions inside the family’s Nibley home after Ruby was found unresponsive.

The toddler was reportedly found in her crib wearing multiple layers of clothing and blankets, while a space heater had raised the room temperature to about 77 degrees.

Investigators also reported finding multiple sippy cups and food remnants inside and around the crib, along with other household debris.

The circumstances surrounding Ruby’s final days became a central part of the case.

According to charging documents, Mitchell described certain days as “crib days,” during which Ruby would remain in her crib for extended periods while he worked. He reportedly told investigators this happened approximately once or twice a week.

Records cited by prosecutors indicated that Ruby spent most of her final days confined to the crib and was reportedly out of it for only several hours during the four days before her death.

The night before Ruby was discovered, investigators said she was crying and struggling to breathe while loud music was being played inside the home.

The following morning, deputies arrived at the residence and found the toddler dead.

Authorities later determined that Ruby had died from dehydration and malnutrition, according to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Her condition raised serious questions about the level of care she had received during the period leading up to her death.

One statement attributed to Carrie in investigative records has drawn particular attention. According to court documents, she reportedly told investigators, “It was her time, I guess.”

She also reportedly said she felt guilt but did not feel guilt over what had happened.

The case became even more disturbing because Carrie was a registered nurse, according to reports, raising additional questions about the circumstances surrounding Ruby’s final hours.

Investigators reported that the parents did not perform life-saving measures after discovering their daughter.

At sentencing, Utah District Judge Spencer Walsh sharply criticized the level of neglect described in the case.

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

On Friday, both parents were sentenced to consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years for their roles in the case.

Ruby’s death has left a deeply troubling timeline behind: a vulnerable toddler allegedly spending prolonged periods in a crib, worsening signs of neglect, a final night when she was reportedly crying and struggling, and a death later attributed to dehydration and malnutrition.

The case also highlights the serious consequences of prolonged child neglect and the responsibility caregivers have to provide children with adequate food, water, supervision and medical attention.

Ruby was only 18 months old.

Her short life ended before she had the chance to grow up, while the adults responsible for her care are now facing the consequences in court.