NIBLEY, Utah — The Cache County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Nibley residents Mitchell Murray and Carrie Murray Thursday morning, after an eight-plus month long child homicide investigation revealed an alleged “severe pattern of neglect,” prior to the death of the Mitchells’ 18-month-old child, Ruby Murray.

Following the child’s death on March 19, investigators used a combination of baby monitors and surveillance cameras to identify the pattern.

According to the CCSO’s press release, during the four days leading up to the child’s death the child remained in its crib for all but six hours and 15 minutes, the child was in the presence of another human for a total of 49 minutes and 15 seconds and the child had its diaper changed six times.

According to a probable cause affidavit, when paramedics arrived at the Murray’s home it appeared as though rigor mortis had already set in.

First responders also noted the room as being warmer than the rest of the house, and discovered “several” sippy cups and a “large amount of pieces of Eggo-style waffles” in the child’s crib.

In subsequent interviews, the Murrays said they were not “table people,” referencing eating, and the child did not like people to feed her, resulting in the continuous decision to giver her food in her crib.

“The interior of the crib was very dirty with old pieces of food,” the affidavit states. “Underneath the mattress was trash, wrappers and more waffle particles.”

Mitchell also described what he called “crib days,” when the child would largely be left in her crib for the entirety of the day. He said this would happen two or three times a week, as he worked from home — though he also admitted his job did not need his full attention at all times.

A review of the child’s medical records showed a consistently below-average weight and recommendations to improve the child’s nutritional intake. Though her weight did increase between her 12-month checkup and two follow-up appointments, the child’s weight decreased by the time of her death.

Her weight was in the fifth percentile of children her age, according to the affidavit.

“The findings of the medical examiner confirmed that the infant died due to complications arising from malnutrition and dehydration,” the release states. “Based on these facts and medical findings, Mitchell and Carrie Murray were taken into custody.”

The Murrays are now facing charges related to homicide and child abuse.

After extending its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all individuals affected by this tragic case,” the CCSO concluded by saying there is no further information available at this time.