A Minnesota couple is now facing second-degree murder charges after their 10-year-old autistic daughter died inside a broken safety bed — left unattended for nearly 12 hours.
Heather Lynn Cross, 50, and Darcy Ronald Cross, 57, of Pine River, were originally charged with manslaughter. Prosecutors have now upgraded those charges following a deeper investigation into Cecilia Cross’s death in August 2025.
What Happened
Deputies arrived at the family’s home around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2025 — roughly 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Heather Cross was performing CPR on Cecilia when officers arrived. The girl was already in rigor mortis, suggesting she had been dead for several hours.
Cecilia’s neck was found pinned between the wooden and metal frames of her canopy-style safety bed.
According to investigators, neither parent had checked on Cecilia since early morning — between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. — leaving the child unattended for nearly 12 hours.
The Bed Was Already Broken
Investigators found that the canopy frame had been detached for some time. The bed’s manufacturer had previously offered to repair it — but the parents declined.
Fraud Charges Added
The couple also faces additional charges of wrongfully collecting over $20,000 per year — from 2022 through 2025 — in state assistance funds by allegedly misrepresenting the needs of both daughters.
Their surviving daughter, who also has autism, was taken into protective custody on Sept. 17, 2025. Both parents were arrested the following day.
An omnibus hearing is currently scheduled for Aug. 3.
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