Dad Arrested After Baby Found With ‘Red Fluid’ Coming from Her in Basement Full of Drugs, Human Waste

### Father Charged with Homicide After Toddler Found Dead in Distressing Conditions

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Murray, Utah, 32-year-old Neal English Colby faces serious charges, including child abuse homicide, following the tragic death of his daughter, Celia Aurora Colby. The eight-month-old girl was found unresponsive in a basement littered with refuse and human waste on 17 January 2025.

Emergency services responded to a call around 9:46 a.m. about a baby in cardiac arrest, with the child’s mother, Courtney Colby, reportedly attempting CPR. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the appalling state of the basement, which contained discarded items, bottles of urine, and drug paraphernalia. This stark and disturbing scene contributed to the gravity of the case unfolding against Colby.

Courtney Colby has alleged that her husband did not attempt to help during the critical moments leading up to their daughter’s death. In statements recorded by police, she accused him of negligence, stating that on the night prior to Celia’s passing, both of their children had been ill. After handing the baby to Colby so she could rest, Courtney awoke to a distressing situation involving her daughter. When she went downstairs, she found Celia in a tragic state, prompting her immediate call for assistance.

Colby reportedly told officers that he had been engaged in watching videos while their daughter lay unattended. He maintained that he checked on Celia periodically but provided conflicting accounts of his whereabouts. The police’s investigation revealed that Colby’s mobile phone had recorded activity outside their home around 3:20 a.m., indicating potential involvement in activities far removed from parental care.

As the investigation unfolded, medical experts conducted examinations on Celia’s body. A pathologist noted signs that pointed towards possible airway obstruction, identifying abrasions around the infant’s nostrils. Dr Antoinette Laskey, a specialist in child abuse paediatrics, expressed serious concerns over the nature of Celia’s injuries, suggesting they could have been caused by manual obstruction. The circumstances raised alarming questions about Colby’s conduct in the time leading up to the incident.

In the hours following the tragic discovery, officers described Colby as displaying no apparent remorse for what had taken place, a claim supported by witness observations of his behaviour at the scene. His emotional state appeared to shift only when confronted by police, raising further suspicions about his involvement and attitude toward the situation.

As a result of the investigation, Colby was arrested and charged with reckless child abuse homicide and endangerment of a child resulting in death. He is currently in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail without bail while court proceedings are underway. As of now, it remains unclear whether Colby has secured legal representation.

Community members are grappling with the fallout from this tragic event. Celia was commemorated in her obituary as a “bright, energised spirit” who cherished the outdoor environment, leaving those who knew her mourning the loss of such a young life under these devastating circumstances.

The case has generated significant media attention, highlighting concerns about child safety and welfare, as well as the responsibilities held by caregivers. Authorities continue to investigate, and the community awaits further developments as the legal proceedings against Neal English Colby progress.