United States of America v. Daniel Allen Ash and Amber Dawn Murhy

Tulsa, Oklahoma, criminal defense lawyers represented the Defendant charged with second degree murder in Indian Country and child neglect in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1152.

Beginning in September 2024,Daniel Allen Ash, age 34, and Amber Dawn Murphy, age 32, were investigated after their two-year-old died. The toddler was severely malnourished, emaciated, and weighed only 17 pounds. A medical expert testified at sentencing that the toddler was so severely dehydrated that medical professionals could not collect a urine sample. Medical professionals who attempted to treat the toddler believed that his appearance was from chronic starvation.

Marshals with the Quapaw Nation discovered that Ash and Murphy were the sole providers for the toddler and three additional children, ages 10, 4, and 3. During sentencing, prosecutors explained that Ash knew something was wrong with the toddler and called Murphy while she was at work. Instead of taking the toddler to the doctor, Ash drove to his friend’s house. All of the children remained in an unair-conditioned vehicle, while Ash spent the next two hours updating his gaming console. When Ash returned to the vehicle, the toddler appeared to be lifeless, and Ash got his friend. His friend saw the toddler and told Ash to go to the hospital. Instead of going to the hospital, he drove to pick up Murphy from work, and they went home. Prosecutors said that Murphy called a friend after the toddler was making alarming noises, and then Ash and Murphy took the child to the hospital.

Law enforcement spoke with the surviving children and discovered that the 10-year-old was the primary caregiver for all of the children. She was responsible for feeding, changing diapers, and watching the children. When investigators visited the home, they found it unsuitable for anyone to live in. The home was extremely cluttered, filled with trash, covered in feces, spoiled food, and insect and rodent activity throughout.

When the medical expert testified during sentencing, he described that all four of the children were neglected in every way possible. According to his testimony, he believes the three surviving children will struggle and be impacted forever by the neglect and loss they suffered. During the investigation, medical professionals treated the surviving children, and they are now in the custody of caregivers who are working with medical professionals to care for their needs.

The Defendants were found guilty and were sentenced to life in prison.