Murray, Utah — A Utah father is facing serious criminal charges after his 6-month-old daughter died following a medical emergency inside a home in the Salt Lake City suburb of Murray.
C. Neal Colby, 32, stands accused of reckless child abuse homicide and child endangerment resulting in death in connection with the January 17, 2025, death of his daughter, Celia Colby.
According to a probable cause affidavit, police were called to the home shortly before 10 a.m. after receiving a report that an infant was in full cardiac arrest. Celia was transported toward the hospital but died on the way.
More than a year later, investigators were still working to determine exactly what happened during the final hours of the baby’s life.
Bruises Raise Concerns About Possible Airway Obstruction
The exact cause and manner of Celia’s death have not been definitively established, according to the affidavit. However, a medical examiner documented bruising on the baby’s nose, right cheek and around her chin.
Those injuries raised concerns about possible external interference with her airway.
A board-certified child abuse pediatrician who reviewed the case told investigators she had “substantial concerns” about the circumstances surrounding Celia’s death.
The doctor said the pattern of bruising around the infant’s nose can occur when a caregiver pinches the nose shut, potentially causing an obstruction.
She also noted that an asphyxia death may not necessarily be identifiable during an autopsy and said investigators could not rule out the possibility that an adult manually obstructed the baby’s airway.
Father Gives Investigators His Account
According to police, Celia’s parents were separated but continued living in the same house. Celia and her mother lived upstairs, while Colby lived in the basement.
On the day she died, Celia reportedly had a mild fever. Her mother placed the baby in Colby’s care before the emergency.
Colby told investigators that he was sleeping in the same bed as his daughter and briefly woke her when he rolled over. He said he then left Celia on the bed and went upstairs to watch videos on his phone.
He claimed he checked on her approximately every hour until discovering that she was unresponsive. But investigators say evidence from his phone contradicted parts of his account.
Mother Says Father Refused to Call 911
When Colby discovered the baby was unresponsive, he reportedly yelled for Celia’s mother. The mother told police that when she saw her daughter, she said, “God, she was so stiff.” She immediately began performing CPR and asked Colby to call 911.
According to the affidavit, Colby refused to make the emergency call. The mother ultimately called 911 herself while continuing efforts to revive her daughter.
First responders reportedly described Celia as appearing “gray” when they arrived.
Investigators Questioned Conditions Inside Basement
Police also described the basement where Colby lived as “very dirty”, with significant garbage and belongings throughout the room. Investigators reported finding human and animal waste in cat litter boxes as well as THC wax located near baby food.
The child abuse pediatrician who reviewed the circumstances said the environment could potentially have contributed to Celia’s death.
Even if it did not directly cause her death, the doctor described the environment as unhealthy and dangerous for a developing child, particularly as babies become increasingly mobile.
Colby reportedly suggested that Celia may have suffocated after pulling a blanket over her face. Doctors, however, considered that explanation unlikely.
Police Say Phone Data Contradicted Father’s Story
Investigators also accused Colby of being untruthful about what he did before Celia was found unresponsive. He reportedly told police he was “too sick” to leave the home.
However, investigators said his phone records showed he allegedly left Celia alone for approximately 45 minutes and traveled to what police described as a known drug area before returning.
Officers also questioned Colby’s behavior after his daughter died.
According to the affidavit, body-camera footage allegedly showed Colby vaping when officers were not looking at him. Police said that when officers directly addressed him, he began crying and saying that he did not know what had happened.
Meanwhile, Celia’s mother reportedly repeatedly told officers that Colby was responsible for her daughter’s death.
Father Remains in Jail as Investigation Continues
Police arrested Colby and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he remains held without bond, according to the information provided in the affidavit. His next court date had not yet been listed.
The allegations against him remain accusations, and the criminal case must proceed through the court system.
For Celia’s family, however, the case involves the loss of a baby remembered for her energetic personality and love of the outdoors.
Her obituary described her enjoying time on her parents’ laps, in a stroller and on blankets in the sunshine, surrounded by nature.
It also recalled her fearless reaction to rain, describing a little girl who was fascinated by the world around her. Now, investigators and prosecutors are left trying to determine exactly what happened during the final hours of Celia’s short life.
What are your thoughts on this case and the allegations described in the police affidavit? Share your reaction in the comments below.
