TULSA, Okla. – A Commerce couple was sentenced to life imprisonment for the second degree murder of a two-year-old and several counts of child neglect, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar.

U.S. District Judge John D. Russell ordered Daniel Allen Ash, 34, and his girlfriend, Amber Dawn Murphy, 32, a member of the Cherokee Nation, to serve life imprisonment for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country and four counts of Child Neglect in Indian Country.

“This is a heartbreaking case involving a level of suffering no child should ever endure, especially from their own parents,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. “The neglect this young victim endured from a truly callous mother and father is hard to comprehend. These parents’ life sentences reflect not only the depravity and heartlessness of their actions, but our unwavering commitment to ensuring that children who cannot speak for themselves receive justice.
Because of the relentless dedication of investigators, medical specialists, and prosecutors, the truth was uncovered in full and accountability for Ash and Murphy was achieved. While nothing can erase the tragedy of this young life lost, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect vulnerable children and to ensure that those who harm them are brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Beginning in September 2024, court records and sentencing testimony revealed that Ash and Murphy 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.

Ash and Murphy will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

The Quapaw Nation Marshal Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Hockenbury, Valeria Luster, and Kate Brandon prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

Gregory Upchurch

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