Babysitter Arrested for Murder of 3-Year-Old Boy in Happy Camp

Babysitter Arrested for Murder of 3-Year-Old Boy in Happy Camp

HAPPY CAMP, CA — A quiet Northern California community is in mourning and disbelief following the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy and the subsequent arrest of his 23-year-old babysitter, Marion Southard Spence, who now faces murder and multiple felony charges.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that on Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 5:08 p.m., deputies responded to a 911 emergency call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence on Curly Jack Road in Happy Camp. Upon arrival, emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures before airlifting the child to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. Due to the severity of the child’s condition, he was later transferred to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, where he was joined by his devastated family.

Tragically, despite exhaustive efforts by medical personnel, the child was pronounced deceased at 4:51 a.m. on Sunday, June 15.

The heartbreaking circumstances of the boy’s death prompted an intensive investigation led by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Detectives. Over the course of the inquiry, investigators developed sufficient evidence indicating the child suffered from sustained abuse and critical injuries while under the supervision of the babysitter, Marion Southard Spence, a local resident of Happy Camp. Spence was taken into custody and booked at the Siskiyou County Jail, where she is currently being held on charges including:

• Murder
• Felony Child Neglect
• Infliction of Great Bodily Injury

Sheriff’s officials have not released the identity of the child out of respect for the family’s privacy. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and collaborate with forensic experts and medical professionals to uncover the full circumstances that led to this unthinkable loss.

In a statement released Monday, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue said:

“This is a deeply tragic and disturbing case. Our hearts are broken for the family of this young child, and we ask the public to respect their privacy as they grieve. We will pursue justice with the full weight of the law and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.”

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have information relevant to this case to come forward. Individuals may contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 841-2900. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Sheriff’s official website.

For media inquiries or updates, please contact the department’s Public Information Officer at (530) 598-1647.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the child’s family during this harrowing time and asks for the community’s support as the investigation moves forward.