TULSA, Okla. - A Commerce couple has been sentenced to life in federal prison for the death of a 2-year-old boy who prosecutors said suffered chronic starvation and severe neglect while in their care.

U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Daniel Allen Ash, 34, and his girlfriend, Amber Dawn Murphy, 32, to life imprisonment for second-degree murder in Indian Country and four counts of child neglect in Indian Country. Murphy is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

The case began in September 2024 after the 2-year-old died. Court records and testimony presented at sentencing showed the toddler was severely malnourished and emaciated, weighing only 17 pounds.

A medical expert testified that the child was so dehydrated that medical professionals could not obtain a urine sample. Medical personnel who attempted to treat him believed his condition was the result of chronic starvation.

Investigators with the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service determined Ash and Murphy were responsible for caring for the toddler and three other children, ages 10, 4 and 3.

Prosecutors said Ash realized something was wrong with the toddler and called Murphy while she was at work. Rather than taking the child for medical treatment, Ash drove to a friend's house, where the children remained inside a vehicle without air conditioning for approximately two hours while Ash updated a gaming console, according to evidence presented at sentencing.

When Ash returned to the vehicle, the toddler appeared lifeless. His friend saw the child and told Ash to take him to a hospital, prosecutors said.

Instead, Ash drove to pick up Murphy from work before the couple returned home. Prosecutors said Murphy later called a friend after the toddler began making alarming noises. Ash and Murphy then took the child to a hospital.

Investigators who interviewed the surviving children learned that the 10-year-old had been acting as the primary caregiver for the younger children, including feeding them, changing diapers and watching over them.

Authorities who inspected the family's home described conditions they considered unfit for habitation. Investigators reported extensive clutter and trash, feces, spoiled food and evidence of insect and rodent activity throughout the residence.

A medical expert testified at sentencing that all four children had suffered extensive neglect and that the three surviving children could face lasting effects from their experiences and the loss of the 2-year-old.

The surviving children received medical treatment during the investigation and have since been placed with caregivers who are working with medical professionals to address their needs.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar called the case "heartbreaking" and said the sentences reflected the severity of the children's suffering.

Ash and Murphy will remain in custody until they are transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

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