New Mexico Mom Accused of Fatally Shooting 11-Month-Old Son

A heartbreaking and tragic case out of Mimbres, New Mexico, has gripped the state after authorities say 35-year-old Madeline Daly fatally shot her 11-month-old son, Basil Stoner, during a bitter custody battle — allegedly choosing death over surrendering custody to his father. The baby died on December 23, 2025, and Daly now faces first-degree murder and child abuse charges, marking one of the most disturbing family violence cases this year.

Horrific Allegation in Custody Dispute

According to investigators, the shooting occurred after a judge granted temporary emergency custody to Basil’s father, Jake Stoner, due to Daly’s failure to comply with prior court orders and hearings in Wyoming. When Daly fled the state instead of following the custody decision, authorities issued a felony kidnapping warrant, sparking a multi-jurisdiction search that ended at an RV in rural New Mexico.

Sheriff’s Office Finds Baby Shot, Mother Armed

Sheriff’s deputies reported that they heard a single gunshot before entering the RV during the search. They found Basil critically injured with a gunshot wound to the face, and Daly inside holding a handgun. Despite attempts to stabilize the infant and quickly transport him for treatment, Basil died before reaching medical care. Daly was taken into custody immediately on suspicion of murder.

Law enforcement confirmed that Daly had been actively avoiding court and resisting custody proceedings, leading to the escalation and issuance of the kidnapping warrant. The tragic outcome has left many in the community stunned and questioning how a custody conflict could escalate to such violence.

Legal Charges and Possible Penalties

Daly has been formally charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death, very serious offenses under New Mexico law. First-degree murder — typically reserved for intentional and premeditated killings — can carry a sentence of life in prison without parole if she is convicted. These charges reflect prosecutors’ position that the shooting was intentional and undertaken amid emotional distress over custody.

An attorney for the defense has yet to publicly comment, and as of the latest reports, Daly remains in custody as the case moves forward. No bail has been announced, and it’s likely she will remain held while pretrial hearings proceed.

Father’s Long Struggle for Custody

Basil’s father, Jake Stoner, has been vocal about his struggle to be involved in his son’s life before the shooting. In the weeks leading up to the tragedy, Stoner had been petitioning courts for custody and advocating for time with his son — a fight that intersected with disputes over parenting time, legal compliance, and residency. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page honoring Basil’s life has been created, spotlighting the emotional toll on the family and broader community calls for focusing on children’s well-being rather than conflict.

Community Reaction and Broader Concerns

The case has already prompted an outpouring of grief, shock, and anger on social media and in local New Mexico circles. Commenters say the situation is “unimaginable” and reflective of the deep emotional strain custody battles can have when they spiral out of control — but also express concern about how such disputes are handled legally and mentally. Many are also calling for greater resources for families entrenched in custody conflicts so tragedies like this can be prevented.

Child advocates emphasize that while custody disputes are often laden with tension and heartache, resorting to violence against a child is inexplicable and devastating. They also stress the importance of mental health support and early intervention for parents under extreme stress.

What Happens Next in the Case

Legal proceedings are in the early stages, and Daly’s defense strategy has not yet been publicly revealed. Her attorney could pursue mitigation arguments such as mental distress, but first-degree murder carries one of the most serious potential penalties under state law. The prosecution will likely argue that the shooting was intentional and directly linked to her reaction to losing custody rights.

The criminal justice process — from arraignment to possible trial — could take months, with ongoing hearings likely to explore custody records, psychological evaluations, and detailed timelines of events. Family members, advocates, and community members will be watching closely as this heartbreaking case unfolds.

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