Mimbres, New Mexico — A bitter custody dispute that began in Wyoming ended in devastating violence just days before Christmas, after authorities say a mother fatally shot her 11-month-old son rather than surrender him to his father as ordered by the court.
Officials allege Madeline Daly, 35, killed her infant son Basil Stoner on December 23 while hiding in a recreational vehicle in a rural part of southwestern New Mexico. Prosecutors say the shooting occurred as law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Daly on a felony kidnapping warrant issued in Wyoming.
Daly now faces an open count of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death, charges that could carry a life sentence if she is convicted.
Custody Order Sparked Interstate Search
Court records indicate the case stems from a prolonged custody fight between Daly and the child’s father, Jake Stoner. Investigators say Stoner sought court intervention after Daly allegedly cut off his access to their son.
When Daly failed to appear at a scheduled custody hearing, a judge granted Stoner emergency temporary custody. Instead of complying with the order, authorities allege Daly fled Wyoming with the child, prompting the issuance of a felony kidnapping warrant.
The baby was officially reported missing on November 19, setting off a weeks-long search across state lines as law enforcement agencies attempted to track Daly’s whereabouts.
Deputies Locate Suspect in Rural New Mexico
On the morning of December 23, deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received information suggesting Daly was in the Mimbres area of New Mexico.
According to authorities, deputies spotted a woman carrying a child and moving quickly into a nearby RV. Officers attempted to make contact multiple times, eventually speaking with Daly by phone.
Deputies reported that Daly refused to exit the RV and that investigators learned she may have been armed with a handgun.
Due to the potential risk, a SWAT team was called to the scene while officers continued efforts to resolve the situation peacefully.
Gunshot Heard Before Officers Could Intervene
Before law enforcement could take further action, a gunshot was heard coming from inside the RV. Deputies immediately rushed inside.
Inside, officers found Daly alive with a handgun pointed at her head. Her infant son had suffered a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical aid was provided at the scene, and arrangements were made to airlift the child to a hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, the baby died before he could be transported.
Daly was arrested without further incident and taken into custody.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Motive
During a later court hearing, prosecutors alleged Daly shot her son in the face rather than allow him to be placed in his father’s custody.
Prosecutors argued the killing was a deliberate act meant to prevent the child from being returned to his father, as required by the court order.
Daly has not yet entered a plea. She is currently being held at the Grant County Detention Center while the case proceeds.
Father’s Efforts to Be in His Son’s Life
Friends and family have since spoken publicly about Jake Stoner’s efforts to be involved in his son’s life, describing a long legal struggle for visitation and parental rights.
According to those close to the family, Stoner had recently begun court-ordered visits and was hopeful about building a future with his child.
“All he ever wanted was to be a father,” supporters said, describing his determination to remain part of his son’s life.
Case Raises Questions About Custody Enforcement
The tragedy has sparked renewed attention on custody enforcement, parental abduction, and child safety, particularly in cases where court orders are ignored and disputes escalate beyond legal channels.
As the legal process continues, investigators say they are reviewing evidence from both states while prosecutors determine how aggressively to pursue sentencing.
The case remains under active prosecution, with future hearings expected in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on how custody disputes should be handled when a child’s safety is at risk? Share your perspective in the comments below.
