Madeline Daly pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of her 11-month-old son, Basil, and was sentenced on Sept. 28, 2026, in New Mexico to life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years. Authorities traced Daly to an RV park in the Mimbres area on Dec. 23, 2025, where first responders found Basil critically injured; he later died. Daly told investigators she acted to prevent the father from gaining custody and said keeping Basil away from him was "worth it."
Mother Sentenced To Life After Saying Killing Infant Was 'Worth It' To Keep Father From Custody
Image via TrueCrimeNews.com
A New Mexico judge on Sept. 28, 2026, sentenced 36-year-old Madeline Daly to life in prison after she pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of her 11-month-old son, Basil Stoner. Under the sentence, Daly must serve at least 30 years before a parole board may consider release.
What Happened
The case began after Daly missed a custody hearing in Wyoming in October 2025. A judge awarded emergency temporary custody to the child’s father, Jake Stoner, and ordered Daly to turn over the child. When she failed to do so, Stoner reported Basil missing.
Investigators later traced Daly to Grant County, New Mexico, where she had been seeking work. A prospective employer conducting a background check discovered an outstanding Wyoming warrant tied to the custody matter and alerted law enforcement.
The RV Incident And Arrest
On Dec. 23, 2025, authorities located Daly at an RV park in the Mimbres area. When officers approached, Daly went inside the RV with Basil and refused to come out. Law enforcement attempted to communicate with her, then heard a gunshot and entered the vehicle.
First responders found Basil critically injured and initiated lifesaving efforts while preparing to transport him by helicopter. The 11-month-old died before the airlift could take place. New Mexico authorities arrested Daly on an open count of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death; the Wyoming proceedings remained pending.
Admissions, Plea, And Sentence
According to the arrest affidavit, Daly told investigators her immediate thought when she saw law enforcement approaching was, "Jake can't get Basil." She later said killing her son was "worth it" to keep him from his father and family. At sentencing Daly described her actions as "inexcusable."
Daly pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Aug. 24, 2026, avoiding a jury trial. Under New Mexico law the conviction carries a mandatory life sentence; District Judge Tom Stewart imposed life with parole eligibility after 30 years rather than life without the possibility of release. A parole board will decide whether to grant release if and when Daly becomes eligible.
Victim Impact And Community Reaction
Prosecutors presented a written victim statement from Jake Stoner at the Sept. 28 hearing. District Attorney Norman Wheeler said the crime has had a profound effect on Basil’s family, first responders and the local community.
Remembering Basil
Basil was 11 months old at the time of his death. His obituary described him as a happy, alert child who enjoyed being outside, watching animals and eating blueberries.
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