Mother Pleads Guilty to Killing 11-Month-Old Son During Custody Dispute

A 36-year-old mother has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder after killing her 11-month-old son during a custody dispute in December 2025.

The mother, Madeline Veronique Daly, took her son, Basil Stoner, from Wyoming to New Mexico in December 2025, allegedly violating a court order that had granted emergency custody of the child to his father.

On December 23, 2025, police located Daly and Basil inside an RV. As officers surrounded the vehicle, Daly reportedly used a 9mm handgun to shoot her infant son, killing him.

Investigative records cited by media outlets reportedly indicate that Daly later said killing Basil was “worth it” if it meant the child’s father and his family would never be able to see or raise him.

The case remained pending for months before Daly’s latest court appearance.

On August 26, 2026, Daly pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. She is now awaiting sentencing and could face life imprisonment.

The guilty plea resolves the question of her criminal responsibility for the killing, while the court will determine the final punishment at sentencing.

Source: NY post