MOM SAID IT WAS “WORTH IT” — AFTER HER 11-MONTH-OLD SON WAS FOUND IN A CAMPER VAN

A custody dispute took a devastating turn when a Wyoming mother fled across state lines with her 11-month-old son — and the child was later found inside a New Mexico camper van.

Madeline Daly, 36, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the death of her son, Basil Stoner, and is facing life in prison.

SHE DIDN’T WANT TO GIVE UP CUSTODY

According to prosecutors, Daly had taken Basil from Wyoming to New Mexico despite a court order granting the boy’s father, Jake Stoner, emergency custody.

Daly reportedly told investigators that she believed she was protecting her son from his father and relatives.

Authorities said those allegations of potential abuse were unsubstantiated.

The child’s father had reported Basil missing after reportedly not seeing his son for about two months.

POLICE EVENTUALLY TRACKED HER DOWN

Daly had been difficult to locate.

Her whereabouts were reportedly discovered after a background check connected to a job application flagged an outstanding warrant.

Police then tracked her to a bunkhouse in New Mexico.

When officers approached, she reportedly ran toward a nearby recreational vehicle.

While authorities were waiting for a warrant to search the vehicle, officers heard a single gunshot.

They rushed inside and found Basil.

Paramedics attempted to save the infant, but he could not be revived.

A STATEMENT THAT SHOCKED INVESTIGATORS

According to an affidavit cited by The Sun, Daly told investigators she had taken Basil because she did not want him traveling between Nebraska and Wyoming.

She reportedly also told police that preventing the boy’s father and relatives from having access to him was worth the consequences.

The statements have become one of the most disturbing aspects of the case.

THE FATHER WAS LEFT DEVASTATED

Jake Stoner had been desperately searching for his son.

His attorney described the father as devastated by the news and said he had spent hours waiting for information about Basil.

For him, what began as a custody dispute ended with the loss of his infant son.

NOW DALY FACES LIFE IN PRISON

Daly has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

The case has raised painful questions about custody disputes, parental conflict and the consequences when allegations between parents escalate beyond the courtroom.

Basil was only 11 months old.

A legal battle over custody ended with a family facing an unimaginable loss.

And now, the mother who said she was trying to protect her child could spend the rest of her life behind bars.