Champlin, Minnesota — A mother was sentenced to over 31 years in prison after admitting to the intentional poisoning of her 18-month-old daughter on the very day a court awarded temporary custody to the child’s father. Maige Elizabeth Yang, 24, received a 380-month sentence for the second-degree murder of De’Ali Blia Delgado, who died following an emergency response at their home on January 9.
Yang’s plea deal, reached in June, concluded a case that began when De’Ali was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The investigation revealed that after returning home from a custody hearing, Yang administered a significant quantity of sleeping medication through a bottle meant for her daughter. Yang reportedly expressed a wish for De’Ali to pass away peacefully during her sleep.
The tragic series of events began when Yang’s parents informed law enforcement that a judge had granted temporary custody of De’Ali to her father earlier that day. Following the hearing, Yang took the child upstairs under the pretense of spending time together, yet soon locked the bedroom door. When Yang’s father attempted to check on them and found the door barred, he forcibly entered the room to discover De’Ali unresponsive and turning blue.
Emergency responders found the toddler lifeless in the living room. In the house, they located Yang in distress, indicating a potential suicide attempt. Both mother and child were transported to the hospital, but unfortunately, De’Ali did not survive. Investigators later determined that Yang had intentionally administered the medication, and she subsequently faced murder charges.
The custody dispute that culminated in this tragedy had escalated over several months. De’Ali’s father, Erick Delgado, had previously sought permanent custody, filing an emergency petition alleging that Yang exhibited erratic behavior and may have had untreated mental health issues. Although these claims were made in the context of custody proceedings, they did not constitute formal diagnoses.
Days prior to the custody hearing, police had issued an endangered-person alert for Yang and her daughter after family members reported their absence. Fortunately, the pair were found safe, but the alarm raised concerns about Yang’s well-being. The court proceedings moved swiftly, ultimately granting temporary custody to Delgado, only for the child to die later that same day.
In the wake of the tragedy, Delgado expressed his heartbreak over the timing of the ruling. He described De’Ali as his “beautiful princess” and highlighted his efforts to be an active part of her life. An online fundraiser was established to cover funeral costs, establishing the profound sense of loss experienced by the family.
De’Ali was fondly remembered in her obituary, which depicted her as an energetic and joyful toddler who delighted in music and storytelling, often dancing and laughing with those she loved. The compassionate details highlighted her vibrant personality, leaving a lasting impression on family and friends.
Yang’s sentencing marks the final chapter in the case. While charges against her were initially based on police allegations and her purported confession, the guilty plea formally established her culpability in the eyes of the law. Though her sentence fell slightly below the maximum possible term, it underscores the gravity of the crime.
As the community comes to grips with the loss of De’Ali, her family mourns the young life cut short and reflects on the joyous moments shared. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death highlight discussions on parental custody, mental health, and the devastating consequences that can arise in familial disputes.