SILVER CITY, N.M. — A mother from Wyoming has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting to the first-degree murder of her 11-month-old son during a custody dispute that ended tragically in New Mexico. Madeline Veronique Daly, 36, will be eligible for parole only after serving 30 years, according to a ruling made by District Judge Tom Stewart on September 28.
Daly’s sentence comes nearly nine months after the death of her son, Basil, whose life ended on December 23, 2025, amid a chaotic pursuit by law enforcement following a significant custody battle between Daly and Basil’s father, Jake Stoner. During the hearing, Daly described her son as a lively child who enjoyed spending time outdoors and expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging that they were indefensible.
Judge Stewart highlighted the gravity of Daly’s crime and her choices leading up to the incident that resulted in her being found with Basil in a recreational vehicle. He debated whether to impose a sentence without the possibility of parole but ultimately decided to allow Daly the chance for reconsideration after three decades, noting the deliberation surrounding the severity of the crime.
The events leading to the tragic outcome began months earlier when Daly failed to appear at a custody hearing in Wyoming. Following this absence, a judge awarded Stoner temporary emergency custody, but Daly did not comply with the order. In November 2025, Basil was reported missing, prompting a felony warrant for Daly related to custody interference. Despite searches being conducted by law enforcement, an Amber Alert was not issued at that time due to a lack of immediate danger to the child, despite his unknown whereabouts.
Daly and Basil eventually traveled to Grant County, New Mexico, where she sought employment on rural land. Her past came to light when a background check during a job application revealed the outstanding warrant, leading deputies to her location. Upon arrival, officers witnessed Daly with Basil inside the RV. As they worked to secure the situation, a gunshot erupted from within the vehicle, resulting in the discovery that Basil had been shot with a firearm. Despite immediate attempts to save him, he tragically did not survive.
After an initial court hearing, where Daly was denied bond due to the serious nature of the allegations, she faced multiple legal challenges. Although she was charged with first-degree murder and intentional child abuse resulting in death, she ultimately pled guilty to the murder charge on August 24, 2026. The plea deal alleviated the need for a lengthy trial, though it left her with a significant sentence of life in prison, as prosecutors initially sought.
This case has not only affected the immediate families but also the law enforcement personnel who responded to the tragedy. During sentencing, the prosecutor noted the profound impact on Basil’s relatives and the emergency responders involved in the situation. Daly took the opportunity to apologize to Stoner, reflecting on the painful memories of her son.
Even with the sentence imposed in New Mexico, legal complications surrounding Daly’s actions could persist. Authorities in Wyoming still have a warrant related to the custody dispute, raising questions about future legal repercussions for her actions prior to Basil’s death. The ongoing legal matters emphasize that while a significant chapter has concluded in New Mexico, the repercussions of this tragedy may not be fully resolved.
As Daly begins her life sentence, she faces decades of incarceration before any possibility of release enters the conversation. The impact of this case, defined by a heartbreaking loss and a mother’s irrevocable decision, leaves an indelible mark on those who sought justice for the young victim. Basil was just 11 months old at the time of his tragic death, a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in custody disputes and parental responsibilities.