GRANT COUNTY, NM. (THECOUNT.COM) — Basil Stoner, an 11-month-old infant, was fatally shot by his mother during a standoff with law enforcement in Grant County, New Mexico, after authorities say she fled multiple states in defiance of a court order granting custody to the child’s father.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office identified the child as Basil Stoner and the suspect as his mother, Madeline Daly, 35. Authorities allege Daly shot her son in the face on December 23 while barricaded inside an RV in Grant County, NM.
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According to investigators, Daly had fled Wyoming with the child despite a court order awarding custody to Basil’s father, Jake Stoner. Law enforcement agencies in multiple states had been attempting to locate Daly following the issuance of a felony warrant.
Grant County deputies said they located Daly after spotting her carrying the child into an RV. Authorities attempted to make contact, but Daly refused to exit or cooperate. Deputies eventually established phone contact, but she continued to resist.
While deputies surrounded the RV, a gunshot was heard. Law enforcement immediately entered the vehicle and found Daly holding a firearm to her head. Investigators then discovered that Basil had been shot. A detective was able to disarm and subdue Daly without further injuries to officers.
Emergency life-saving measures were initiated, and Basil was transported for air medical evacuation. Authorities said the child died before he could be airlifted to a hospital.
Daly has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. She is currently being held without bond in New Mexico.
Court records and statements provided through a GoFundMe campaign indicate that Basil was born on January 8, 2025. His parents separated in July 2024, after which Daly allegedly concealed her whereabouts and restricted the father’s access to the child.
According to the GoFundMe description, a Wyoming court later ordered immediate visitation and was in the process of transitioning custody toward shared parenting. The campaign states that visits between Basil and his father had begun and were reportedly going well before Daly allegedly refused further court-ordered contact.
After Daly failed to appear for a contempt hearing in Wyoming, the court issued an order granting immediate custody of Basil to his father and directing Daly to surrender the child. Authorities say Daly fled Wyoming following that ruling.
Law enforcement confirmed that while a felony warrant and a BOLO were issued, an Amber Alert was not activated. The GoFundMe campaign asserts that the lack of an Amber Alert may have limited public awareness during the search.
Investigators also confirmed Daly is a dual citizen with France, raising concerns during the investigation that she could attempt to leave the country with the child.
Following Daly’s arrest, Jake Stoner traveled to New Mexico. Authorities informed him he would not be able to see his son until after the holidays due to procedural requirements.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established in Basil Stoner’s memory. According to organizers, funds will be used to advocate for changes to Amber Alert criteria in hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the firearm used or whether further charges could be filed.
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