New Mexico – In a deeply disturbing case in New Mexico that has sparked outrage and sorrow, a 23-year-old mother, identified as D. Phillips, and a 34-year-old father, identified as O. Skywater, have been charged with intentionally abusing their 1-year-old son, resulting in his death two months after he was returned to their custody. The charges arise from evidence that the parents inflicted severe physical harm—strangulation, repeated beatings, blunt trauma—and then provided misleading explanations for the child’s injuries.
Authorities say the child had suffered from “major blunt trauma” to the head, along with significant marks across 70‑80% of his body. An initial autopsy in late 2024 found severe injuries but listed the cause of death as “undetermined.” Later, a specialist in child abuse pediatrics reviewed all the findings and stated that the injuries showed signs of “abusive head trauma” and “a strangulation event.” These, combined, were “diagnostic of severe, life‑threatening physical abuse.”
The 1-year-old boy and his siblings were removed from the home after he was born in November 2023 because he tested positive for methamphetamine and concerns were raised about the parents’ ability to care for him. In October 2024, about a year later, the Children, Youth, and Families Department placed the boy and his siblings back with Phillips and Skywater on what was described as a “trial run” before permanent placement. Less than two months after the children’s return home, on November 27, 2024, the boy died at the family home. He was found with “significant injuries” across his body. His mother’s explanation was that the injuries came from playing with a sibling, while the father said the boy fell from a high chair. But those explanations were undercut by medical evidence of strangulation and serious head injury.
In April 2025, the final autopsy report showed major blunt trauma to the victim’s head and other physical injuries inconsistent with falls or rough play. After that, a child‑abuse pediatric specialist reviewed all findings and concluded that the overall injuries were “well beyond the realm of what would be expected from accidental play.” He emphasized that domestic violence‑associated strangulation is known to be one of the strongest predictors of later homicide. Even if it were unclear which injury exactly caused death, the totality of trauma was diagnostic of fatal physical abuse.
Phillips and Skywater are both being held without bond at the county adult detention center. The other children in the family have been placed into foster care. Their formal charge is intentional abuse of a child resulting in death, reflecting that prosecutors believe their actions were willful and deadly. According to the latest information, court records show the case is moving forward and remains under investigation. The 1-year-old boy’s death, two months after returning home under a trial placement, highlights the risk children face in homes with past concerns about abuse. Authorities continue gathering evidence and navigating the legal process, seeking justice for a child whose life was tragically cut short.
