New Mexico Parents Charged in Death of 1-Year-Old Son Weeks After Returning From Foster Care

New Mexico Parents Charged in Death of 1-Year-Old Son Weeks After Returning From Foster Care

CLOVIS, N.M. — Authorities in Clovis have arrested a young mother and her boyfriend in connection with the death of their 1-year-old son, just weeks after the child was returned to their care from foster placement.

On Sept. 10, police announced that Donna Phillips, 22, and Onesimus Skywater, 33, face charges of Intentional Abuse of a Child Resulting in Death following a months-long investigation into the death of their son, Calian Skywater, in November 2024.

Calian was rushed to Plains Regional Medical Center on Nov. 27, 2024, after being found unresponsive. Doctors documented “extensive injuries” to his head, face, and arms. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.

A preliminary autopsy revealed bruising on up to 80% of his body and signs of severe head trauma. A final report, completed in April 2025, concluded the toddler died from “major blunt trauma” alongside other significant physical injuries.

Phillips initially told investigators that Calian’s wounds came from falling out of a high chair and “rough play” with a sibling, but medical experts ruled those explanations inconsistent with the child’s condition. A consulting doctor determined the injuries were “diagnostic of fatal physical abuse.”

The case is drawing further scrutiny because Calian and his siblings had only recently been returned to Phillips’ custody. According to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Division (CYFD), the children were first placed in foster care shortly after Calian’s birth in 2023.

Phillips and Skywater remain in custody at the Curry County Adult Detention Center. Calian’s surviving siblings have been placed back into foster care as the investigation continues.