New Mexico Parents Charged Intentional Child Abuse Death

In Clovis, New Mexico, Onesimus Skywater, 33, and Donna Phillips, 22, were arrested and charged with intentional abuse of a child resulting in the death of their 1-year-old son, Calian Skywater. The child was taken to Plains Regional Medical Center in November 2024, where he was pronounced dead with extensive bruising covering 70-80% of his body, including trauma to his head, face, and arms. Initially, Phillips attributed Calian's injuries to rough play with a sibling and a fall from a high chair, but subsequent investigations and autopsy reports revealed major blunt force trauma inconsistent with the parents' statements. A specialist in child abuse pediatrics reviewed the case and concluded that the injuries were diagnostic of fatal physical abuse. The children, who had previously been in foster care and were returned to Phillips in October 2024, have been placed with a foster family following the arrests. Both parents remain held without bond at the Curry County Detention Center as the investigation continues.