Authorities in Clovis, New Mexico, have arrested a couple in connection with the death of their 1-year-old son, who was found with extensive injuries late last year.
According to the Clovis Police Department, baby Calian Skywater was taken to Plains Regional Medical Center on November 27, 2023, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Detectives called to the hospital reported that the child had “extensive bruises” across his head, face, and arms.
His mother, 22-year-old Donna Phillips, initially told investigators that the injuries happened during “rough play with a sibling” and a fall from a high chair.
A subsequent autopsy painted a far more troubling picture. Medical examiners noted bruising on 70 to 80 percent of the child’s body, along with significant trauma to the head. While the official cause of death was first labeled as “undetermined,” the extent of the injuries raised suspicions.
Detectives later sought a second opinion from a child abuse pediatrician, who reviewed the findings. On September 8, the doctor issued a chilling conclusion, stating that the injuries “did not correspond with the statements provided by his parents.”
“The doctor communicated that their ‘totality of the findings present are diagnostic of fatal physical abuse inflicted upon Calian,’” police said in a statement.
Based on the medical findings, authorities obtained arrest warrants for Phillips and 33-year-old Onesimus Skywater. Both have been charged with intentional child abuse resulting in death and are being held without bond at the Curry County Detention Center, according to jail records.
The couple’s other children have since been removed from their care and placed with a foster family, officials confirmed.
Child abuse cases in New Mexico have drawn national attention in recent years, with state officials under pressure to strengthen protections for vulnerable children.
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