New Mexico police arrested a woman on Wednesday, days after her 18-month-old daughter reportedly died from injuries consistent with child abuse.

ABQ Raw shared that Vanessa Chavez’s young daughter tragically passed away on Saturday after being discovered unresponsive at their home in Albuquerque. Besides bruises and wounds on her head, leg, and arm, an autopsy revealed a significant subdural hemorrhage, believed to result from trauma.

Chavez’s 7-year-old son reportedly informed investigators that he saw his mother violently assault his sister and slam her against the wall, leading to her death. According to ABQ Raw, the boy’s father was outside when this incident took place.

In a statement to KOAT, officials from the Children, Youth, and Families Department mentioned that two of Chavez’s three children had previously been under their care as Chavez and her partner faced allegations of abuse and neglect.

On June 18, the parents’ attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that they had complied with a court-ordered reunification plan.

“During the hearing, everyone present—including the Guardian ad litem, CYFD representatives, the children’s attorneys, OFRA social workers, and the judge—did not oppose the dismissal motion.”

The Dismissal Order was subsequently signed by the judge on July 21, 2025,” the Children, Youth and Families Department said.

Agency officials also disclosed to police that Chavez’s late daughter had been taken into protective custody at birth due to drug exposure. They elaborated that she had been living with relatives but was returned to her parents for a trial period, as reported by KRQE.

Chavez, 40, is charged with child abuse resulting in death. It is unclear whether she remains in custody.

[Feature Photo: KRQE video screengrab]