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 reported that Vanessa Chavez’s toddler daughter died on Saturday after she was found unresponsive at their Albuquerque home. In addition to bruising and injuries on the girl’s head, leg, and arm, an autopsy uncovered a large subdural hemorrhage that was allegedly caused by trauma.

Chavez’s  7-year-old son allegedly told investigators that he witnessed his mother “beat up” his sister and slam her into the wall — killing her. The boy said his father was outside at the time of the incident, according to ABQ Raw.

In a statement issued to KOAT, Children, Youth, and Families Department officials explained that two of Chavez’s three children were previously in the agency’s care as she and her partner were accused 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.

“All parties at the hearing—including the Guardian ad litem, CYFD representatives, parents’ attorneys, OFRA social workers, and the presiding judge—raised no objections to the dismissal motion.

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

Additionally, agency officials told police that Chavez’s slain daughter was taken away as she was born with drugs in her system. They explained how the girl had been living with family members, but she was returned to her parents for a trial period, according to KRQE.

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

[Feature Photo: KRQE video screengrab]