Music Adame and Mathew Bynum charged in Silver City child death

Music Adame and Mathew Bynum will stand trial in early 2026 after a child died in Silver City. The parents face charges of intentional child abuse resulting in death. Grant County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene on March 10, 2024.

Deputies found the 34-year-old mother and 39-year-old father asleep on the floor. Their 7-year-old son was also asleep. Deputies said they were all completely out of it.

Their 5-year-old daughter lay dead underneath the couple. The child died one day after her fifth birthday. Adame admitted to smoking weed and meth. She told deputies she had not used drugs since the day before. She said the kids woke up in the middle of the night.

A toxicology report later revealed the deceased girl had a high percentage of carbon monoxide. The surviving son also tested positive for meth. Both defendants face several charges in Silver City district court.

Lawmakers criticized the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department over the incident. Reports show people called the state agency multiple times before the child died. The department has also tried to place the surviving boy back with the parents.

The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department oversees child welfare and protective services across the state. State prosecutors handle felony abuse cases filed in district court.

Court hearings in Silver City will proceed ahead of the scheduled trials.