Wise County, VA – Authorities are urgently searching for 18-year-old Skylar Rose Totten, who has been charged with the murder of 8-month-old Courtney Chatfield, a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community and drawn widespread calls for justice.
According to the Wise County Homicide Bureau, baby Courtney Chatfield was found unresponsive on June 30, 2025. Following an investigation and autopsy, the infant’s death was ruled a homicide, with the cause determined to be blunt force trauma.
In a swift but ongoing investigation, Skylar Totten was identified as the primary suspect. She now faces a formal charge of murder, yet remains on the run as of July 2, 2025.
Suspect Still at Large
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Totten has not been located, and her whereabouts remain unknown. She is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
“We need the public’s help in locating Skylar Totten,” said a spokesperson for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. “She is wanted in connection with the death of a child. If anyone has seen her or knows where she may be, we urge them to come forward immediately.”
Totten is believed to be familiar with areas in Wise County and surrounding regions, and may be receiving help from acquaintances or attempting to travel under the radar.
Details of the Crime
Few details have been publicly released due to the sensitive and tragic nature of the case. However, authorities have confirmed that baby Courtney Chatfield was in Totten’s care at the time of her injuries. The infant succumbed to blunt force trauma, and investigators quickly gathered enough evidence to issue a warrant for Totten’s arrest.
This incident has shaken residents and social service organizations throughout Wise County, sparking grief, outrage, and a growing online campaign demanding justice for the young child.
Community Call to Action
As police continue the search, community members are being asked to spread the word, share verified information, and help authorities locate the suspect.
“Let’s bump this post and keep it moving,” one local advocate wrote on social media. “We must find her. Baby Courtney deserves justice.”
Police stress the importance of not confronting Totten if she is seen, but instead contacting law enforcement immediately.
Contact Information
Anyone with information on Skylar Rose Totten’s whereabouts is urged to call:
Wise County Sheriff’s Office: 276-328-3756
Homicide Bureau Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Or submit tips anonymously through local Crime Stoppers programs
Tips can remain confidential, and even the smallest piece of information could help bring Totten into custody and provide closure in this devastating case.
As the search intensifies, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office and the family of baby Courtney Chatfield are pleading with the public: Share this alert, stay vigilant, and help bring justice to an innocent life lost far too soon.