Monica Mares and her son Caleb are at the center of a controversial relationship that has led to legal battles and public scrutiny. The story began when Monica, now in her thirties, made the difficult decision to put her son up for adoption shortly after his birth. At just 16 years old, she gave birth to Caleb, and a week later, she chose to place him for adoption to pursue her future.
After nearly two decades without contact, Caleb, now 19, sought out his birth mother through Facebook. Their online exchanges evolved into a face-to-face meeting around Christmas 2022. Following this encounter, Monica shared her feelings with Caleb, describing them as “crazy.” She confessed, “I’m your mum and you’re my son, but I’m falling in love with you.” To her surprise, Caleb admitted that he felt the same way.
From Reunion to Relationship
Shortly after their initial meeting, Caleb moved in with Monica in New Mexico. Their relationship quickly turned romantic, leading them to live as a couple. Although they attempted to keep their relationship private, neighbours began to notice unusual dynamics. Their situation took a serious turn when police were called after reports of a domestic argument. During the investigation, officers uncovered the nature of their relationship, leading to both Monica and Caleb’s arrest.
In New Mexico, where incest is classified as a fourth-degree felony, they were charged and subsequently released on bail. However, the court mandated that they have no contact with one another. Since her arrest, Monica has faced intense public backlash, including death threats and warnings about potential consequences should she find herself in prison. Despite these challenges, she remains firm in her feelings for Caleb, stating, “If they lock me up for love then they lock me up. There is no way anybody could pull us apart.”
Reactions and Controversy
Caleb has expressed that he never viewed Monica as his mother in a traditional sense. He stated, “I never had anyone cook me meals or give me anything. I never got anything my entire life, and she went out of her way to make me happy.” He maintained that their relationship felt natural to him, comparing it to meeting someone at a club.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the power dynamics in relationships that begin between a parent and a child. They highlight the potential for manipulation and emotional imbalance, particularly when one party is significantly younger. However, Monica contests these views, suggesting that their bond might not have developed if she had raised him herself. “It felt like I met somebody new and fell in love with him,” she remarked.
The case has sparked discussions on love, legality, and morality, challenging societal norms. As Monica and Caleb navigate their complex situation, their story raises questions about family, choice, and the boundaries of love.
