US4 min(s) read
Published 10:40 22 May 2026 GMT
A disturbing incest matter in New Mexico has resurfaced, centering on a mother and son whose relationship crossed legal and social boundaries, and now, there’s been a major update about the grim conversation that led to them confessing their love.
Monica Mares was just 16 when she gave up her newborn son, Caleb Peterson, for adoption. Years later, when Caleb turned 19, the pair reconnected on Facebook and decided to meet in person around Christmas.
But what began as a reunion quickly took an unexpected turn.
After meeting him, Monica admitted she began developing what she described as “crazy” feelings toward him. It wasn’t long before they moved in together, and just weeks later, their relationship became sexual.
Speaking to the Daily Mail about the moment everything changed, Monica recalled telling Caleb: “I’m sorry I don’t know how you are going to react to this. I’m your mum and you’re my son, but I’m falling in love with you.”
Caleb admitted he felt the same way, replying: “You know what, I am too. I was scared to let you know.”
From there, things escalated rapidly. The pair began kissing, and as Monica put it, “kissing led to other things”.
However, their relationship soon attracted legal attention, with the couple being arrested earlier this year and are now awaiting trial on incest charges, which is classified as a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico.
They were released on a $5,000 bond but could face up to 18 months behind bars if convicted. A jury trial is expected in September.
Initially, they tried to keep their relationship under wraps. But things came to light after a dispute with neighbors led to police being called. Monica claims the situation turned violent, alleging they were assaulted and insulted, including being called “incest.”
Following their arrest, the pair have been forced to live separately and are legally banned from contacting each other.
Despite the backlash, the pair chose to go public, saying they want to raise awareness about Genetic Sexual Attraction (GSA). The term refers to a phenomenon where close relatives who didn’t grow up together develop sexual attraction later in life.
According to reports, it may affect up to half of adults who reconnect with estranged family members.
Psychotherapist Robi Ludwig explained the psychology behind it, saying: “we are drawn to what is familiar. When there is a genetic link, that can increase, especially if you are not raised together.”
However, Ludwig also warned about the dangers of normalizing such relationships, even when both parties are adults. She highlighted the power imbalance that can exist, particularly between a parent and child, comparing it to professional dynamics like teacher-student relationships.
“When you are the professional in the parental role, you have the power,” she said. “It is your role to set appropriate boundaries.”
Monica herself acknowledged that things may have been different if she had raised Caleb, saying they “probably” wouldn’t have developed a sexual relationship. Still, she insists she’s in love.
“It felt like I met somebody new in my life and I fell in love with him,” she said.
Caleb, meanwhile, explained that he never truly saw Monica as his mother.
“I never had anyone cook me meals or give me anything,” he said. “I never got anything my entire life and she went out of her way to make me happy and after about a week or so I started having feelings for her and I guess I fell in love.”
He added: “It went beyond a mother-son relationship I never really viewed her as my mum. In certain aspects I do but mostly I don’t.”
He also expressed shock at the legal consequences: “Honestly, I never thought we would get into trouble for our relationship. We were both consenting adults — when it comes down to it ... She’s adult I’m adult I can make my own decisions. I never thought it would blow up into something like this.”
But under New Mexico law, their biological relationship makes any sexual involvement illegal.
Monica, who has eight other children, claims they don’t object to her relationship with Caleb. However, she is currently barred from seeing any of them, something she says she accepts.
Looking ahead, she says she plans to continue the relationship regardless of the outcome: “I have to be with him. When I get out of prison I will move ... to a state that allows us to be together.”
While incest laws exist in all 50 US states, the specifics and penalties vary widely.
They’ve also launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal costs, but so far, it has raised just $100 of their $25,000 target.
