Update Arrest Made in Child's Death

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

300 The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has filed charges in the case of the death of the 11 month old child who was found dead in a remote area near Flora Vista, NM on 02/09/2026.

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

Child Abuse Resulting in Death (1st Degree Felony)

Tampering with Evidence (2nd Degree Felony)

“There is no greater evil than individuals who hurt and kill children. You have my word we will do everything in our power to bring justice to this precious child” said Sheriff Shane Ferrari. “I want to thank our deputies, our detectives for the long hours worked and your dedication to this case. Many will never understand the toll this takes on your hearts and minds. To the family of the baby, I give you our deepest condolences and we will be with you throughout the judicial process.”

Monday, February 9, 2026

Late in the evening of 2/8/2026, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a missing 11-month old child near Flora Vista. A search began immediately, lasting all night and into the morning of 2/9/2026. Unfortunately, the child was found deceased shortly before 10 am today.

.“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community,” said Sheriff Ferrari. “We are working around the clock to gather evidence as to what and who was responsible for the death of this child. There is no threat to the public.”

.We are heartbroken over the loss of a young life in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child. We are investigating this incident to our fullest capabilities and will relentlessly pursue justice. We ask that you respect the privacy of the family as they grieve this immense loss.

Editor's note: No further information was released about the location of the search or what led to the child going missing.

More from Local News

Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.