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.

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