You face a tragic, fast-moving case: an 11-month-old was reported missing one night and found dead just hours later, and investigators are treating the death as a homicide. This piece explains what happened, when key events unfolded, and how authorities responded so you understand the facts and what comes next.
Expect a clear timeline of the disappearance and discovery, a summary of the investigation’s early findings, and what legal steps followed as officials pursued answers. The article stays focused on verified details and official updates to help you follow the case without sensationalism.
For background and local reporting on the incident, see reporting from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and local outlets that covered the search and subsequent developments.
Timeline and Key Details of the 11-Month-Old’s Disappearance
The infant was reported missing late Sunday night and found dead the next morning after a focused search by local deputies. Officials in San Juan County described the death as a homicide and asked for privacy for the grieving family.
Initial Missing Child Report and Search Efforts
Late on Sunday, the child’s mother notified the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office that her 11-month-old was missing. Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded immediately, initiating an overnight search that involved ground personnel and coordination across local law enforcement.
Search teams concentrated on the area north of Flora Vista, following tips and canvassing nearby properties and roads. Sheriff Shane Ferrari and his office said they worked “around the clock” to gather evidence and locate the child. Investigators did not release detailed accounts of the circumstances that led to the missing-person report.
Community members joined or monitored the effort, while deputies organized search patterns and collected any potential leads. The sheriff’s office asked the public to avoid interfering with the search and to report relevant information directly to authorities.
Discovery of the Baby’s Body Near Flora Vista
Just before 10 a.m. Monday, deputies found the infant’s body in a remote location near Flora Vista. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, and the immediate area became an active crime scene under San Juan County control.
Officials said the location was isolated, requiring deputies to secure the perimeter and call in investigators trained in homicide and evidence collection. Medical personnel and forensic teams processed the scene while investigators began documenting timelines and witness statements.
Local media outlets reported the recovery and described the site as remote, which slowed public access and increased the need for careful evidence preservation. Authorities did not disclose the precise location to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Authorities’ Statements and Community Response
Sheriff Shane Ferrari publicly acknowledged the community’s shock and emphasized the department’s commitment to a thorough investigation. He told reporters the office was pursuing the case relentlessly and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The sheriff’s office requested privacy for the family as they grieved. Deputies continued interviews and evidence collection into the following days, and investigators signaled they would release additional information when appropriate.
Community members expressed grief and concern on local social platforms and news comment sections, while others praised deputies for their quick response. Authorities encouraged anyone with information to contact the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office to aid the ongoing investigation.
Investigation, Arrest, and Legal Proceedings
Authorities found evidence at the scene and during early interviews that shaped the arrest, the charges, and the steps deputies took to preserve the case.
Suspect Identification and Arrest of John Hannon
San Juan County deputies identified John Hannon as a person of interest within hours of the child’s disappearance. Investigators say Hannon had direct contact with the child shortly before the report, and witnesses placed him near the area where the body was later discovered. Law enforcement detained Hannon at a nearby residence without reported incident.
Sheriff Shane Ferrari confirmed the arrest and emphasized investigators worked quickly to secure potential evidence. Deputies documented Hannon’s movements, collected statements from multiple witnesses, and executed a search warrant at locations linked to him.
Criminal Charges: Child Abuse Resulting in Death and Tampering with Evidence
Prosecutors charged Hannon with child abuse resulting in death, a felony that alleges actions or neglect causing fatal injury to a child. The complaint also includes tampering with evidence, citing efforts to conceal the body and impede the investigation.
The child abuse resulting in death charge carries severe penalties under state law and typically requires proof that the defendant’s actions or omissions were a proximate cause of the child’s death. Tampering allegations focus on post-incident conduct—moving or hiding the body, altering the scene, or destroying items that could link the defendant to the crime.
Law Enforcement Actions and Ongoing Investigation
San Juan County Sheriff’s Office assigned a multi-agency team to the case, coordinating scene processing, forensic analysis, and witness interviews. Deputies cataloged physical evidence, submitted items for forensic testing, and worked with the medical examiner to determine cause and time of death.
Investigators continue to review phone records, surveillance, and communications to establish a timeline. Sheriff Shane Ferrari asked the public for patience and urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office, noting the investigation remains active and additional charges could follow as evidence develops.
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