San Juan County Father Charged in Death of 11-Month-Old Infant

John Hannon, the father of an 11-month-old boy in San Juan County, was charged with first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death and second-degree felony tampering with evidence after the infant was found dead Monday morning in a remote area near Flora Vista.

The baby's mother reported the child missing late Sunday. Deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office responded to the call near Flora Vista and launched a search that continued through the night. They found the child dead shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, in a remote location, according to the sheriff's office.

KOB reported that a doctor determined the baby was likely buried alive, a finding that adds a particularly grave dimension to the evidence tampering charge filed against Hannon.

Hannon was already in custody when the child-related charges were filed. He had been arrested Sunday on unrelated charges and was held at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center when investigators charged him with both felony counts. He remains in jail in San Juan County.

Sheriff Shane Ferrari issued a pointed statement after the charges were announced. "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," Ferrari said.

Ferrari also addressed the weight of the investigation on his staff. "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," he said.

New Mexico's Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) confirmed it is also looking into the case. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains active and is not publicly releasing the victim's name, with the sheriff's office requesting that the family's privacy be respected.