11-Month-Old Baby Found Dead in Remote New Mexico Location

The child was reported missing by the mother and authorities are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An 11-month-old baby was found dead in a remote location in New Mexico, hours after being reported missing by the child's mother. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said they are investigating the incident as a homicide, but have not released the child's identity or cause of death.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young child is deeply unsettling for the local community, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case will be closely watched as authorities work to determine what happened and who may be responsible.

The details

According to the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, the child was reported missing near Flora Vista on Sunday evening, and a search began immediately. The baby's body was discovered in a remote location shortly before 10 a.m. local time on Monday. The sheriff's office said the child's mother was the one who reported the child missing, and they are investigating the incident as a homicide, though no suspects have been named.

  • The child was reported missing on Sunday evening.
  • The child's body was found on Monday, around 10 a.m. local time.

The players

San Juan County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident and leading the search for the missing child.

Sheriff Shane Ferrari

The sheriff of San Juan County, who stated the authorities are working to gather evidence and pursue justice in this case.

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What they’re saying

“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community. 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.”

— Sheriff Shane Ferrari, San Juan County Sheriff (KRQE)

“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.”

— San Juan County Sheriff's Office (Facebook)

What’s next

Authorities have not released the child's identity or cause of death, and are continuing their investigation into this incident, which they are treating as a homicide.

The takeaway

The tragic death of an 11-month-old child has shaken the local community, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case will be closely watched as authorities work to determine what happened and who may be responsible.