Father Charged in Death of Infant Son in New Mexico

Authorities say John Hannon has a history of violence and abuse allegations

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 43-year-old father from the Four Corners region of New Mexico has been arrested and charged with first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death and second-degree felony tampering with evidence after the body of his 11-month-old son was found buried in a shallow grave near the town of Flora Vista. Investigators say Hannon was seen walking with the baby the night before he went missing, and he gave conflicting statements about the child's location.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence, child abuse, and the challenges faced by child welfare agencies in protecting vulnerable children, especially when parents have a history of abuse allegations and refuse services. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be kept in custody to prevent further harm.

The details

According to authorities, Hannon was seen on video walking with a stroller containing his 11-month-old son on the night the child went missing. The child's body was later found partially buried in a ditch. Hannon has an extensive criminal history, including prior incidents of violence towards family members, and was out on bail for a drug charge when the incident occurred. The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department had six prior investigations involving Hannon due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and inadequate shelter, with three of the allegations substantiated.

  • On Saturday night, Hannon was seen walking with the 11-month-old and his young daughter to a nearby Dollar General store.
  • On Sunday night, the child's mother reported him missing.
  • On Monday morning, the child's body was found partially buried along a ditch.

The players

John Hannon

A 43-year-old father from the Four Corners region of New Mexico who has been charged with first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death and second-degree felony tampering with evidence in the death of his 11-month-old son.

Sheriff Shane Ferrari

The sheriff of San Juan County, New Mexico, who stated that "There is no greater evil than individuals who hurt and kill children."

Jack Fortner

The 11th Judicial District Attorney who stated that Hannon's actions "weren't an accident" and that "Someone buried the child."

New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD)

The state agency that had six prior investigations involving Hannon due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and inadequate shelter, with three of the allegations substantiated.

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What they’re saying

“There is no greater evil than individuals who hurt and kill children.”

— Sheriff Shane Ferrari (KRQE)

“This is one's own child, child abuse resulting in death, partially buried. So it wasn't an accident. Someone buried the child. And so we're going to go all out on this guy.”

— Jack Fortner, 11th Judicial District Attorney (KRQE)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to keep Hannon in custody until his trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children from abusive parents, even when child welfare agencies have prior knowledge of allegations. It underscores the need for stronger measures to keep repeat offenders in custody and better coordination between law enforcement and social services to prevent such horrific outcomes.