SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — A father has been arrested on multiple charges, including homicide, after allegedly murdering his infant son during a walk with his other child. Authorities discovered the body of the 11-month-old buried partially in a remote area, according to local law enforcement.
Sheriff Shane Ferrari reported that officers were alerted on February 8 after a resident noticed a man pushing a stroller in a suspicious manner on security footage. When deputies arrived, they found the stroller but no immediate cause for concern. The situation turned alarming the following day when the mother of the missing child reported him unaccounted for, last seen with his father, 43-year-old John Hannon.
Hannon had taken both his infant son and a 4-year-old on a walk to a nearby Dollar General but returned home alone with only the older child. He allegedly told the child’s mother that a grandparent had picked up the infant. This prompted the mother to contact authorities when she could not locate her baby.
Upon identifying Hannon as the man seen with the stroller, officers visited his home to inquire about the child’s whereabouts. Reports indicate that Hannon was uncooperative and resisted questioning, leading officers to forcibly enter his residence, where he was discovered hiding.
Sheriff Ferrari noted that Hannon’s inconsistent statements regarding his child’s whereabouts raised concerns. Initially detained on an unrelated warrant, investigators soon gathered significant evidence tying him to the disappearance.
Around 10 a.m. on February 9, a search team found the infant’s body, which had been partially covered. The medical examiner later determined the death a homicide. Following this discovery, Hannon faced additional charges, including child abuse that resulted in death and evidence tampering.
“This is a heartbreaking incident that exemplifies the deepest sadness a community can encounter,” Ferrari said. “We are committed to pursuing justice for this innocent child and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”