In January 2020, the disappearance of 11-year-old Gannon Stauch shook the Colorado Springs community.
What began as a frantic search for a missing boy soon turned into a tragic case of cold-blooded murder.
Gannon’s stepmother, Letecia Stauch, was ultimately convicted of his murder.
But what really happened?
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| Gannon Stauch |
From a Happy Boy to a National Tragedy: Gannon’s Background
Gannon Stauch was born on September 29, 2008, in Colorado.
He was described as a kind-hearted and happy child.
Ganon loved playing video games and spending time with his family.
At the time of his death, he lived with his father, Al Stauch, his stepmother, Letecia, and his younger sister in Colorado Springs.
Gannon’s mother, Landen Bullard, was separated from his father.
However, they both remained committed to their children's well-being.
Letecia Stauch reportedly didn’t have a good relationship with her stepson, Gannon Stauch.
Sadly, this resentment escalated into a tragic murder.
A Walk That Ended in Disappearance: The Event That Sparked a Search
On January 27, 2020, Letecia Stauch reported Gannon missing.
She told authorities that Gannon had left their home in Colorado Springs between 3:15 and 4 p.m. to visit a friend, but he never returned.
Initially, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office classified him as a "runaway juvenile," but that would quickly change.
As the days passed, the situation grew more concerning.
Three days later, his case was reclassified as a "missing and endangered person."
This upgrade was because of new evidence that emerged during the investigation.
The search for Gannon was massive.
It involved, law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and even the FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team.
Helicopters, drones, dogs, and divers scoured nearby areas for clues.
However, Gannon was not seen.
Secrets Unveiled: The Investigation that Exposed the Horrors
After weeks of searching, the truth began to surface.
It was far more chilling than anyone could have imagined.
On March 2, 2020, Letecia Stauch was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
She was charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and tampering with evidence.
She was extradited to Colorado, where she was held without bond.
The arrest affidavit painted a grisly picture of what had happened on the day Gannon went missing.
Letecia had brutally attacked Gannon in his bedroom.
She stabbed him 18 times and hit him in the head with a blunt object.
After that, she shot him with a handgun, and stuffed his lifeless body into a suitcase.
She then attempted to cover up the crime by cleaning the blood and disposing of his body.
Evidence showed that she had enlisted the help of her 17-year-old daughter to purchase cleaning supplies.
This included trash bags, baking soda, and carpet cleaner.
Gannon’s body was found nearly two months later, on March 17, 2020.
It was found by a maintenance worker under the Escambia Bay Bridge in Pace, Florida—over 1,300 miles from his home.
Investigators believe Letecia initially dumped his body in a remote location near Colorado Springs before transporting it to Florida in a rented van.
Justice Served: A Verdict That Matched the Crime
The trial of Letecia Stauch began in April 2023.
The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence that Letecia was responsible for the murder.
Her defense team, however, claimed she was suffering from dissociative identity disorder as a result of childhood trauma.
They argued that her actions were driven by a mental health crisis and that she was not in control of herself during the murder.
Despite these claims, Letecia was found competent to stand trial.
The jury rejected the insanity defense.
They found her guilty of first-degree murder and several other charges, including tampering with a deceased body.
Letecia was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 156 years.
Judge Gregory Werner, who presided over the case, described her actions as "the most horrific" he had ever seen.
He stated that Letecia deserved the maximum punishment allowed by Colorado law, calling her conduct "purposeful" and devoid of any remorse.
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The sentencing brought some closure to Gannon’s grieving family.
However, no sentence could undo the damage caused by Letecia’s actions.
Gannon’s father, Al Stauch, expressed his deep pain during the sentencing.
He told Letecia that she had taken away "everything Gannon was and everything he could have been."
Gannon’s mother, Landen Bullard, also spoke out.
She expressed her anguish and disbelief that the woman she once trusted had betrayed them in such a brutal way.
Gannon Stauch’s story is one of heartbreak, but his memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
He may be gone, but his legacy of love and hope will continue to inspire others to fight for justice and protect the innocent.
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