A New Mexico man , John Hannon, is in custody after his 11-month-old son was found dead and partially buried near a ditch in San Juan County.
According to police the child was identified as John Junior a.k.a, JJ and he was discovered by deputies in February, 2026.
The mother, Krystal Phillips, contacted the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office to report her son missing after she realized she had not seen her infant son for a full day.
She told deputies that she last saw JJ the previous day when Hannon took the baby and the couple’s 4-year-old daughter to a nearby store.
However, when Hannon returned, he did not have the child with him Phillips said Hannon told her his mother had picked up the baby.
Deputies later located Hannon at an RV and went there to conduct the welfare check. When they arrived, Hannon refused to come out of the vehicle, so deputies forced their way inside.
They found him hiding under a blanket on a bed and he was arrested on unrelated charges at that time.
During questioning, deputies said Hannon avoided giving direct answers about what had happened to the child.
When officer asked Hannon why JJ was missing and whether the child was hurt, Hannon replied, “Yes, he’s hurt bad.”
Despite the fact that he wasn't being truthful, the search for JJ continued immediately after the missing persons report.
Sadly deputies later found the child’s body near a ditch and an autopsy later revealed that JJ had suffered a skull fracture. It also confirmed that he had dirt in his airway and based on these findings, medical experts beleive the child may have been buried alive.
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| John Hannon during his interview |
Following the discovery of the child’s body, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office filed charges against Hannon, as per KOB News.
He now faces a first-degree felony charge of intentional child abuse resulting in death and a second-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence. Hannon was already in custody on unrelated charges from the time of his initial arrest at the RV.
Sheriff Shane Ferrari issued a statement condemning the actions that led to the child’s death. “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.
The sheriff also expressed appreciation for the work of his deputies and detectives, noting the emotional toll such cases take on law enforcement personnel. “Many will never understand the toll this takes on your hearts and minds,” he said.
Ferrari extended condolences to the baby’s family and pledged that his office would remain with them throughout the judicial process.
Court records indicate that questions have been raised regarding Hannon’s competency to stand trial but he remains in jail in San Juan County as the investigation continues. New Mexico’s Children, Youth & Families Department has also stated that it is looking into the case.
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