An 11-month-old child was found partially buried in a remote area near Flora Vista following an overnight ground search by San Juan County deputies, according to authorities. John Hannon, identified in court records as the child’s father, has been charged with first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death and second-degree felony tampering with evidence. Separate court filings show Hannon was also arrested days earlier in an unrelated Farmington DWI case.
What Court Records And Authorities Allege
Security Camera Captures Stroller In Irrigation Ditch Area
San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari said deputies were contacted at approximately 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, by an individual who reported suspicious activity captured on a home security camera. The footage, recorded Saturday, Feb. 7, allegedly showed a person pushing a stroller across private property without permission.
According to the sheriff, no child was visible in the stroller on the footage. Deputies later located an empty stroller discarded in an irrigation ditch in the same area seen on the video.
Mother Reports Infant Missing Sunday Night
Authorities said the child’s mother contacted law enforcement at approximately 9:30 p.m. Sunday to report the 11-month-old missing since Saturday afternoon. According to the sheriff, Hannon had reportedly taken the children toward a Family Dollar store north of their residence and later returned home with only the 4-year-old child, allegedly stating the infant had been picked up by the child’s grandmother.
Forced Entry And Alleged False Statements At Residence
A statement of probable cause filed in Aztec Magistrate Court states that deputies confirmed Hannon had an active warrant for drug possession. The affidavit alleges deputies knocked and announced their presence for more than 20 minutes at a residence in the near Road 3450 before forcing entry.
According to the affidavit, Hannon was found lying on a bed under a blanket and refused commands to place his hands behind his back. The deputy wrote that Hannon initially claimed he did not have a name, said his name was “Susan,” and at one point claimed he was deceased and to be his own infant son. The deputy stated prior booking photographs and driver’s license information confirmed his identity.
Authorities allege Hannon gave conflicting statements about the baby’s whereabouts. The infant was not located inside the home.
Ground Search Leads To Discovery Of Infant
Deputies conducted an overnight ground search in the area where the stroller was found. According to the sheriff, discarded clothing belonging to both Hannon and the infant was located during the search.
At approximately 10 a.m. Monday, deputies found the infant partially buried in a remote area near Flora Vista, authorities said.
“There is no greater evil than individuals who hurt and kill children,” Sheriff Ferrari said in a public statement. He stated the investigation remains active and that the victim’s name will not be released.
Separate DWI Arrest Filed Days Earlier In Farmington
In a separate case filed Feb. 5 in Farmington Magistrate Court, an affidavit for arrest warrant alleges Hannon was involved in a two-vehicle crash Jan. 31 near East Main Street and Pinon Hills Boulevard. According to the affidavit, a witness reported that the suspect vehicle entered the intersection against a red light and caused a T-bone collision.
The affidavit states a witness observed Hannon remove a clear blue bag from his pocket and place it near a vehicle tire. The bag later tested positive for methamphetamine with a gross weight of 1.6 grams, according to the document. The affidavit further alleges Hannon admitted to taking Vicodin and morphine prior to driving and displayed signs consistent with possible methamphetamine use.
Court records state Hannon suffered multiple spinal fractures in the crash and was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment. The DWI filing lists charges including tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance, DWI (drugs) – first offense, failure to obey a signal, and no proof of insurance.
Charges Filed
- Child abuse resulting in death, first-degree felony
- Tampering with evidence, second-degree felony
- Concealing identity, misdemeanor
- Resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, misdemeanor
- Tampering with evidence (separate DWI case)
- Possession of a controlled substance
- DWI (Drugs) – first offense
- Failure to obey a signal
- No proof of insurance
All charges are allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Case Status
Authorities said Hannon was served with the felony child abuse and evidence tampering charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. Court records reviewed for this report did not list updated bond information.
Source
This report is based on a public statement released by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 11, 2026, a statement of probable cause filed Feb. 10, 2026, in Aztec Magistrate Court, and an affidavit for arrest warrant filed Feb. 5, 2026, in Farmington Magistrate Court. The affidavits were sworn by San Juan County law enforcement officers.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt.