LOCATION
Colorado Springs, Colorado
TIME PERIOD
January 27, 2020
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Gannon Stauch, an 11-year-old boy, was reported missing by his stepmother, Letecia Stauch, on January 27, 2020, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Initially classified as a runaway, the case quickly escalated to a missing person investigation after new evidence emerged. Following an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies and community volunteers, Gannon's remains were discovered in March 2020, leading to Letecia's arrest on March 2, 2020, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and other offenses, ultimately being convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included the details of the crime as outlined in the arrest affidavit, revealing Gannon was killed in his bedroom, suffering multiple stab wounds, blunt force trauma, and a gunshot wound.
Letecia Hardin, Gannon's stepmother, is believed to have murdered him due to a combination of personal issues and a troubled relationship with Gannon. Some speculate that she may have been struggling with mental health problems, which could have contributed to her actions. Additionally, there are theories that Gannon's death was premeditated, as evidence suggested she had planned the crime and attempted to cover it up by fabricating a story about his disappearance.
The Tragic Tale of Gannon Stauch
The Disappearance
On a cold January day in 2020, the quiet community of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was shaken by the sudden disappearance of 11-year-old Gannon Stauch. Born on September 29, 2008, in Horry County, South Carolina, Gannon was a bright young boy with his whole life ahead of him. However, on January 27, 2020, his life was cruelly cut short, and the harrowing events that followed would capture the nation’s attention.
Gannon was reported missing by his stepmother, Letecia Stauch, who told the El Paso County Sheriff's Office that he had left their home between 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. to visit a friend but never returned. Initially, authorities classified him as a "juvenile runaway," but just three days later, the case escalated to that of a missing or endangered person due to new evidence that emerged.
The Search
The search for Gannon was exhaustive and intense, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and the community at large. The FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children joined forces with the Colorado Springs Police Department, deploying drones, dogs, horses, helicopters, and divers to scour potential areas of interest. Gannon's biological parents, Landen Bullard and Albert Stauch, made impassioned pleas for their son’s safe return, expressing deep gratitude for the community’s unwavering support.
The Arrest of Letecia Stauch
On March 2, 2020, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, authorities arrested Letecia Stauch. She faced serious charges including first-degree murder of a child by a person in a position of trust, child abuse resulting in death, and tampering with both a deceased human body and physical evidence. She was swiftly extradited to Colorado and held without bond in the El Paso County jail.
The arrest affidavit, which became public on May 5, 2020, painted a chilling picture of the events that transpired on the day of Gannon's disappearance. According to investigators, Letecia killed Gannon in his bedroom, stabbing him 18 times, striking him with an object, and shooting him. She then meticulously cleaned the scene and disposed of his body in a suitcase. In her attempt to mislead investigators, she fabricated stories about her activities and whereabouts, claiming that Gannon was unwell and stayed home from school. Surveillance footage contradicted her, capturing her leaving the house with Gannon in her truck at around 10:15 a.m. and returning without him at approximately 2:19 p.m.
The Discovery of Gannon's Remains
On March 17, 2020, a gruesome discovery was made by a maintenance worker under the Escambia Bay Bridge in Pace, Florida—over 1,300 miles from Gannon's home. The remains were soon identified as Gannon's. The autopsy revealed his cause of death: a combination of blunt force trauma, sharp force injuries, and a gunshot wound. Investigators theorized that after initially leaving his body in a remote area north of Colorado Springs, Letecia retrieved it and drove to Florida in a rented van to dispose of it permanently.
The Trial and Conviction
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Letecia Stauch pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, attributing her actions to dissociative identity disorder, a condition she claimed to suffer due to childhood sexual abuse. She even attempted to implicate her husband, Albert, in Gannon’s death, alleging his involvement with drug cartels and sex trafficking rings. However, these claims were dismissed as unfounded by the court, and a state mental hospital deemed her competent to stand trial.
The trial unfolded over five weeks, culminating on May 8, 2023. The prosecution presented a compelling case, featuring testimonies from Gannon's father, Letecia's former employers, family members, investigators, forensic experts, and state psychiatrists. In contrast, the defense presented only one witness—Dorothy Otnow Lewis, a psychiatrist specializing in dissociative identity disorder. The jury rejected Letecia’s insanity plea and the testimony of Otnow Lewis, finding Letecia guilty of all charges.
Judge Gregory Werner delivered a scathing verdict, sentencing Letecia Stauch to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, plus 156 years. In his closing remarks, Judge Werner described her actions as "the most horrific I have ever seen" and asserted that she deserved "the maximum sentence that I can impose according to Colorado law."
Sources
- Colorado Springs Gazette: "Letecia Stauch case timeline: Trial of murdered stepson Gannon nears end after 3 years" by Zachary Dupont
- ABC News: "The disappearance of Gannon Stauch: A timeline of the case" by Ella Torres and Clayton Sandell
- People: "Stepmother Sentenced to Life for Killing Colo. Boy Gannon Stauch" by Julia Moore
- CBS News: "Letecia Stauch murder trial begins three years after stepson Gannon Stauch disappeared"
- FOX21 News: "Letecia Stauch affidavit reveals disturbing details of stepson's death in Colorado Springs" by Lauren Scharf and Brandon Thompson
- The Independent: "A missing boy was found dead in a suitcase. His stepmom blamed a 'psychotic crack'" by Andrea Blanco
- NBC News: "Colorado woman found guilty of killing 11-year-old stepson"
For further information, refer to the Wikipedia page on Gannon Stauch.
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Gannon Stauch Reported Missing
Gannon's stepmother reported him missing, claiming he left to walk to a friend's house.
Case Reclassified
Sheriff's office reclassified Gannon's case as a missing or endangered person after new evidence.
Letecia Stauch Arrested
Letecia Stauch was arrested in South Carolina on charges including first-degree murder.
Gannon's Remains Found
Gannon's remains were discovered under Escambia Bay Bridge in Florida.
Trial Verdict
Letecia Stauch was found guilty of all charges, including first-degree murder.
Sentencing
Letecia Stauch was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 156 years.
Gannon Stauch, an 11-year-old boy, was reported missing by his stepmother, Letecia Stauch, on January 27, 2020, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Initially classified as a runaway, the case quickly escalated to a missing person investigation after new evidence emerged. Following an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies and community volunteers, Gannon's remains were discovered in March 2020, leading to Letecia's arrest on March 2, 2020, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and other offenses, ultimately being convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included the details of the crime as outlined in the arrest affidavit, revealing Gannon was killed in his bedroom, suffering multiple stab wounds, blunt force trauma, and a gunshot wound.
Letecia Hardin, Gannon's stepmother, is believed to have murdered him due to a combination of personal issues and a troubled relationship with Gannon. Some speculate that she may have been struggling with mental health problems, which could have contributed to her actions. Additionally, there are theories that Gannon's death was premeditated, as evidence suggested she had planned the crime and attempted to cover it up by fabricating a story about his disappearance.
The Tragic Tale of Gannon Stauch
The Disappearance
On a cold January day in 2020, the quiet community of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was shaken by the sudden disappearance of 11-year-old Gannon Stauch. Born on September 29, 2008, in Horry County, South Carolina, Gannon was a bright young boy with his whole life ahead of him. However, on January 27, 2020, his life was cruelly cut short, and the harrowing events that followed would capture the nation’s attention.
Gannon was reported missing by his stepmother, Letecia Stauch, who told the El Paso County Sheriff's Office that he had left their home between 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. to visit a friend but never returned. Initially, authorities classified him as a "juvenile runaway," but just three days later, the case escalated to that of a missing or endangered person due to new evidence that emerged.
The Search
The search for Gannon was exhaustive and intense, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and the community at large. The FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children joined forces with the Colorado Springs Police Department, deploying drones, dogs, horses, helicopters, and divers to scour potential areas of interest. Gannon's biological parents, Landen Bullard and Albert Stauch, made impassioned pleas for their son’s safe return, expressing deep gratitude for the community’s unwavering support.
The Arrest of Letecia Stauch
On March 2, 2020, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, authorities arrested Letecia Stauch. She faced serious charges including first-degree murder of a child by a person in a position of trust, child abuse resulting in death, and tampering with both a deceased human body and physical evidence. She was swiftly extradited to Colorado and held without bond in the El Paso County jail.
The arrest affidavit, which became public on May 5, 2020, painted a chilling picture of the events that transpired on the day of Gannon's disappearance. According to investigators, Letecia killed Gannon in his bedroom, stabbing him 18 times, striking him with an object, and shooting him. She then meticulously cleaned the scene and disposed of his body in a suitcase. In her attempt to mislead investigators, she fabricated stories about her activities and whereabouts, claiming that Gannon was unwell and stayed home from school. Surveillance footage contradicted her, capturing her leaving the house with Gannon in her truck at around 10:15 a.m. and returning without him at approximately 2:19 p.m.
The Discovery of Gannon's Remains
On March 17, 2020, a gruesome discovery was made by a maintenance worker under the Escambia Bay Bridge in Pace, Florida—over 1,300 miles from Gannon's home. The remains were soon identified as Gannon's. The autopsy revealed his cause of death: a combination of blunt force trauma, sharp force injuries, and a gunshot wound. Investigators theorized that after initially leaving his body in a remote area north of Colorado Springs, Letecia retrieved it and drove to Florida in a rented van to dispose of it permanently.
The Trial and Conviction
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Letecia Stauch pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, attributing her actions to dissociative identity disorder, a condition she claimed to suffer due to childhood sexual abuse. She even attempted to implicate her husband, Albert, in Gannon’s death, alleging his involvement with drug cartels and sex trafficking rings. However, these claims were dismissed as unfounded by the court, and a state mental hospital deemed her competent to stand trial.
The trial unfolded over five weeks, culminating on May 8, 2023. The prosecution presented a compelling case, featuring testimonies from Gannon's father, Letecia's former employers, family members, investigators, forensic experts, and state psychiatrists. In contrast, the defense presented only one witness—Dorothy Otnow Lewis, a psychiatrist specializing in dissociative identity disorder. The jury rejected Letecia’s insanity plea and the testimony of Otnow Lewis, finding Letecia guilty of all charges.
Judge Gregory Werner delivered a scathing verdict, sentencing Letecia Stauch to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, plus 156 years. In his closing remarks, Judge Werner described her actions as "the most horrific I have ever seen" and asserted that she deserved "the maximum sentence that I can impose according to Colorado law."
Sources
- Colorado Springs Gazette: "Letecia Stauch case timeline: Trial of murdered stepson Gannon nears end after 3 years" by Zachary Dupont
- ABC News: "The disappearance of Gannon Stauch: A timeline of the case" by Ella Torres and Clayton Sandell
- People: "Stepmother Sentenced to Life for Killing Colo. Boy Gannon Stauch" by Julia Moore
- CBS News: "Letecia Stauch murder trial begins three years after stepson Gannon Stauch disappeared"
- FOX21 News: "Letecia Stauch affidavit reveals disturbing details of stepson's death in Colorado Springs" by Lauren Scharf and Brandon Thompson
- The Independent: "A missing boy was found dead in a suitcase. His stepmom blamed a 'psychotic crack'" by Andrea Blanco
- NBC News: "Colorado woman found guilty of killing 11-year-old stepson"
For further information, refer to the Wikipedia page on Gannon Stauch.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Gannon Stauch Reported Missing
Gannon's stepmother reported him missing, claiming he left to walk to a friend's house.
Case Reclassified
Sheriff's office reclassified Gannon's case as a missing or endangered person after new evidence.
Letecia Stauch Arrested
Letecia Stauch was arrested in South Carolina on charges including first-degree murder.
Gannon's Remains Found
Gannon's remains were discovered under Escambia Bay Bridge in Florida.
Trial Verdict
Letecia Stauch was found guilty of all charges, including first-degree murder.
Sentencing
Letecia Stauch was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 156 years.