A father from New Mexico is confronting severe criminal charges following allegations that he buried his infant son alive in a ditch and then deceitfully informed the boy's mother that the child was with his grandmother. John Hannon, aged 43, is accused of committing this horrific act in February after taking his eleven-month-old son, John Teigue 'JJ' Hannon, for a walk.
Discovery of the Tragic Incident
According to reports from the Durango Herald, Hannon returned from the walk without his son, claiming he had left JJ in the care of his mother who resides in Colorado. The boy's mother, Krystal Phillips, reported JJ missing just after 9:30 PM on February 8, after Hannon allegedly refused to provide any evidence regarding the infant's location, as detailed in an affidavit reviewed by the outlet.
On February 9, the infant was discovered with his head and left arm buried in dirt, suffering from a fractured skull and dirt in his airways, according to an autopsy report. A doctor who examined the child stated that JJ was likely buried alive, the Herald reported. The boy's stroller was found in a ditch along New Mexico 516, where Hannon had been walking with his son, and JJ's footprint was also located near the burial site.
Police Interview and Disturbing Admissions
During an interview with law enforcement, Hannon was questioned about whether he had ever harmed JJ, which he denied, as reported by KOB4. However, when an officer asked why JJ was missing and if he was injured, Hannon responded, 'Yes, he's hurt bad.' Deputies then inquired if he had struck the child, to which Hannon replied, 'No, not technically,' before confirming that he told officers he left JJ because he 'knew he was dead.'
In the affidavit, Hannon claimed he had 'made a mistake,' and that 'at one point in time' he did love his children but had 'changed.' San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari expressed the community's heartbreak in a department release, stating, 'We are heartbroken over the loss of a young life in our community.' He added, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child. We are investigating this incident to our fullest capabilities and will relentlessly pursue justice.'
History of Violence and Prior Charges
Hannon was arrested following a welfare check on unrelated charges, found by deputies hiding under a blanket in an RV, according to KOB4. Court records reveal a history of violence, including spending 84 days behind bars for multiple charges in 2024. The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department confirmed that Hannon and his family were known to the agency, with a 'history of involvement.'
In September 2024, Hannon was charged with striking Phillips' 15-year-old son in the eye with his fist and pushing Phillips, as per the affidavit. Four days after pleading no contest and receiving 181 days of probation, police were called to his home due to reports of 'yelling and cussing.' He was later charged with false imprisonment, resisting arrest, concealing his identity, and possession of drug paraphernalia, pleading guilty to resisting and possession on October 9 and receiving 364 days of supervised probation.
Six days later, police responded to domestic violence reports at his home, and again three days after that. A child of Phillips told officers that their mother's head was 'slammed' into a baby's crib, though aggravated battery charges were dismissed. Previous charges include a misdemeanor DWI from a January car crash where Hannon allegedly T-boned another vehicle while under the influence of drugs and attempted to plant a bag of meth in the struck car.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Phillips had filed for a protection order against Hannon for herself and her children, but it was dismissed after she did not appear in court. Sheriff Ferrari criticized the situation, telling the Tri-City Record, 'This is another example of New Mexico's failed criminal justice system.' In a statement, he emphasized, '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.'
Hannon has been charged with felony child abuse resulting in death and second-degree tampering with evidence. He is scheduled to appear in court next week, as the investigation continues to unfold, highlighting the profound impact on the local community and the ongoing pursuit of justice for the young victim.
