Gannon’s stepmom faces new charges after body found 2,000 miles from his home
GANNON Stauch’s stepmom is facing new charges after the 11-year-old’s body was found in Florida – 2,000 miles from his Colorado home.
Letecia “Tecia” Stauch allegedly after reporting him missing on January 27.
Stauch is now looking at a first-degree murder charge with intent and deliberation, which could carry a life sentence without parole.
Eight other “crime of violence” charges against have also been leveled against her, which could also increase the her sentence if she is found guilty.
The El Paso County District Attorney's office made the announcement on Friday afternoon after the little boy's .
Senior DA Michael Allen told the latest development in Stauch's case "absolutely changes things."
“These new charges are added to the original four charges that we originally filed in this case,” Allen said, adding that authorities believe Gannon's brutal murder happened in Colorado.
“We have jurisdictional requirements, so we couldn’t charge it if we didn’t think that [the boy's murder] occurred here in our jurisdiction."
Allen said these related to the alleged use of a "firearm, a blunt instrument, a knife or other sharp object."
During a televised press conference on Friday, the attorney would not reveal what investigators believe happened to the little boy.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office in Colorado said today that the remains found in Florida have been "tentatively" identified as Gannon.
The sheriff's office previously said there is a gag order in effect for this case so they cannot go into any details.
Gannon's dad, Albert Stauch, recounted after his son went missing how he had been born weighing only one pound and six ounces.
“Even today he’s still our miracle child," he told the . "He still is and he’s such a happy child and he just brings life to every party."
“His smile, even today, is keeping us going. His infectious smile brings me joy every time I think about it.”
Stauch's mom, Landen Hiott, told ABC News in South Carolina, where he spent the majority of his short life.
Gannon's dad against Stauch after her publicized arrest, PEOPLE reports.
His estranged wife was taken into custody earlier this month in South Carolina following an intense search.
El Paso County Sheriff said the office was contacted by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after they responded to a call about a dead male in Pace, according to a press release.
Although Gannon was initially thought to be a runaway
Cops indicated Stauch may have been in Florida from February 3 to February 5.
Authorities believe she was with Gannon at their Colorado home when he went missing but he hasn't been seen since.
She told investigators that Gannon was going to a friend's house.
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Surveillance video captured by one of Stauch's neighbors revealed she left with Gannon in a truck before returning four hours later in what looked to be an empty vehicle.
Her next court appearance is set for April 14 in Colorado Springs.
Anyone who may have seen Letecia Stauch in Pace or Pensacola in early February is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (719) 520-6666 or email [email protected].
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