The mother of missing Colorado Springs boy Gannon Stauch is ready for justice after police announced they do not believe the child is alive.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Letishia “Tecia” Stauch has been arrested for first-degree murder and related charges in connection with the disappearance of her stepson, Gannon.
Tecia Stauch was the last known person to see Gannon alive before he vanished on January 27. He was last seen at his home in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood, near Colorado Springs.
During a Monday afternoon press conference, Gannon’s parents, Al Stauch and Landen Hiott, stood with tears in their eyes as officials announced that Gannon was likely deceased and a victim of foul play.
“While we have not yet found Gannon, information has been developed that is helping us narrow our search,” El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder said. “As you can see from the arrest, sadly, we do not believe Gannon is alive. Our work is only just beginning.”
Hiott gave an emotional speech about her only son, Gannon, who weighed less than two pounds at birth and was not expected to survive as a newborn. Hiott said her boy, who she affectionately referred to as “G-Man,” had a purpose and testimony in life.
“Today I got the worst news and the best news. Obviously we know what the worst news is, but the best news is that justice will be served,” Hiott during the Monday afternoon press conference. “And I’ll make sure of it. Because my boy did not deserve any of this that has happened to him,”
“Gannon is with us. After the stories from people all over the world, he’s not only my hero now, he’s the world’s hero. I thank the community for the positive support from a state I had never visited other than two or three times. I’m astounded by the amount of love.”
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacqueline Kirby teared up as she read Al Stauch’s written statement.
“The person who committed this heinous, horrible crime is one that I gave more to anyone else on this planet, and that is a burden that I will carry with me for a very long time…My little boy is not coming home. We will never play Nintendo again. No more taco Tuesdays. No more smooth looking haircuts. No more Big Bubba. And, no more G-man for the world.”
Watch the full press conference below via Colorado’s FOX 31.
Announcement on Gannon Stauch Disappearance
WATCH LIVE: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is making a major announcement on the disappearance of Gannon Stauch. You can also watch live on FOX31
Posted by FOX31 KDVR.com on Monday, March 2, 2020
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Tecia Stauch was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Stauch previously told CrimeOnline she left for South Carolina after getting death threats in Colorado Springs.
El Paso SO said that Stauch is facing several felony charges, including,
- Murder in the First-Degree (Child Under Twelve-Position of Trust §18-3-102(1)(f))
- Child Abuse Resulting in Death §18-6-401(1)(a), (7)(A)(I)
- Tampering with a Deceased Human Body, §18-8-610.5
- Tampering with Physical Evidence, §18-8-610(1)(a)
Stauch remains behind bars without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County, South Carolina. She’s expected to be extradited to Colorado Springs.
PART ONE: Tecia Stauch Interview
PART TWO: Tecia Stauch Interview
CLICK HERE to see all of our coverage on Gannon Stauch
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[Feature Photo: Tecia Stauch/Police Handout; Gannon Stauch/Handout]
