John Hannon had a history of violent behavior against his children and their mother, Krystal Phillips. When his 11-month-old son, John “JJ” Teigue Hannon, went missing on February 7, 2026, Phillips immediately became concerned. She contacted the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico to report JJ missing. Investigators learned Hannon pushed the baby in a stroller off New Mexico 516 on February 7. Police located the stroller in a nearby ditch, but there was no sign of the child. On February 8, they made a tragic and gruesome discovery.
Hannon allegedly buried JJ alive.
According to court documents obtained by the Tri-City Record, investigators found JJ’s body partially buried in dirt. They reportedly saw his legs and torso and found Hannon’s shoe prints near the body. A doctor who examined JJ’s body said the baby had a skull fracture prior to his death. Tragically, experts believe Hannon buried JJ alive.
Hannon allegedly made a bizarre confession.
Court documents show Hannon told police that he buried JJ but “knew he was dead.” The father also allegedly said that “at one point in time I did love my kids,” but something in his life “changed,” the Record reported.
Just weeks before JJ’s death, police arrested Hannon after he reportedly drove under the influence of drugs, per the Durango Herald. He allegedly T-boned another vehicle at the intersection of Pinon Hills Boulevard and East Main Street. After the crash, he allegedly tried to plant methamphetamines in the car he hit.
Hannon had a long history of alleged domestic abuse.
Hannon had a history of violent behavior that began on September 4, 2024, after he reportedly struck Phillips’ 15-year-old son with a closed fist. A judge sentenced him to 181 days of probation, the Herald reported. This started a pattern of 911 calls for abusive and violent behaviors against the children and Phillips. Even though he reportedly skipped court appearances and continued the aggressive behavior, he only spent 84 days behind bars.
New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department spokesperson Jake Thompson confirmed the organization has “a history of involvement with this family,” the Record reported.
Hannon faces years in prison.
Per KOB 4, prosecutors charged Hannon with intentional child abuse resulting in death. According to New Mexico law, he faces a mandatory 18-year prison term if convicted but could receive even more time based on the victim’s age.
The story saddened Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari, who acknowledged his department in a statement obtained by KOB 4.
“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,” Ferrari shared in the statement.
He also expressed gratitude to all those involved.
“I want to thank our deputies, our detectives for the long hours worked and your dedication to this case. Many will never understand the toll this takes on your hearts and minds,” Ferrari added in the statement. “To the family of the baby, I give you our deepest condolences and we will be with you throughout the judicial process.”
If Hannon really is a violent repeat offender, he should not have been out of prison or around children. It’s a failure of the justice system, and JJ apparently paid the ultimate price for his father’s sins.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
