There’s an unofficial saying that floats around parenting circles: All of the “best” parents are the ones without kids. This simply means that childless people often harshly judge parents for how they are handling their kids, convinced they are capable of doing a better job. I know I was certainly guilty of it before I had a son. Actually having children changes at least 90% of people’s perspectives and judgments on other parents. There are so many situations that can occur with kids, it can be genuinely impossible to predict their every move.
The harshest lesson parents learn is often that taking your eye off them for even just a few moments can have deadly consequences. People recently reported that a New Mexico mom is likely grappling with some version of that reality. Within a few hours of reporting her 11-month-old baby missing, police found the child dead.
In a Facebook post shared on February 9, 2026, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office revealed the tragic update to the community. The post shared that an all-night search led to a gruesome discovery about 10 a.m., sparing the public any disturbing details about the state the infant was discovered in. It did note, however, that the body was found in a remote area in the Flora Vista community.
“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community,” San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari shared in the post. “We are working around the clock to gather evidence as to what and who was responsible for the death of this child. There is no threat to the public.”
The news had community members flooding the post’s comments with prayers and well-wishes for the family.
“This is devastating. Sending prayers,” one commenter simply wrote.
“Condolences to the family so sad that’s to young to be gone. Hope the truth is found,” added another person.
Some folks, however, speculated foul play was involved, pointing the finger at the parents for “not watching” the baby closely enough.
“How do you misplace your 11 month old. Prayers for the family? Prayers for the baby! this is so upsetting,” wrote one person.
But overall, the sentiments were positive and called for understanding.
“Definitely heartbreaking,” affirmed one commenter. “Please refrain from even trying to guess what might have happened! When the law enforcement agencies have a statement then we will be informed. Until then it’s best for everyone not to speculate! ‘If you would not want it done to you then it’s best not to do it to someone else!’”
According to KRQE, authorities are investigating the infant’s death as a homicide. Although no suspects were initially named, the baby’s father, John Hannon, has since been charged with child abuse resulting in death and tampering with evidence, after being arrested on another unrelated charge.
““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,” San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari expressed in a news release after the arrest.
