Lauren Scharf and Daniela Leon
48 mins ago
“EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — Letecia Stauch’s extradition back to Colorado was completed Thursday morning.
Stauch is charged with first degree murder and more, in connection to the disappearance of her stepson, Gannon Stauch.
Stauch was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Monday and arrived in El Paso County around 9 a.m. Thursday. She’s being held without bond.
Stauch did make an unexpected stop during that drive, in Saline County, Kansas, where she spent the night Wednesday.
Public Defender Kathryn Strobel and Letecia Stauch in El Paso County
On Thursday afternoon, an El Paso County judge advised Stauch of the charges against her, which include first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.
Gannon Stauch’s biological parents listened in from a separate room at the courthouse.
All of the documents regarding this case remain sealed.
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On Monday afternoon, a spokesman for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said they’ll continue to search for the missing boy’s body, noting the investigation has only just begun.
‘As you can see from the arrest, sadly, we do not believe Gannon is alive,’ said Lieutenant Mitch Mihalko.
‘I make this promise,’ Sheriff Bill Elder said Monday. ’This team will continue its work, these partners will remain steadfast and diligent until the conclusion and final prosecution of this case.’
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Letecia Stauch in custody in Colorado, first court appearance set