Stepson murder trial: People V. Letecia Stauch

Who Was Involved

• Defendant: Letecia Stauch

• Victim: Gannon Stauch (11 years old)

• Location: El Paso County, Colorado

• Year of Crime: 2020

• Trial: 2023

Letecia was Gannon’s stepmother.

What Happened

In January 2020, Letecia reported Gannon missing from their home in Colorado Springs. She claimed he left to play with a friend and never returned.

Very quickly, investigators found inconsistencies in her story.

Prosecutors later alleged:

• Gannon was killed inside the home.

• He suffered multiple forms of violence (including blunt force trauma, stabbing, and a gunshot wound).

• Letecia transported his body across state lines.

• His remains were ultimately found months later in Florida under a bridge.

The case became national news almost immediately.

The Charges

Letecia Stauch was charged with:

• First-degree murder (after deliberation)

• First-degree murder (child under 12 by a person in a position of trust)

• Child abuse resulting in death

• Tampering with a deceased human body

• Tampering with physical evidence

The Defense Strategy: Insanity Plea

Unlike many high-profile cases, this one centered heavily on mental health.

Letecia pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The defense argued she suffered from severe mental illness, including dissociative identity disorder.

The prosecution countered with:

• Extensive evidence of planning and cover-up

• Jail calls and interviews showing manipulation

• Expert testimony disputing the insanity claim

The trial featured a battle of forensic psychologists.

The Prosecution’s Case

The state presented:

• Blood evidence inside the home

• Google searches and digital forensics

• Surveillance footage tracking her movements

• Evidence of her transporting Gannon’s body

• Recorded phone calls

The prosecution argued this was a calculated murder followed by elaborate deception.

The Verdict

The jury found Letecia Stauch:

• Guilty on all major counts

• Legally sane at the time of the crime

She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Why This Trial Was So Impactful

• The age of the victim.

• The brutality of the crime.

• The step-parent dynamic.

• The failed insanity defense.

• The emotional testimony from Gannon’s biological parents.

This case is often cited as one of the most significant failed insanity defenses in recent high-profile trials.