COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Scripps News Colorado Springs) — Testimony resumes Monday in the murder trial of an El Paso County woman accused of killing her stepson in 2020 and dumping the body in Florida.
Letecia Stauch is in the El Paso County jail on a charge of first degree murder. (El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)
On Friday, jurors in the Letecia Stauch trial learned more about the evidence in the case, including the suitcase Gannon Stauch’s body was found in, the 12-hour stay at a Florida hotel a week after her stepson disappeared, the local school she just got hired at, and suspicious text messages with her neighbor.
Stauch has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in this case.
READ MORE: CO v. Letecia Stauch: Daily Trial Updates
Among the witnesses called to testify by the prosecution on Friday was Lt. Jason Hess with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Hess said he was part of the investigation early on when Gannon was reported missing. On January 28, he had a phone conversation with Letecia, who told him Gannon had not returned home and she didn’t have any new information.
FILE – Gannon Stauch (NCMEC)
Hess described responding to more than 30 calls throughout his career about a runway or missing child. He said emotional reactions can vary, but in similar situations to Gannon’s, when a young boy is missing overnight, the parent’s emotions are more visible and present.
WATCH: Lieutenant Testifies To Search For Gannon
Hess was asked by the prosecution if Letecia appeared to be suffering from any mental illnesses, and Hess said “no.” He added that she would answer his questions logically, and understand what questions he was asking her.
The defense began their cross-examination of Hess and asked him how many people he’s met who suffer from a dissociative identity disorder. He said he doesn’t believe he’s met any.
This story was originally published April 10, 2023 by KOAA in Colorado Springs, an E.W. Scripps Company.
