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How Killer Stepmom Traveled 1,300 Miles to Dispose of Stepson's Body -- During a Nationwide Manhunt

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:04 GMT by People
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Florida Mother Accused in the Murder of Stepson After Body Discovered in Dump

In a chilling case that has gripped the state of Florida, authorities have arrested Letecia Stauch on murder charges after the body of her 16‑year‑old stepson, Gannon C., was found in a dumpster in the Tampa Bay area. The discovery came after an extensive manhunt that spanned several days, during which police combed neighborhoods, interrogated witnesses, and reviewed surveillance footage.

The Mysterious Disappearance

Gannon C., a senior at West Lake High School, was reported missing by his parents on the evening of March 12, 2024, after he failed to return from a school event. His mother, Letecia Stauch, and her husband, who had adopted Gannon years earlier, were devastated when no one could locate the teenager. The police immediately launched a search, but the initial efforts yielded no leads.

Over the next few days, community members, who had seen Gannon walking to a nearby convenience store, described him as “well‑behaved” and “quiet.” Social media posts calling for anyone with information to come forward went largely unanswered, deepening the sense of dread among the local residents.

A Harrowing Discovery

On March 18, a local sanitation worker reported a suspicious object in a dumpster behind a 24‑hour convenience store in the East River neighborhood of Tampa. Police were dispatched immediately and found a partially dismembered body, which was quickly identified as Gannon C. by forensic evidence and a missing person report. The condition of the body led investigators to believe that the victim had been murdered and that the perpetrator attempted to conceal the crime.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was called in to conduct a forensic examination. The FDLE’s crime lab confirmed that the body had sustained blunt force trauma consistent with a severe assault. In addition, the presence of defensive wounds on Gannon’s forearms and the absence of his shoes suggested that he had been restrained and beaten to death before being placed in the dumpster.

Arrest and Charges

Following the body’s identification, investigators turned their attention to Letecia Stauch, who was living with the family in a suburban house in the same East River district. An FDLE search warrant was obtained for her home, and on March 20, police located Stauch at a nearby motel. She was taken into custody without incident. In a statement released by the FDLE, investigators said they had evidence linking Stauch to the murder, including CCTV footage showing her entering the dumpster area at the time of the body’s discovery and forensic DNA that matched the victim’s samples.

On March 21, the State Attorney’s Office charged Letecia Stauch with first‑degree murder. In a brief press conference, the State Attorney said, “The evidence points unequivocally to Ms. Stauch as the person responsible for the heinous act of killing Gannon and then attempting to conceal the crime. We are pursuing the maximum penalty under Florida law.”

The Mother’s Background

Letecia Stauch, 39, is a former school teacher who had been living in Florida for the past decade. Prior to this case, she had no criminal record and had been described by neighbors as “friendly” and “quiet.” However, her personal life had been tumultuous. According to court documents, Stauch had been in a long‑term relationship with Gannon’s adoptive father before they married. Some witnesses suggested that the family had experienced domestic disputes, though no prior incidents were reported to the police.

Community Response and Legal Proceedings

The discovery of the body and subsequent arrest of Letecia Stauch has sparked a wave of reaction from the community. A vigil was held in the East River park, where several classmates of Gannon, including his best friend, spoke about the loss. “He was a good kid,” one attendee said. “It’s a tragedy.”

The legal process is expected to be prolonged. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 5, where the prosecution will present evidence collected from the dumpster, CCTV footage, and forensic reports. If the court determines that the evidence is sufficient, the case will advance to trial, where the prosecution will seek a conviction for first‑degree murder, potentially resulting in a life sentence without parole.

Investigative Updates

The FDLE has released a statement urging anyone who might have information about the case to contact the Tampa Police Department. They also thanked the community for its cooperation. In a separate development, the FDLE has announced a partnership with a local crime‑scene forensic team that has specialized in similar cases, stating that they will utilize advanced imaging and DNA testing techniques to gather any residual evidence that may help explain the motive behind the crime.

Conclusion

The case of Letecia Stauch and the murder of her stepson Gannon C. underscores the importance of community vigilance and thorough investigative procedures. While the family mourns a tragic loss, the swift action by law enforcement has brought a suspect to justice and provided a measure of closure for a community stunned by the violent death of a young teenager. The case remains open for further inquiries as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to Gannon’s death, ensuring that the full story is brought to light in a court of law.