Gannon Stauch’s stepmother makes first court appearance in South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (KRDO) - The stepmother accused of killing 11-year-old Gannon Stauch made her first appearance in a South Carolina courtroom Tuesday morning.

According to the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Leticia Stauch agreed to waive extradition and return to Colorado, where she faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, tampering with a deceased human body, and tampering with evidence. Authorities in El Paso County will have several weeks to travel to Myrtle Beach and take Stauch to Colorado.

The Sun News is also reporting that Stauch implied that her arrest in Myrtle Beach occured during a traffic stop Monday. She's being held without bond in Horry County.

Stauch was the first to report Gannon's disappearance on Jan. 27. She claimed that the boy had gone to a friend's house and never came home. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office determined Gannon was missing and endangered three days later. The Sheriff's Office conducted several searches in the Lorson Ranch area, near Stratmoor Valley, and in southern Douglas County.

During a press conference Monday, law enforcement said that they don't believe Gannon is still alive. His body has yet to be found.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. Stay with KRDO Newschannel 13 for the latest developments.