Community starts fundraiser to help Gannon Stauch’s mom attend murder trial

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Community members touched by the death of 11-year-old Gannon Stauch have now started a GoFundMe to help Gannon's mother, Landen Hiott, travel from her home state of South Carolina to attend the trial.

Gannon disappeared from his Lorson Ranch home in January of 2020. His remains were found nearly two months later in Florida. His stepmother, Letecia Stauch, is facing first-degree murder charges for his death.

Hiott has already had to travel to Colorado several times in the aftermath of her son's death. As the trial keeps getting pushed further out following Letecia's legal indecision, Hiott's wait for justice in her son's death lengthens. The trial, which was supposed to begin in March, will now begin in September.

The GoFundMe will help Hiott afford expenses related to traveling and staying in Colorado Springs to attend the trial -- things like airfare, rental cars, hotel stays, and childcare for her children.

KRDO reached out to one of the community members helping with the GoFundMe, Karen Mancilla. She has spoken to Hiott a few times to offer help.

"I know that she's a single mom. I know mom and dad share a daughter that's here with dad," Mancilla said. "She can't be a millionaire, and this can't be easy, she never asks for anything."

Mancilla has also matched donations to the GoFundMe a few times on her Facebook.

"I have a soft spot for the mom, because she's out of state," Mancilla said. "I don't want her to get forgotten."

If you're interested in learning more about the GoFundMe, click here.