Three months after the killing of 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle, a Jefferson Parish grand jury has indicted 43-year-old Bunnak “Hannah” Landon on first-degree murder charges. Landon, additionally charged with two counts of obstruction of justice, allegedly disposed of Bella’s body and buried her cellphone to mislead investigators.
The prosecution will not seek the death penalty, as confirmed by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office. Landon, who was in a relationship with Bella’s father, resided at the same Harahan address where the child was purportedly murdered on April 25. Bella’s grandmother, who last saw her alive that evening, stated that everything seemed normal when she left the house around 7:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage from Bella’s residence showed a woman, believed to be Landon, retrieving a bucket and later placing Bella’s body inside. This bucket was found outside Bella’s biological mother’s home. Additionally, Landon buried her cell phone nearby before heading to the Harahan Police Department. Her erratic behavior there resulted in a mental evaluation at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie.
Upon returning home after Landon had left, Bella’s father, unaware of the unfolding events, went to bed. He only realized their absence the next morning. Bella’s body was discovered by police at 7:30 a.m., leading to Landon’s arrest at the hospital hours later.
While the motive remains unclear, past conflicts between Landon and Bella’s biological mother are on record. Bella’s father has been absolved of any involvement. Landon’s bail stands at $2.5 million, with her detention at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
