News Summary
Bunnak ‘Hannah’ Landon has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the tragic death of six-year-old Bella Fontenelle. The case shocked the Harahan community, as evidence revealed Landon’s premeditation and troubling behavior surrounding the crime. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before delivering the verdict, and sentencing is set for May 6.
Harahan, Louisiana – Bunnak “Hannah” Landon, 45, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter, Bella Fontenelle. The jury delivered its unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberation, following three days of testimony and evidence presentation.
On April 25, 2023, Bella’s lifeless body was discovered stuffed into a 13-gallon chlorine bucket on the front lawn of her biological mother, Jennifer Zeledon. The harrowing nature of the case shocked the community, particularly after surveillance footage revealed Landon pulling the bucket containing Bella’s body in a wagon down the street.
The prosecution argued that Landon’s actions were premeditated and indicative of her understanding of the heinous nature of her crime. They presented evidence of Landon’s behavior leading up to and following the murder, including her attempts to maintain normalcy by texting her boyfriend about routine family matters as if nothing was wrong. This behavior, they contended, demonstrated her lucidity and awareness immediately after committing the crime.
In contrast, the defense claimed that Landon was mentally ill at the time of the murder and not legally sane. Landon had been diagnosed with multiple personality disorders that impaired her empathy and heightened fears of abandonment by her boyfriend, Michael Fontenelle. On the day of the murder, Fontenelle had reportedly sent Landon a stern text message after Bella expressed fears about living with her, calling Landon “mean” to her. This was part of the family’s growing concern for Bella’s wellbeing, as they sought help for her anxiety regarding her living situation.
In the wake of the murder, Landon’s behavior became increasingly troubling. Paramedics and medical staff observed that she exhibited disorientation and made bizarre statements, leading some to interpret her actions as symptomatic of a mental health crisis. Following the incident, Landon buried her cell phone and subsequently claimed to have experienced a psychotic episode, further adding complexity to her defense.
Despite the defense’s claims, key evidence pointed towards Landon’s calculated behavior. Prosecutors highlighted that Landon had conducted online research for a criminal defense attorney a mere few hours before Bella’s death, arguing that such actions indicated her awareness of the wrongfulness of her conduct. They characterized her as “evil,” capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong.
As part of the trial, the jury also considered the emotional context of the case, especially how Bella had expressed her fears and complaints regarding Landon’s treatment of her. Testimonies revealed that Bella’s family had been worried about her safety and happiness living with Landon, whom Bella allegedly described as mean. This knowledge contributed to the gravity of the prosecution’s argument, suggesting severe and premeditated actions on Landon’s part.
Landon now faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole or probation. The sentencing is scheduled for May 6, where the court will also address her convictions for two counts of obstruction of justice related to the murder.
The trial and verdict have drawn significant attention, focusing on issues surrounding mental health, child safety, and the judicial process. As the community grapples with the ramifications of this tragic case, the emphasis remains on justice for Bella Fontenelle and ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Hannah Landon Declines to Testify in Bella Fontenelle Murder Trial
- Wikipedia: Murder of Bella Fontenelle
- Fox8Live: She Remembers Blood – Defense Claims Psychotic Break in Bella Fontenelle Murder Trial
- Google Search: Bella Fontenelle Murder Trial
- NOLA: Mom and Dad Testify in Bella Fontenelle Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
