30-year-old found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old son
Published by RawNews1st
On February 9, 2026, a jury found 30-year-old Abraham Duran Leon guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old son, Fernando Leon III. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
On April 2, 2024, officers responded to the Rodeway Inn in Hays, Kansas after reports of an unresponsive infant. When first responders arrived, Fernando was not breathing. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures before transporting him to Hays Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
During the investigation, the Ellis County Coroner’s Office determined that methamphetamines were present in Fernando’s system and ruled the infant’s death a homicide caused by methamphetamine toxicity.
Following the incident, Leon was initially arrested on charges of interfering with law enforcement. He was released days later while the investigation continued.
Fernando’s mother, Brandi Niehoff, was not suspected in his death. However, court records show she was previously convicted of aggravated child endangerment in connection with the death of Fernando’s older brother.
Leon’s criminal history includes prior convictions for drug possession, criminal threat, and voluntary sexual intercourse with a child. Online court records also show two pending felony cases — one for criminal damage to property and interference with law enforcement, and another for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
