‘Disturbing’ new details uncovered in Bella Fontenelle homicide trial

HARAHAN, La. (WGNO) — Opening statements have begun for the woman on trial accused of murdering a 6-year-old girl in Harahan in 2023.

On Tuesday, April 29, jurors heard “disturbing” details about the days leading up to Bella Fontenelle’s death as prosecutors laid out their case against Hannah Bunnak Landon.

The state says Landon was reportedly dating Fontanelle’s father, Michael Fontenelle after meeting at a strip club and moved in with him shortly after.

Bella, who was in Pre-K at the time, began telling teachers that Landon was mean to her.

Educators documented daily crying spells, anxiety and distress at the thought of having to go home with her father.

Bella was eventually placed in counseling where she continued to say “Miss Hannah is mean to me,” but never disclosed specific abuse.

During what would be her last counseling session on April 24, 2023, she told her father that Landon was mean. When he asked for examples, she shut down, according to testimony.

Prosecutors said the next day, Landon allegedly strangled Bella and left her body in a chlorine bucket on her mother’s front lawn.

Tuesday, the defense told the court that Landon was mentally unstable and didn’t understand her actions. They said she willingly walked into a police station and could barely recall her family’s names or ways to contact them.

Bella’s mother took the stand to tell the court how Bella cried often in Pre-K and would frequently come home upset.

Latest Posts