By A Texas mother, identified as Channel Yonko, 30, has been arrested and charged with capital murder after allegedly dropping her 17-month-old daughter, Hannah Yonko, from a third-story hotel balcony in Galveston, resulting in the toddler’s death.
According to a press release and affidavit from the Galveston Police Department, officers responded to reports of an “abandoned child” and “unresponsive child bleeding” on Wednesday morning. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the toddler, later identified as Hannah, wrapped in a blanket on the pavement, with a “small pool of blood on the street.” Emergency responders rushed Hannah to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.
The affidavit states that detectives learned at the hospital that three puncture wounds were found on Hannah’s body. After releasing a description of Hannah’s mother, police located Channel, who was reportedly “crying” and asking the officer “for help.” According to the affidavit, Channel made comments about her daughter possibly being sick and requested a lawyer during questioning.
Investigators interviewed Channel’s sister, Mercedes Yonko, who was staying with Channel and Hannah in room 217 at the Beachfront Palms Hotel. Mercedes told officers that she had left the hotel on Wednesday morning to talk to her fiancé at The Victorian, and later encountered Channel pushing a stroller, but did not see Hannah inside. When Mercedes planned to return to the hotel, Channel allegedly advised her not to, repeating the warning several times, which Mercedes found odd.
Police discovered a trash bag in a garbage bin in the parking garage near where Hannah’s body was found. The bag contained a key card for room 217, a “skinning” knife, plastic beach toys, unopened kids snacks, and diapers.
Surveillance video obtained by police allegedly showed Channel pushing Hannah in a stroller and captured the toddler’s fatal fall from what appeared to be the third floor, landing on the grass before rolling onto the concrete sidewalk where she was found.
The affidavit notes that while Hannah had three puncture wounds on her back, they were not found on her clothes or the blankets she was wrapped in. Police believe that Channel “intentionally and knowingly” killed her daughter by “intentionally dropping” her from the balcony.
Galveston Police Department Chief Doug Balli stated, “This is a horrible crime. All children deserve to feel safe when around loved ones, especially with their own mother. The Galveston Police Department is committed to bringing justice for Hannah and ensuring the safety of all children in our community.”
Channel Yonko is being held without bail at the Galveston County Jail as the investigation continues. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences and demanding justice for the young victim.
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