Hannah Yonko was a 17-month-old child who was found dead on Wednesday, October 23. The little girl allegedly fell from a hotel balcony and lost her life due to the severe injuries that she suffered. According to the Galveston Police Department, Hannah's mother, Channel Yonko, 30, has been taken into custody as the suspect and charged with capital murder. She is currently being held in the Galveston County Jail.
The police department confirmed that they were reported about an abandoned child on Wednesday morning. The officers were dispatched at around 9:45 a.m. to the 3300 block of 59th Street off Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, Texas. When the officers arrived at the scene, they found the child, identified as Hannah Yonko, on the pavement. Hannah was immediately given medical assistance, but soon she was pronounced dead.
In a press release, the police department confirmed that Channel Yonko is being charged with capital murder. Their Facebook post read,
"The woman, identified as 30-year-old Channel Yonko of Houston is the mother of the deceased, Hannah Yonko. Channel Yonko is charged with capital murder, a charge accepted by the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office. Yonko is being held in the Galveston County Jail with no bond."
Chief Doug Balli called the incident a "horrible crime" and ensured that Hannah would receive justice.
“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 has refused to speak to the officers and asked for an attorney.
Why Channel is the suspect of Hannah Yonko's death?
According to a report by KPRC 2, court documents say that Channel was seen leaving the location, shortly after Hannah was found, asking for help while crying. She was soon taken to the police department. Per investigators, Channel's sister Mercedes also interviewed and revealed her sister and Hannah were staying at the Beach Front Palms hotel. She further alleged that when she went to meet her fiance, Channel stayed behind with Hannah.
When Channel allegedly arrived at Mercedes' location with a stroller, the latter found Hannah was not inside it. However, when Mercedes decided to return to the hotel, Channel repeatedly tried to stop her.
Besides Mercedes' claims, the officers also found a trash bag at the hotel's parking, per the documents. They allegedly found a key card, a skinning knife, some toys, kids' snacks, and diapers in the bag.
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The surveillance footage also revealed that a child's legs could be seen in the stroller when Channel was pushing it in the lobby. Another footage found Hannah falling from the third-floor balcony.
The police department has urged people in the vicinity of the crime scene if they have surveillance cameras. The footage might be helpful for Hannah Yonko's case.
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