Texas Mother Faces Charges For Allegedly Dropping Her Toddler From Third-Floor Hotel Balcony

October 24, 2024

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Police arrested a Texas woman, accusing her of dropping her 17-month-old daughter from a hotel balcony, resulting in the child’s death. Galveston Police have charged Channel Yonko with capital murder for the alleged death of her daughter, Hannah Yonko, according to KHOU11.

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Details On Texas Mother Accused Of Taking Her Toddler, Hannah Yonko’s Life At Hotel

PEOPLE reports that police in Galveston, Texas, discovered a 17-month-old child severely injured on Wednesday, October 23. Authorities responded to reports of an “unresponsive bleeding child” found on a sidewalk between the Kroger and Beachfront Palms Hotel. Police identified the child as Hannah Yonko, who was taken to the hospital but later died. Allegedly, doctors found three punctured wounds on Hannah’s body. During the investigation, detectives reviewed security footage showing Hannah falling from the hotel’s third-floor balcony and onto the grass before rolling onto the sidewalk. Police reportedly claim that Channel Yonko “intentionally” dropped her daughter.

Channel and her sister, Mercedes Yonko, had been staying at the hotel with Hannah prior to the incident, per ABC13. Mercedes claimed that on Oct. 23, they were all preparing to check out of the hotel when she stepped away to visit her fiancé at a nearby hotel. During that time, she purportedly mentioned seeing Channel at the hotel with a stroller, which she believed had Hannah inside. When Mercedes tried to return Channel allegedly repeatedly insisted that she stay away.

When officers found Channel close by, she was reportedly crying for help and mentioned concerns about Hannah’s health. PEOPLE states that police discovered a trash bin near the hotel containing Channel’s room key, a “skinning” knife, toys, and children’s snacks, along with other items.

More Details On Channel Yonko’s Charges & What’s Next For Her

Channel Yonko reportedly appeared in court on Thursday, October 24, facing charges in connection to her daughter, Hannah’s death. Fox26Houston states Channel was taken back into custody and is currently being held without bond at Galveston County Jail.

Galveston Police Department Chief Doug Balli shared his heartbreak over Hannah’s tragic death and emphasized their determination to pursue justice for her. He also noted that Hannah’s death was clearly not due to natural causes.

“This is a horrible crime. All children deserve to feel safe when around loved ones, especially with their own mother,” GPD Chief Doug Balli stated. “The Galveston Police Department is committed to bringing justice for Hannah and ensuring the safety of all children in our community.”