Texas mom ‘intentionally drops’ 17-month-old daughter from third-story balcony and ‘leaves her to die’
A mother from Texas is currently in court after being accused of a shocking act: allegedly dropping her 17-month-old daughter from a third-floor hotel balcony in Galveston and abandoning her after the fall.
The woman, identified as 30-year-old Channel Yonko, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of her young daughter, Hannah Yonko. Police have reported that Channel is being held without the option of bail, given the gravity of the charges.
According to an affidavit detailing her arrest, the tragic incident occurred in a hotel room in Galveston. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured the horrifying moment when little Hannah, who was just under a year and a half old, fell from the hotel’s third floor down to the ground below. When emergency responders arrived, they rushed her to the trauma center at UTMB Galveston, but unfortunately, the young girl was pronounced dead shortly after.
Police officers investigating the case discovered three puncture wounds on the child, adding to the disturbing nature of the case. Thanks to quick investigative efforts and patrol responses, police were able to identify Channel Yonko as the primary suspect. Officers found her wandering approximately half a mile from the hotel. When they approached her, she initially claimed her daughter was ill and began acting erratically, crying uncontrollably. At the police station, she became uncooperative, refusing to provide her name or any additional details to the officers.
Channel’s sister was later contacted by police. She revealed that she had seen Channel earlier that day, pushing a stroller outside the hotel and assuming Hannah was inside. Channel had reportedly given her sister an ominous warning, saying, “Don’t go back to the hotel.” This interaction raised further suspicions, leading the sister to reach out to authorities.
As they continued their investigation, police searched the hotel room that Channel had occupied. Inside, they found several critical pieces of evidence, including a garbage bag containing a room key, a black-handled knife, children’s items, diapers, and some snacks. This evidence, along with surveillance footage showing Channel with her daughter in a stroller before the alleged incident, helped piece together the events leading up to Hannah’s death.
Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli expressed his sorrow over the case, describing it as a deeply disturbing crime. “All children deserve to feel safe around those who care for them, especially with their own mother,” Balli said. “The Galveston Police Department is committed to pursuing justice for Hannah and ensuring the safety of children in our community.”
Local police are urging residents to assist with the investigation by checking any security cameras they might have for additional footage related to the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Galveston police detectives at (409) 765-3777.
