Texas Mother Charged with Capital Murder After Stabbing and Dropping 17-Month-Old Baby from Balcony

In a chilling incident, a Texas mother stands accused of dropping her 17-month-old daughter from a hotel balcony, fatally injuring the child.

Channel Yonko of Houston has been charged with capital murder following the tragic events in Galveston, Texas, according to the local police department and a probable cause affidavit.

On Wednesday, October 23rd, Galveston Police responded to a report of an “unresponsive child bleeding” on the pavement outside a hotel. They discovered the young victim, identified as Hannah Yonko, lying in a pool of blood. Emergency personnel transported the toddler to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation by authorities revealed disturbing evidence. Security footage from the Beach Front Palms Hotel reportedly captured Hannah falling from a third-floor balcony. According to police, Channel “intentionally” dropped her daughter, who landed on the grass before rolling onto the concrete sidewalk.

Inside a trash bin in the hotel’s garage, police uncovered a bag containing Channel’s hotel room key, a knife, children’s toys, and snacks. Medical professionals who examined Hannah reported three puncture wounds, suggesting an earlier stabbing before the fall.

Family members provided additional insight into the events leading up to the alleged crime. Channel’s sister, Mercedes Yonko, told investigators that they were preparing to check out of the hotel on Wednesday morning. Mercedes briefly left to visit her fiancé at a nearby hotel and later saw Channel with a stroller she assumed contained Hannah. However, when Mercedes attempted to return to the hotel, Channel allegedly discouraged her, insisting she stay away.

Channel has a prior history with CPS, seemingly involving a separate child who lives with her father. That case does not include Hannah Yonko. Channel is currently being held without bond in the Galveston County Jail and has declined to speak with investigators, requesting legal representation instead.