Hotel footage leads to murder charges against Galveston mother in connection with her toddler's death

GALVESTON — A mother is being held without bond after authorities say her young child died in a horrific incident captured on video surveillance footage from a Galveston hotel.

30-year-old broadcaster Jasmine Yonko has been charged with murder in the tragic death of her 17-month-old daughter Hannah Yonko.

Galveston police were responding to reports of an abandoned child near the 3300 block of 59th St. on Oct. 23 when they arrived around 9:45 a.m. and found the unresponsive child on the sidewalk near the Beach Front Palms Hotel . Despite immediate efforts to save her life, the child was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the trauma center at UTMB Galveston.

Investigators collected evidence, including footage from hotel surveillance cameras, that allegedly showed the child falling from the hotel's third-floor balcony before landing on the grass and rolling onto the sidewalk. Further examination revealed stab wounds on the child's body, although investigators said there were no stab wounds on either the child's clothing or the blanket in which he was wrapped.

BACKGROUND: Mother charged after 17-month-old daughter dies in Galveston

Officers arrested Channel, who was initially uncooperative, refusing to give her name and asking for an attorney. Her sister, Mercedes Yonko, told investigators they stayed at the hotel and Channel took care of her daughter. Mercedes noted that Channel had acted suspiciously on the morning of the incident and repeatedly told her not to return to the hotel.

Additional evidence, including a trash bag found in a hotel parking garage containing a knife, a hotel room key and children's items, further implicated Channel in her daughter's death.

The district attorney's office did not request bail for Yonko, a decision granted by Galveston County District Judge Kerry Neves.

Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli expressed his department's determination to achieve justice: “All children deserve to feel safe around their loved ones, especially their own mother.” We are committed to safety of all children in our community.”

The case will be presented to a grand jury for further review. Authorities are asking anyone with relevant information or surveillance footage from the area to contact Galveston police at 409-765-3777 or Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous.