The mother of a 17-month-old girl who died after being found abandoned near the Galveston Seawall was arrested and charged on Wednesday, police said.
According to the Galveston Police Department, 30-year-old Channel Yonko has been charged with capital murder after her daughter succumbed to traumatic injuries that authorities believe were inflicted by Yonko.
Police received a call around 9:45 a.m. reporting an abandoned child in the middle of the road near the Kroger store at 59th Street and Seawall Boulevard.
Brandon Uriba, the man who first discovered the child, described the heartbreaking scene: “When I made that turn, it was devastating to see a precious, beautiful, perfect little girl laying there lifeless.”
Uriba said the toddler was under a blanket and wearing pink pajamas.
Although the child was still alive when she was found, she was rushed to the trauma center at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. Galveston police later reported that she had suffered multiple traumatic injuries.
“She was bruised and bleeding from her nose area,” Uriba added.
In an update later that day, police identified the toddler as Hannah Yonko and confirmed that she died at the hospital.
A vigil was held in her memory, attended by residents, law enforcement officers, and hospital staff.
“She’s not trash. She matters,” said Dawn Wagoner, a local resident. “She matters to the people of Galveston.”
Yonko is currently being held at the Galveston County Jail without bond.
“This is a horrific crime. Every child deserves to feel safe, especially around their mother,” said Chief Doug Balli. “The Galveston Police Department is determined to bring justice for Hannah and protect the children in our community.”
