Mom Accused of Killing Toddler by Dropping Her from Hotel Balcony, Police Find 'Skinning' Knife Nearby

Mar. 15, 2025

Channel Yonko (left); and Hannah Yonko.

A Texas woman is under arrest after police allege she dropped her 17-month-old daughter from the balcony of a hotel, killing the child.

Hannah Yonko.

Doctors at the hospital allegedly told police Hannah had three puncture wounds, per the affidavit.

During their investigation, detectives retrieved security footage from the hotel showing Hannah falling from the third floor, “landing in the grass and rolling onto the concrete sidewalk,” the affidavit states. Police allege Channel “intentionally” dropped her.

A memorial for Hannah Yonko.KHOU 11

KHOU 11

At one point, she saw Channel at that hotel with a stroller, which Mercedes initially thought was carrying Hannah, she allegedly said. When Mercedes decided to go back to their hotel, Channel allegedly told her several times not to return, according to the affidavit.

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Channel is being held without bond at the Galveston County Jail, per police. While she reportedly declined to speak with police and asked for a lawyer, it wasn’t immediately clear who the lawyer is and whether a plea has been entered.

Anyone in the vicinity of the alleged crime who has video surveillance cameras is urged to review any footage for information that may help the investigation. Detectives investigating the case can be reached at 409-765-3777.

Others who feel they have potentially helpful information related to the case are urged to contact Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477) or visit their website atwww.galveston.crimestoppersweb.com.All tips are anonymous.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com