GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston police arrested a woman accused of leaving her child on the road just off Seawall Boulevard Wednesday morning. The 17-month-old girl was alive when she was found but she died at the hospital, Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said at a news conference.
After searching the area, checking surveillance cameras, and interviewing witnesses, police quickly arrested 30-year-old Channel Yonko, of Houston, at a nearby restaurant who will be charged with capital murder, according to Balli.
Yonko was being held at the Galveston County Jail. She appeared in probable cause court early Thursday morning. She was denied bond in the case and requested a court-appointed attorney.
Officers responded to the scene on 59th Street around 10 a.m. after receiving reports of an abandoned child, according to the Galveston Police Department. The toddler, later identified as Hannah Yonko, was found in the middle of the street between the Kroger and the Beachfront Palms Hotel.
"This is a horrible crime. All children deserve to feel safe when around loved ones, especially with their own mother,” Balli said. “The Galveston Police Department is committed to bringing justice for Hannah and ensuring the safety of all children in our community.”
Hannah still "had signs of life" and first responders performed life-saving measures as they rushed her to the emergency trauma center at UTMB Galveston. She died from bodily trauma a short time later, according to GPD.
Balli said it "definitely wasn't a natural death."
"There was a fall involved and there were other injuries," the police chief said. "It's tragic for everyone involved. No one ever wants to make this call."
59th Street was closed while crime scene investigators searched the area for clues. A pink floral blanket was found nearby. Investigators were also seen examining and taking photos of a shopping cart near the sidewalk.
One after another, families showed up to a grassy spot near where Hannah was found to show their support. Mothers and fathers brought their children and left teddy bears for Hannah.
"She matters. She matters to me," Dawn Wagner said.
Wagner was on her lunch break a few blocks away at the Hilton Hotel when she heard the news. She got on social media and planned a vigil at the site.
"Everyone on this island kind of grouped together and said, yes, she does matter, we'll be there," she said.
As the sun went down, more residents showed up at the site to pray and cry for the girl gone too soon.
"You could have left her anywhere. I would've taken her in a second. You didn't have to throw her out like trash," Wagner said.
Police are asking anyone in the area with surveillance cameras to review the footage and contact them if they have information related to this case. GPD detectives can be reached at 409-765-3736 or report tips to Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477) or online at www.galveston.crimestoppersweb.com. All tips are anonymous.
