GALVESTON, TX – A devastating tragedy unfolded in Galveston as a young child lost her life after being found abandoned near Seawall Boulevard. Galveston police arrested 30-year-old Channel Yonko of Houston, who now faces charges of capital murder following the death of her 17-month-old daughter, Hannah Yonko.
Hannah was discovered alone on 59th Street, located between a supermarket and a hotel, around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Authorities immediately responded to reports of an unattended child and, upon arrival, performed emergency life-saving measures as they rushed her to UTMB Galveston’s trauma center. Unfortunately, the toddler succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli conveyed the gravity of the situation at a news conference, describing the incident as a “horrible crime” and emphasizing the department’s dedication to seeking justice for Hannah. Balli noted that Hannah’s death was due to bodily trauma and was not of natural causes, indicating there had been a fall and other injuries involved.
As they combed the scene for evidence, investigators discovered a pink floral blanket nearby, along with a shopping cart close to the sidewalk. During the investigation, 59th Street was temporarily closed to traffic, and surveillance footage, along with witness testimonies, led to the swift arrest of Channel Yonko at a nearby restaurant.
Yonko, now held at Galveston County Jail, appeared in probable cause court, where she was denied bond and requested a court-appointed lawyer.
The tragedy struck a chord within the community, leading residents to gather at the site where Hannah was found. Parents, along with their children, placed teddy bears on a grassy spot as a sign of mourning and support. Dawn Wagner, who organized a vigil near the location, was deeply impacted by the tragedy and emphasized that Hannah’s death resonated profoundly across the community.
As night fell, more residents congregated at the vigil to honor Hannah’s memory, offering prayers and shedding tears for the life lost so young. In a poignant moment of reflection, Wagner expressed her frustration, questioning why the child hadn’t been left in a safer place where someone else could have cared for her.