In a tragic incident, a 1-year-old girl was pronounced dead after being found abandoned near the Galveston Seawall. The Galveston Police Department discovered the infant, later identified as Hannah Yonko, in a roadway on 59th Street just off Seawall Boulevard. Authorities detained a person, later revealed to be the mother of the child, 30-year-old Channel Yonko, on charges of capital murder, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Yesterday morning, responders quickly transported the toddler to the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston's trauma center, as recounted by Brandon Uriba, who found the child. "When I made that turn, it was heartbreaking to see a precious, beautiful, perfect little girl laying there lifeless," Uriba told ABC13. The mother is now being held in the Galveston County Jail without bond.
Following the discovery of Hannah Yonko under a blanket and wearing pink pajamas, witnesses described the scene as harrowing. "She was bruised up and bleeding from her nose area," Uriba told ABC13. These details come amidst a broader discussion on the safety and security of children within our communities, with Galveston Chief of Police Doug Balli emphasizing the commitment of the local department to justice and protection for all children.
In a public outpouring of grief, a vigil was swiftly organized in the hours after Hannah's death, with attendance from concerned residents, law enforcement, and hospital personnel. "She's not trash. She matters," Dawn Wagoner, a resident of the island, stated passionately at the event, as reported by ABC13. The local community is still to fully grapple with the enormity of the tragedy as information continues to come to light.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with any information related to this case to come forward, asking them to contact Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477).
