A Texas jury has convicted a Houston mother of capital murder in the death of her 17-month-old daughter after prosecutors said she stabbed the toddler and threw her from a hotel balcony. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, after prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty.

​The defendant, Channel Yonko of Houston, was found guilty on Friday in connection with the death of her daughter, 17-month-old Hannah Yonko. Prosecutors said the child was fatally injured after being thrown from the third-floor balcony of the Beachfront Palms Hotel, located in Galveston, Texas.

​Police responded to reports of an injured child at approximately 9:45 a.m. on 23 October 2024, discovering the toddler on the pavement outside the hotel, in the 3300 block of 59th Street just off Seawall Boulevard.

Officers found Hannah severely injured, but hanging on to dear life. She was immediately rushed to a nearby trauma centre but later died, perPeople.

​Court documents revealed that the child had sustained three stab wounds before the fall, and surveillance footage showed the moment she was thrown from the balcony by her 30-year-old mother.

Investigators also found a trash bag in the hotel's parking garage containing a 'skinning' knife, some toys, snacks, and a room key card, which authorities linked to Yonko's hotel room.

​Authorities found and apprehended Yonko near the hotel, visibly distressed and crying.

​Prosecutors told the jurors the evidence demonstrated the killing was deliberate, while thedefence argued that Yonko was legally insaneat the time of the crime. The defence presented testimony about her mental health, including claims she believed she was freeing her daughter from demonic possession.

​The forensic psychiatrist assigned to Yonko's case, Dr Edward Gripon, testified on Thursday and told the court that Yonko told him she stabbed Hannah three times to free her from evil spirits, before hurling her from the balcony to 'send her to heaven and free her from her torment.'

Dr Gripon said he diagnosed Yonko with Major Depressive Disorder, possibly resulting in psychosis, as it was left untreated.

Source: International Business Times UK