Waco, TX – A Texas father has been sentenced to decades in prison after investigators discovered his 3-month-old son dead from starvation, describing the infant as appearing “like a skeleton” inside an unsafe and filthy motel room filled with weapons, drugs, and rotting food.
Child’s Death and the Start of the Investigation
The case began on Nov. 29, 2023, when Waco police were called to the New Road Inn in the 4000 block of North Frontage Road for a welfare check on a baby. Officers entered the motel room and found Baby Jacob Jeremiah Amon Harris, often referred to locally as Baby JJ, deceased due to what authorities described as prolonged starvation.
Details first surfaced through local reporting, including early coverage referenced in Waco-area media, which documented officers’ shock at the child’s condition.
Conditions Inside the Motel Room
Authorities described the room as unsanitary, dangerous, and unfit for any child. When officers entered, they found a space infested with cockroaches, littered with trash, and containing raw meat, drug paraphernalia, and an assortment of knives and swords.
Investigators reported that these dangerous items were within reach of the family’s 3-year-old daughter, who was found alive but neglected. She was immediately removed from the room and placed into safe custody.
Police also noted the absence of essential items needed for infant care.
- No baby formula for Jacob
- No real food appropriate for children
The only items resembling children’s food were a few juice boxes and packets of fruit snacks.
Parents’ Conduct During the Period of Starvation
According to a visitor who had seen the family prior to the child’s death, the father, Charles Devin Harris, was allegedly playing video games the entire time the person was inside the room. The mother, Skylynn Tuerk, was described as “nonchalant” about the baby’s lack of weight gain.
The witness eventually contacted Child Protective Services (CPS), reporting concerns that Baby JJ had not gained any weight since birth. The tip triggered the welfare check that ultimately uncovered the tragedy, though too late to save the infant.
Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings
On Thursday, District Judge Susan N. Kelly sentenced 27-year-old Harris to 40 years in state prison for injury to a child, with additional two-year sentences for endangering a child and possession of methamphetamine. All sentences will run concurrently, making the total effective sentence 40 years.
Harris will be eligible for parole after 20 years.
He accepted a plea deal that resulted in prosecutors dismissing a murder charge originally filed against him.
Judge Kelly previously sentenced the child’s mother, Skylynn Tuerk, to the same 40-year term, mirroring Harris’ punishment.
Statements from Prosecutors
Prosecutors expressed relief that both cases concluded without the need for a lengthy trial.
The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office said in a public statement:
“Bringing closure to this tragic situation can hopefully set everyone affected on the path toward healing.”
Broader Child Welfare Concerns
Cases like this highlight persistent challenges child welfare agencies face in identifying and responding to dangerous home environments before tragedies occur.
Authorities noted multiple warning signs in the Harris–Tuerk household, including untreated drug use, environmental hazards, and failure to provide basic nutrition.
Child neglect specialists point out that even short periods of severe starvation can be fatal for infants, whose bodies deteriorate rapidly without consistent feeding. In this case, officers described Jacob as “starving” and “looking like a skeleton,” a sign of extreme and prolonged malnutrition.
Safety Guidance for Community Members
Officials urge community members to report any concerns involving:
- Infants who appear dangerously underweight
- Caregivers showing signs of drug use or extreme disengagement
- Living environments that appear hazardous or unsanitary
Quick reporting can save lives when children are at risk.
Conclusion
The sentencing of both parents marks the end of a deeply disturbing case that shocked Waco-area residents. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role vigilant community members and welfare checks play in protecting vulnerable children.
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