Waco, Texas – A 34-year-old mother has been sentenced to decades in prison for allowing her 3-month-old son to starve to death at a Waco hotel. Skylynn Tuerk pleaded guilty to murder, injury to a child, endangering a child, and possession of methamphetamine.
Sentencing and Prison Term
On Thursday, 54th District Court Judge Susan Kelly sentenced Tuerk to 40 years for murder, 40 years for injury to a child, and two years for each of the remaining charges, all to run concurrently. She will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years and received credit for 633 days spent in pretrial detention.
“We are grateful that this Defendant accepted responsibility and received a sentence in the upper end of the punishment range,” said McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Tara Avants in a statement to KXXV.
Circumstances of the Crime
The tragedy came to light on Nov. 29, 2023, when police responded to the New Road Inn along Interstate 35. Officers found the infant, Jacob Jeremiah “Baby JJ” Harris, dead from prolonged starvation. The room was described as filthy, with cockroaches, raw meat, knives, swords, and drugs present.
A 3-year-old sister was rescued from the same environment. Court records indicated there was no baby formula or real food for Jacob, and the mother allegedly displayed a nonchalant attitude, while the father, Charles Devin Harris, 28, reportedly played video games as the welfare of the children was ignored.
Investigation and Indictment
In January 2024, Tuerk and Harris were indicted on multiple counts related to Baby JJ’s death. The investigation originated from a third-party report to Child Protective Services, which raised concerns about the child’s insufficient weight gain and unsafe living conditions.
Officers described the family’s hotel room as “unclean and dangerous,” with bladed weapons within reach of the 3-year-old girl.
Defense Statement
Tuerk’s attorney, Jonathan Sibley, stated the mother was devastated by the loss and that her family continues to grieve while preparing for her incarceration.
“Skylynn and her family still grieve for the loss of their child, but are pleased to put this part of the process behind them,” Sibley said.
The father’s case remains in the pretrial stage.
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