A Montana man, Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murder of his 4-year-old stepson, Jaxsynn Gatlin, who had autism. Harasymczuk, 40, was convicted of deliberate homicide in March 2023 after he drowned Jaxsynn in a bathtub filled with scalding hot water in 2021. The death, initially thought to be an accident, was later proven to be a deliberate act.
The Tragic Incident
On the night of Jaxsynn’s death, his mother, Lana Harasymczuk, told officers that her son was alone in the bathroom and might have tripped. However, when the police arrived, they found Jaxsynn’s body dry and warm to the touch, lying near the bathtub. This raised suspicions about the cause of his death.
Investigation and Medical Examiner’s Findings
The investigation took a turn after an autopsy revealed that Jaxsynn’s body temperature was 102°F at the time of death, pointing to hyperthermia caused by the hot water. The autopsy also showed bruising across the boy’s face and body, suggesting he had been abused. The medical examiner confirmed that the cause of death was homicide, not an accident.
A Mother’s Changing Story
Once the medical examiner’s report was presented, Lana Harasymczuk changed her story, admitting that her husband had been in the bathroom with Jaxsynn before the boy was found unresponsive. She also revealed that Harasymczuk had been abusive toward both Jaxsynn and her 6-year-old son, often using a metal spatula to beat them.
Additional Abuse Claims
Jaxsynn’s biological father provided evidence of abuse, including photos of severe bruising found on his older son’s body two days after the victim’s death. He also claimed that Harasymczuk had been disciplining the boys in violent ways, such as spanking, pushing them to the ground, and even forcing them into the bathtub.
The Discovery of the Broken Spatula
Investigators found that Harasymczuk had disposed of a metal spatula that he allegedly used in the beatings. This led prosecutors to add charges of assault on a minor and tampering with physical evidence to the case. In March 2023, Harasymczuk was convicted on these additional counts.
Sentencing and Further Charges
In addition to the 80-year sentence for the murder, Harasymczuk was sentenced to 15 years for each of the assault and tampering charges, with all three sentences running concurrently. Lana Harasymczuk also faces charges of criminal child endangerment and tampering with evidence. She has not yet entered a plea.
Call for Action
This tragic case highlights the importance of protecting children from abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453.
