A Texas mother has been sentenced to decades in prison after pleading guilty in the death of her 3-month-old son, who authorities say starved to death in a filthy hotel room in Waco.
The Sentencing
On Thursday, Skylynn Tuerk, 34, pleaded guilty to murder, injury to a child, endangering a child, and possession of methamphetamine.
Judge Susan Kelly of the 54th District Court sentenced her to:
40 years for murder
40 years for injury to a child
2 years each for endangerment and drug possession
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning she will serve them at the same time. Tuerk will be eligible for parole after 20 years and was credited for 633 days already served in pretrial detention.
The Case
The tragedy came to light on Nov. 29, 2023, when police were called to the New Road Inn off I-35 in Waco. Inside, officers discovered the infant, Jacob Jeremiah “Baby JJ” Harris, dead from prolonged starvation.
According to investigators, the child appeared “starving and looking like a skeleton.” Also found in the room were:
Baby JJ’s 3-year-old sister, rescued by police
Cockroaches, raw meat, knives, and swords scattered in the room
Drugs in a backpack
Almost no food suitable for children, aside from a few juice boxes and fruit snacks
No baby formula for Jacob
Police described the living conditions as “unclean and dangerous,” with weapons easily within reach of the young girl.
Warning Signs Before the Death
Court documents show that Child Protective Services (CPS) received a call from someone concerned about the baby’s welfare. The caller said Jacob was not gaining weight properly and described Tuerk as “nonchalant” about his condition. The baby’s father, Charles Devin Harris, 28, was described as playing video games during the visit.
Sadly, when officers arrived the following day, it was already too late. Harris is also facing multiple charges in the case but has not yet gone to trial.
Prosecutors and Defense Reactions
Assistant District Attorney Tara Avants called the case one of the most horrific examples of neglect, saying prosecutors pushed for a strong sentence because of the “irresponsible nature” of Tuerk’s actions.
Defense attorney Jonathan Sibley acknowledged the tragedy, saying:
“Skylynn and her family still grieve for the loss of their child, but are pleased to put this part of the process behind them. This family will also have to deal with losing Skylynn for a period of time while she is incarcerated.”
The heartbreaking case of Baby JJ highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and substance abuse. While Skylynn Tuerk begins her 40-year prison term, Jacob’s father still awaits trial. For the surviving child, now in safer care, the tragedy marks the loss of both parents to the justice system.
