A Texas father has been sentenced to decades in prison after detectives 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
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The investigation began on November 29, 2023, when Waco police were dispatched 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 discovered Baby Jacob Jeremiah Amon Harris, also known as Baby JJ, had died from what investigators described as prolonged starvation.
Details first surfaced through local reporting, including early coverage in Waco-area media that highlighted cops’ horror at the child’s situation.
Conditions Inside the Motel Room
The authorities described the chamber as unclean, hazardous, and unsuited for any child. When authorities arrived, they discovered an area infested with insects, littered with trash, and containing raw meat, drug paraphernalia, and an assortment of knives and swords.
Investigators discovered that these harmful materials were within reach of the family’s 3-year-old daughter, who was alive but neglected. She was promptly removed from the room and taken into protective custody.
Police also reported a lack of critical equipment for newborn 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 saw the family before the child died, the father, Charles Devin Harris, was supposedly playing video games the entire time. Skylynn Tuerk was described as “nonchalant” about her baby’s lack of weight gain.
The witness eventually contacted Child Protective Services (CPS), expressing worry that Baby JJ hadn’t gained any weight since delivery. The tip triggered the welfare check, revealing the tragedy, but it was too late to rescue the infant.
Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings
On Thursday, District Judge Susan N. Kelly sentenced Harris, 27, to 40 years in state prison for child injury, with extra two-year sentences for endangering a child and possessing methamphetamine. All sentences will run consecutively, for a total effective term of 40 years.
Harris will be eligible for parole after twenty years.
He accepted a plea deal, which resulted in prosecutors dropping a murder allegation against him.
Judge Kelly earlier sentenced the child’s mother, Skylynn Tuerk, to the same 40-year term as Harris.
Prosecutors expressed relief that both cases were resolved without the need for a long trial.
Statements from Prosecutors
The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office issued a public statement:
“Bringing closure to this tragic situation can hopefully set everyone affected on the path toward healing.”
