A Texas mother has been sentenced to decades in prison after her 3-month-old baby boy died of starvation inside a filthy hotel room in Waco.
Mother Pleads Guilty to Baby’s Death
On Thursday, 34-year-old Skylynn Tuerk pleaded guilty to murder, injury to a child, child endangerment, and meth possession. She was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder and 40 years for injury to a child, along with two years each for the other charges.
The judge ordered her sentences to run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time. Tuerk will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years. She was also credited with 633 days already spent in jail.
Baby JJ Found Dead in Hotel Room
The case began on November 29, 2023, when police responded to a call at the New Road Inn along Interstate 35. There, officers found 3-month-old Jacob Jeremiah Amon Harris — known as “Baby JJ” — dead from prolonged starvation.
According to investigators, the infant was severely malnourished, described as looking “like a skeleton.” His 3-year-old sister was rescued from the same room.
Police described the living conditions as filthy and dangerous. The room contained cockroaches, raw meat, knives, swords, and drugs. Officers noted there was no baby formula or proper food, only juice boxes and fruit snacks.
CPS Warning Came Too Late
Court records show that Child Protective Services (CPS) had received a report expressing concern that Baby JJ was not gaining enough weight and that Tuerk appeared “nonchalant” about the issue.
The report also alleged that the baby’s father, 28-year-old Charles Devin Harris, spent his time playing video games instead of caring for the children. By the time authorities arrived, it was too late to save the baby.
Harris has also been indicted in connection with the death and is awaiting trial.
Prosecutors and Defense Statements
Assistant District Attorney Tara Avants said prosecutors were unwilling to accept a lighter sentence, calling Tuerk’s behavior “horrific and irresponsible.”
Defense attorney Jonathan Sibley said Tuerk and her family were devastated by Baby JJ’s death but accepted the court’s decision. He added that her family would continue to support her during her incarceration.
The tragic death of Baby JJ highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and drug use in families. While his mother now faces 40 years behind bars, another child has lost both parents — one to prison and one to ongoing court proceedings.
The case remains a painful reminder of the need for stronger child protection and early intervention.
