WACO, TX – A Texas man was sentenced to four decades in prison Thursday after admitting responsibility for the starvation death of his infant son, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a rural motel nearly two years ago.
Charles Devin Harris, 27, entered guilty pleas in McLennan County District Court to charges of injury to a child, endangering a child, and possession of methamphetamine. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Harris will serve 40 years in state prison for injury to a child, with concurrent two-year sentences for the additional charges. The agreement resulted in the dismissal of a murder charge he previously faced. Authorities say Harris will become eligible to seek parole after completing at least half of the sentence.
The tragic case centers on the death of 3-month-old Jacob Jeremiah Amon Harris, widely known as “Baby JJ.” His mother, Skylynn Tuerk, received a similar 40-year sentence in connection with her son’s death earlier this year.
The investigation began in late November 2022, when authorities were called to the New Road Inn motel in Waco following a report to Child Protective Services regarding concerns about the child’s welfare. Responding officers found Baby JJ dead. Investigators later revealed the infant appeared severely malnourished, describing his appearance as “like a skeleton.”
Authorities also removed a 3-year-old girl, Baby JJ’s sister, from the motel room. The conditions inside were described as hazardous, with investigators locating raw meat, knives, swords, and illicit drugs within reach of the children. The room was reported to be filthy and infested with cockroaches, with minimal food or formula for the children readily available.
According to court documents reviewed in the case, the person who notified CPS said she was alarmed by the baby’s lack of weight gain and noted the mother seemed unconcerned. Harris was reportedly seen playing video games throughout the visitor’s time in the room, showing little attention to the children’s situation.
Investigators concluded that the motel room’s unsanitary condition posed immediate danger, highlighting that bladed weapons were accessible to the 3-year-old and that there was a complete absence of proper nourishment—only a few juice boxes and fruit snacks were found inside.
The case has generated significant concern in the local community, with many expressing shock over the details revealed in court. The District Attorney’s office noted that the resolution of the legal proceedings in both parents’ cases spares the families and community from the anguish of a trial.
With both parents now serving lengthy sentences, officials hope the tragic case will encourage greater vigilance around child welfare and the importance of prompt reporting where concerns arise. Authorities confirmed the surviving child has been placed in safe care.
At present, Harris remains in custody at the McLennan County Jail awaiting transfer to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility to begin serving his sentence.