Billings, Montana — Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, 40, was sentenced to 80 years in prison last week after being convicted of the deliberate homicide of his 4-year-old stepson, Jaxsynn Gatlin, in 2021.
The Tragic Incident
Jaxsynn, who had autism, was drowned in a bathtub filled with scalding hot water. Initially, the boy’s death was believed to be an accident after his mother, Lana Harasymczuk, told authorities that Jaxsynn had been alone in the bathroom and likely tripped.
However, an autopsy performed by the medical examiner revealed that Jaxsynn’s cause of death was hyperthermia, consistent with homicide, and not an accident.
Changes in the Story
After the autopsy results were presented, Lana allegedly changed her story, admitting that her husband had been in the bathroom with Jaxsynn before she found him unresponsive.
Lana also reported that Harasymczuk had frequently beaten Jaxsynn and her other child with a metal spatula.
Evidence of Abuse
Additional evidence revealed severe bruising and redness on Jaxsynn’s body, and his biological father claimed these injuries were the result of physical abuse by Harasymczuk.
Investigators found that Harasymczuk had disposed of the metal spatula allegedly used in the beatings.
Read Also: New York Father Accused of Killing Newborn Daughter with Crossbow
Charges and Conviction
Harasymczuk was convicted on multiple charges, including deliberate homicide, assault on a minor, and tampering with evidence.
In addition to the 80-year sentence for the homicide conviction, Harasymczuk was sentenced to 15 years for the assault and tampering charges, with all sentences to run concurrently.
Lana Harasymczuk was indicted on the same day as her husband’s sentencing, facing charges of criminal child endangerment and tampering with evidence. She has yet to enter a plea.
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