BILLINGS, MT – A Billings man has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murder of his 4-year-old stepson, Jaxsynn Gatlin, whose 2021 death shocked the community and drew attention to grave allegations of child abuse.
Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, 40, received the sentence Wednesday from Yellowstone County District Court Judge Collette Davies following his conviction in March. In addition to the homicide sentence, Harasymczuk was handed 15 years each for assaulting a minor and tampering with evidence. However, all sentences will run concurrently.
Police and emergency personnel responded to an urgent call at the family’s home on October 22, 2021, after reports of an unresponsive child in the bathroom. First responders found Jaxsynn lying on the floor next to the bathtub, already dry but with abnormally warm skin. He was rushed to a local hospital but died shortly after arrival.
An autopsy found the boy suffered from hyperthermia, with a body temperature reported at 102 degrees on the day of his death. Medical examiners also noted bruises on his face and further signs of abuse, consistent with intentional harm.
Jaxsynn’s siblings later told authorities that they had also suffered physical abuse at the hands of Harasymczuk, adding weight to the prosecution’s case. Testimony revealed an environment of ongoing violence within the family home.
Lana Marie Harasymczuk, Jaxsynn’s mother, was arrested on Tuesday and faces three counts of child endangerment and three counts of tampering with evidence. Records show she initially denied her husband’s involvement and claimed her son had drowned accidentally. Investigators said she later admitted Kristopher Harasymczuk was the last person with the child and said she recalled hearing her son’s screams just before he died.
Prosecutors presented additional theories regarding the cause of death, including blunt force trauma or complications from possible drowning, as the child sustained multiple injuries.
Following her appearance before Judge Jeanne Walker, bond for Lana Harasymczuk was set at $100,000. If released, she must wear a GPS monitor and will not be allowed contact with minors.