In a deeply disturbing case from Montana, a stepfather has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for killing his 4-year-old stepson by beating him and placing him in a scalding hot bathtub. The boy’s mother is also facing charges in connection with the child’s tragic death.
What Happened to Little Jaxsynn?
The crime took place in October 2021, when emergency services were called to a home on Woodgrain Drive in Billings, Montana. There, they found 4-year-old Jaxsynn Gatlin unresponsive on the bathroom floor.
Although the child was already dry when medics arrived, his skin was unusually warm. He was taken to a hospital but could not be saved.
An autopsy revealed that Jaxsynn died from hyperthermia — a dangerously high body temperature — and possibly blunt force trauma. His temperature had reached 102°F, and he had bruises on his face and other signs of abuse. His death was ruled a homicide.
Stepdad Sentenced to 80 Years
On June 26, 2025, 40-year-old Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk was sentenced to 80 years in prison for intentional homicide, with additional 15-year sentences for assaulting a minor and tampering with evidence. All sentences will run at the same time, meaning he is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
During the trial, prosecutors presented heartbreaking evidence and testimony. Jaxsynn’s siblings told investigators that they had all been physically abused by Kristopher. Prosecutor John Ryan said, “This is the worst one I’ve been involved in, for sure.”
The Mother’s Role in the Tragedy
The boy’s mother, 37-year-old Lana Marie Harasymczuk, is also facing serious legal trouble. On June 25, she was charged with three counts of child endangerment and three counts of tampering with evidence. Her bond has been set at $100,000, and if released, she must wear a GPS tracking device and is banned from being around children.
Initially, Lana told police that Jaxsynn had gone to take a bath alone and had drowned. However, when confronted with the child’s injuries, she admitted that Kristopher was in the bathroom with the boy and that she heard him screaming shortly before he died.
How the Community Reacted
Detective David Raschkow from the Billings Police Department described the case as “evil,” stating during the trial that no child should have to endure what Jaxsynn and his siblings did. The community has been left in shock and mourning.
This heart-wrenching case is a reminder of how vulnerable children are and the responsibility adults have to protect them. While justice has been served for Jaxsynn with the stepfather’s long sentence, many questions remain about how such severe abuse went unnoticed.
The trial of the child’s mother is expected to reveal more details about what really happened in that home.
