Three generations of Bayport women arrested in connection to death of 7-year-old child
Emily Kelly, 50, was charged with second-degree murder, while her mother, Barbara Renner, 75, was charged with manslaughter. Kelly's daughter, Elyssa Seymore, 24, was charged with unlawful imprisonment in relation to the death of 7-year-old Jor'Dynn Duncan
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Three generations of Bayport women were arrested in connection with an indictment charging them in the death of a 7-year-old girl in their care.
Emily Kelly, 50, was charged with second-degree murder, while her mother, Barbara Renner, 75, was charged with manslaughter. Kelly's daughter, Elyssa Seymore, 24, was charged with unlawful imprisonment in relation to the death of 7-year-old Jor'Dynn Duncan, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
The DA's office said that Kelly called 911 to report that Jor'Dynn was in cardiac arrest on Dec. 29 of last year. Paramedics found the child unconscious and transported her to NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk, where she was pronounced dead.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy, which determined that Jor'Dynn suffered 90 injuries to her body and her death was caused by a large untreated infection from sharp force injuries.
An investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department's Homicide Squad revealed that Kelly is the fiancée of Jor'Dynn's father and that Jor'Dynn was placed in her custody at Kelly's request by Suffolk County Child Protective Services, according to the DA. Kelly gained full custody and guardianship of the child.
Police allegedly found extensive photographic and video evidence on Kelly's cell phone documenting the alleged prolonged abuse and torture of the child, which included restraint, physical injuries, and lack of medical care for the injuries dating back to 2025.
According to the DA's office, in order to conceal the abuse, Kelly kept Jor'Dynn out of school for about 40 days and gave various excuses for her absences, including illnesses, deaths in the family and a trip to Disney World.
After the arrests, all three defendants were arraigned on Thursday.
Kelly is charged with one count each of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and unlawful imprisonment, along with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was held on $5 million cash, $10 million bond and $10 million partially secured bond. Kelly faces up to 25 years in prison. She is represented by John LoTurco, Esq.
Renner is charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. She was held on $50,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. Renner faces five to 15 years in prison. She is being represented by Danielle Coyshe, Esq.
Seymore is charged with unlawful imprisonment and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was held on $25,000 cash, $250,000 bond and $50,000 partially secured bond. Seymore faces up to 1.3 to four years in prison. She is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.
All three defendants are due back in court on June 23.
