A 7-year-old girl who prosecutors say was tortured and abused in a Bayport home missed approximately 40 days of school before her death, with excuses allegedly used to hide what was happening to her, according to Suffolk County prosecutors.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Wednesday that three women spanning three generations of the same family were indicted in connection with the death of Jor’Dynn Duncan, who died in December 2025 after suffering what authorities described as prolonged abuse and neglect.
According to investigators, Jor’Dynn missed roughly 40 days of school between January and June 2025. Prosecutors allege Emily Kelly, 50, repeatedly provided false explanations for the absences, including illnesses, deaths in the family, and a supposed trip to Disney World. Authorities said those claims were allegedly used to conceal the abuse.
The investigation began after Kelly allegedly called 911 on Dec. 29, 2025, reporting that the child was in cardiac arrest. Jor’Dynn was taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk, where she was pronounced dead.
An autopsy determined the child died from a massive untreated infection caused by sharp force injuries, according to prosecutors. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office documented approximately 90 injuries on her body.
Authorities said investigators recovered extensive photos and videos allegedly documenting months of abuse, restraint, injuries, and lack of medical treatment dating back to January 2025. The evidence was allegedly found on Kelly’s cellphone and cloud-based accounts.
Prosecutors said Kelly was the fiancée of the child’s father. Child Protective Services allegedly placed Jor’Dynn in Kelly’s care in December 2024 at Kelly’s request, and Kelly later obtained full custody and guardianship in April 2025.
“This was not an alleged single act of violence,” Tierney said while announcing the indictment. “It was months of alleged systematic cruelty and sadistic abuse.”
Kelly was indicted on charges including second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, unlawful imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors said she faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge.
Barbara Renner, 75, and Elyssa Seymore, 24, were also indicted on charges connected to the case. All three defendants were arraigned Wednesday and are due back in court on June 23.
Prosecutors noted the charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Photo: SCDA
