Emily Kelly, 50, her mother Barbara Renner, and Kelly's daughter, Elyssa Seymore, had a court appearance on Tuesday.
The courtroom was packed with family, friends and supporters of Jor'Dynn Duncan, who died on Dec. 29.
Prosecutors say she endured prolonged neglect and abuse, much of which was recorded on a cellphone, before dying from an infection from her injuries.
The 7-year-old had about 90 injuries on her body at the time of her death, according to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office.
On Tuesday, people cried, hugged and some even stepped out of the courtroom as the women accused of committing the torture faced a judge.
The Suffolk County district attorney said the child died after months of alleged systematic cruelty and sadistic abuse that was meticulously documented.
Kelly is being charged with second degree murder.
"She pled not guilty at the arraignment, my client asserts her innocence and we are vigorously going to defend her throughout these proceedings," said defense attorney John LoTurco.
Kelly is the fiancé of the child's father, who is in prison. She gained full custody of the 7-year-old in April 2025.
The three women are facing a slew of charges. Kelly's 75-year-old mother is being charged with second degree manslaughter, and her 24-year-old daughter is charged with unlawful imprisonment.
The victim's half brothers and biological mother were in court and her attorney spoke afterwards.
"We are currently examining where there are any system flaws or failures," said attorney Heather Palmore.
As people left the Riverhead courthouse, there was a large fight with people wearing pink for the young girl outside in the parking lot.
Court officers ran outside to break it up.
The judge asked for discovery to be turned over to the defense by the next court date in the beginning of August.
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