Family sues Suffolk County, Bayport-Blue Point Schools over 7-year-old girl's alleged abuse death
BAYPORT, Long Island (WABC) -- The family of a 7-year-old Long Island girl who died after allegedly suffering months of abuse is suing Suffolk County, claiming officials ignored repeated warning signs before her death.
Attorneys representing the estate of Jor'Dynn Duncan filed claims against Suffolk County and the Bayport-Blue Point School District.
The family alleges county social services officials were negligent, placing Jor'Dynn in an abusive home and failing to intervene despite multiple warnings. Jor'Dynn died on December 29.
Three generations of women, who are all related, pleaded not guilty in the case.
Emily Kelly, 50, her mother, Barbara Renner, and Kelly's daughter, Elyssa Seymore, appeared in court last month.
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.
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.
Kelly is the fiancée 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.
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