Share and Follow
Prosecutors have announced that three generations of women are facing serious charges related to the “sadistic abuse” and torture of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan, who was found with approximately 90 injuries on her body at the time of her death.
Emily Kelly, aged 50, has been charged with second-degree murder. Her mother, 75-year-old Barbara Renner, is facing charges including second-degree manslaughter, as detailed in a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, Kelly’s daughter, 24-year-old Elyssa Seymore, is charged with unlawful imprisonment in relation to Duncan’s tragic death.
According to court records obtained by Oxygen, all three women have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney commented on the case, stating, “Today, my office is announcing the indictment against three co-defendants following a comprehensive grand jury investigation into the alleged prolonged torture, abuse, and horrific murder of a defenseless, innocent child placed in their care. This was not an alleged isolated incident of violence; it involved months of systematic cruelty and sadistic abuse, meticulously documented. The child was allegedly left to suffer while these defendants reportedly watched her condition worsen. No child should ever experience such terror, and we are committed to seeking justice for Jor’Dynn.”
Jor’Dynn Duncan Allegedly Died of Massive Untreated Infection
Prosecutors revealed that the Suffolk County Child Protective Services had placed Duncan in Kelly’s care in December 2024, as she was engaged to the child’s father. Kelly was granted full custody and guardianship in April 2025.
Months later, on Dec. 29 at approximately 10:30 a.m., Kelly called 911 to report that Duncan was in cardiac arrest, according to the statement. Paramedics arrived at the scene and rushed the 7-year-old to the hospital, where she died.
According to prosecutors, an autopsy determined she had suffered approximately 90 injuries to her body and died from a massive untreated infection caused by sharp force injuries allegedly inflicted on the child.
During the investigation into her death, homicide detectives found “extensive photographic and video evidence” on Kelly’s cell phone and other devices that allegedly documented the “prolonged abuse and torture of the victim,” prosecutors said in the statement. The images showed the child in prolonged restraint and documented physical injuries.
“Following her death, it was discovered that Jor’Dynn missed approximately 40 days of school between January 2025 and June 2025,” prosecutors said. “Kelly allegedly provided fabricated excuses involving different illnesses, deaths in the family, and a trip to Disneyworld [sic]—all of which were allegedly used to conceal the abuse.”
What Are the Charges Against Emily Kelly and Her Family?
All three women entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments on May 20, according to court records.
Kelly is facing charges of murder in the second-degree, reckless endangerment, unlawful imprisonment and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and is being held on a $5 million cash or a $10 million bond, prosecutors said. If convicted, they added that Kelly—who’s next court date is June 23—could face up to 25 years behind bars on the second-degree murder charge.
Her attorney John LoTurco told her client had no prior criminal history and has denied the allegations against her.
“To be clear she has not been charged nor has ever been implicated to be associated with the untimely death of Jordyn Duncan on December 29, 2025,” Fernandez said. “The charges of the alleged unlawful imprisonment stem from a three day period in July of 2025. We are refraining from further comment at this time and asking to allow my client to have the process to play out as she is entitled to.”