Jor’Dynn Duncan had been placed with her father’s fiancée before her death.
BAYPORT, N.Y. — A Long Island child death case has turned to questions about custody, missed school days and alleged warning signs after prosecutors charged three related women in the death of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan.
Jor’Dynn died Dec. 29 after being found unconscious and taken to a hospital. Prosecutors said an autopsy showed she died from a massive untreated infection caused by sharp force injuries. The medical examiner documented about 90 injuries on her body.
The child had been living with Emily Kelly, 50, the fiancée of Jor’Dynn’s father, who is in prison. Suffolk County prosecutors said Child Protective Services placed Jor’Dynn with Kelly in December 2024. Kelly received legal custody and guardianship in April 2025.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the alleged abuse continued for months and was recorded in photos and videos. “The child was allegedly left to die while these defendants watched her deteriorate,” Tierney said. Investigators said they found evidence on Kelly’s cellphone and cloud accounts.
Authorities said Jor’Dynn missed about 40 days of school from January to June 2025. Prosecutors said Kelly gave fabricated excuses to hide the abuse, including illnesses, deaths in the family and a Disney World trip. The Bayport-Blue Point superintendent said the district remained deeply saddened by the case.
Kelly faces second-degree murder, unlawful imprisonment, reckless endangerment and child endangerment charges. Her mother, Barbara Renner, 75, faces manslaughter and child endangerment charges. Kelly’s daughter, Elyssa Seymore, 24, faces unlawful imprisonment and child endangerment charges.
Prosecutors said Renner was present during at least one recorded incident and could be heard singing while the child struggled. They said Seymore and Kelly discussed covering up injuries. The three women have pleaded not guilty.
The case is scheduled to return to court June 23. Prosecutors said they will continue reviewing digital evidence, medical findings and records tied to Jor’Dynn’s placement and care.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.