Prosecutors said as young Jor’Dynn Duncan was preparing to return to school in September 2025, Elyssa Seymore texted Emily Kelly that Jor’Dynn was “a hot [expletive] mess” and “looks like she got beat the whole summer,” Newsday reported.
Kelly, 50; Seymore, 24; and Barbara Renner, 75, were arraigned Wednesday, May 20, in connection with Jor’Dynn’s death on Dec. 29, 2025. Renner is Kelly’s mother, Seymore is her daughter, and they all lived together in Bayport, authorities said.
The three were caring for Jor’Dynn after a court granted Kelly full custody in April 2025, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. Jor’Dynn’s father and Kelly's fiancé, Derrick Dixon, was incarcerated at Sing Sing prison for first-degree attempted burglary, according to online records.
Investigators said on July 27, Kelly and Seymore discussed beating Jor’Dynn, with Kelly writing, “I think when I backhanded her yesterday, I might have did that to her eyes,” according to Newsday. Seymore later replied, “I knew you did it as soon as I saw it. Talking about allergies, LMAO” and “You've gotta hit her body if you go to hit her,” according to prosecutors.
Kelly was charged with second-degree murder, Renner with manslaughter, and Seymore with unlawful imprisonment.
To read the full story from Newsday, click here.
To view a GoFundMe for Jor'Dynn's biological father and mother, click here.
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