A mother from Lake County, Florida, was taken into custody this week for the alleged murder of her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter, as confirmed by authorities.
A woman was taken into custody near her residence in Montverde by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday evening. She has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect.
Emergency crews were called to Martin’s home in Orlando on June 17 in response to a report of a 9-year-old girl named Jamaria Sessions who was unresponsive, according to FOX 35.
Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the child was discovered with multiple abrasions, bruises, burns, and potential bite marks, leading to a prompt response from sheriff’s deputies.
A press release stated that an investigation conducted by the medical examiner revealed that the child’s injuries were indicative of physical abuse.
As part of the investigation conducted by the sheriff’s office, detectives were able to acquire video footage from the family’s security system.
According to reports, the videos revealed that on the night of June 15, Jamaria was attacked by the family’s 103-pound Rottweiler in a very aggressive manner. Martin was reportedly in control of the dog, which was then directed to attack the child.
According to detectives, the video reportedly captured Martin repeatedly kicking Jamaria while she remained motionless on the floor.
In the video, it appears that Martin is seen moving the girl’s body along the floor, while she is being struck and shaken. Authorities reported that Martin allegedly made a threatening statement, indicating his intention to harm someone.
Investigators have revealed interviews, videos, and text messages that indicate Jamaria endured a range of punishments, including prolonged periods of sitting against a wall, running in place with her hands raised, and being subjected to physical abuse such as being hit with objects, kicked, punched, and pinched, as reported by the station.
Investigators recently received the child’s autopsy report, revealing the tragic cause of Jamaria’s death as complications from multiple blunt injuries to various parts of her body, including her head, torso, extremities, and right foot. Authorities have determined that the cause of death was classified as a homicide.
Martin was processed and booked into the Lake County jail, where she was held without bond.
