Florida authorities have taken into custody a 34-year-old woman, identified as Tyshael Elise Martin, in relation to the death of her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter, Jamaria Sessions. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has charged Martin with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. The arrest was made following an emergency call on June 17, which led officers to a home in Montverde where they found the lifeless body of the young girl.
Upon their arrival, emergency medical personnel discovered Jamaria in a state of undress, her body bearing multiple injuries of varying degrees of healing. These included abrasions, punctures, burns, potential bite marks, and bruises, according to the arrest affidavit. Martin informed the police that the family had plans to travel to California for a vacation that morning. She alleged that she found Jamaria cold and unresponsive when she tried to wake her.
The investigation led to the collection of nearly 3,000 videos from within and around the home. Six videos, recorded just before midnight on June 15, caught the attention of the deputies. These videos allegedly showed Jamaria being viciously attacked by the family’s 103-pound male rottweiler, with Martin appearing to incite the dog to bite the child.
Subsequent video clips depicted a disoriented Jamaria, her hair in disarray and extensions falling out, suggesting that the dog had bitten her head at Martin’s behest. Martin is then allegedly seen forcing Jamaria to stand with her arms raised, kicking her when she swayed, causing her to fall. The child lay motionless, moaning in pain, as Martin continued to kick her, eventually dragging her by her hair across the floor.
Deputies reported that Martin continued to assault Jamaria, uttering words that sounded like a threat to kill her. The investigation also revealed that Martin used physical exercises as a form of punishment, including prolonged wall sits, running in place with her hands up, and running on a treadmill. She also allegedly physically abused the child.
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday concluded that Jamaria died from blunt force injuries to her head, torso, and extremities, and a thermal injury to her right foot. The death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. Martin was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held without bond at the Lake County Jail. She made her first court appearance on Thursday.