A chilling case of child abuse and murder has rocked Lake County, Florida, as 34-year-old Tyell Elise Martin has been arrested and charged with the first-degree premeditated murder of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Jamaria Sessions. The young girl was found dead on June 17, 2024, in a home filled with horror, bearing signs of severe abuse, including multiple bruises, puncture wounds, and a burn on her foot. Martin is also facing charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Jamaria’s tragic story began with her mother’s death from cancer in September 2022, leaving her and her younger sister in the care of their father, Lean Sessions, who has a criminal history and was recently incarcerated. After his release, he brought the girls to live with Martin, a woman with a documented history of abuse and neglect. Family members had repeatedly alerted authorities about the dangerous environment, but their cries for help went unheard.
The timeline of events leading to Jamaria’s death is harrowing. Reports indicate that the girl was subjected to brutal treatment, including being attacked by a dog at Martin’s command and forced to endure extreme physical punishment. Videos recovered from surveillance footage revealed horrifying scenes of abuse, with Martin allegedly kicking and striking Jamaria while her own children looked on, some even participating in the torment.
On the day of her death, Martin called 911, claiming Jamaria was cold to the touch and unresponsive. Emergency responders found the girl naked and lifeless, with injuries that the medical examiner later determined were consistent with torture. The autopsy revealed that Jamaria had suffered blunt force trauma and severe abuse over an extended period, leading to her tragic demise.
Lean Sessions was arrested the following day, charged with aggravated manslaughter, as investigators believe he was complicit in the abuse and neglect. Both Martin and Sessions are currently being held without bond in the Lake County Jail, awaiting trial.
The community is left grappling with the horror of this case, as advocates call for justice for Jamaria. The outcry for accountability is growing, with many demanding systemic changes to ensure that children in vulnerable situations are protected from such unimaginable cruelty. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on seeking justice for this innocent child whose life was cut tragically short.
