LAKE COUNTY, FL – A Lake County mother has been arrested and charged with the disturbing murder of her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter, authorities said. Tyshael Elise Martin, 34, was taken into custody near her Montverde residence on Wednesday evening. The charges against her include first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect.
The arrest follows a harrowing incident on June 17th when emergency services responded to a call about an unresponsive child at Martin’s home. The victim, Jamaria Sessions, was discovered with a horrifying array of injuries, including abrasions, bruises, burns, and potential bite marks. The severity of the situation prompted the involvement of sheriff’s deputies.
A subsequent medical examination confirmed that the child’s injuries were consistent with physical abuse. However, the full extent of the horror was revealed through chilling video footage obtained from the family’s security system.
The videos allegedly show Martin on the night of June 15th, using the family’s 103-pound Rottweiler to “viciously” attack Jamaria. Not content with the dog’s assault, Martin is also seen on video allegedly kicking the helpless child repeatedly as she lay motionless. The horrifying footage further depicts Martin allegedly dragging the girl’s body, striking and shaking her, while possibly uttering the phrase, “I’m fixin’ to kill her.”
The investigation unearthed further evidence of Jamaria’s torment, including interviews, videos, and text messages suggesting a pattern of cruel punishment. The methods allegedly included extended periods of forced sitting, running in place with hands raised, being struck with various objects, and being kicked, punched, and pinched.
The final autopsy report, released Tuesday, confirmed the cause of the young girl’s death. The report indicated that the victim suffered complications from multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso, and extremities, in addition to an injury to her right foot. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Martin is currently being held without bond at the Lake County jail.