Melville, N.Y. – Attorneys for Portia Duncan, the mother of 7‑year‑old Jor’Dynn Duncan, filed a $200 million lawsuit on Tuesday accusing local agencies of ignoring clear signs of abuse before the child’s death on Dec. 29.
Allegations against schools and child‑protective services
The complaint names the Bayport‑Blue Point Union Free School District, Suffolk County Child Protective Services and several unnamed parties. It alleges that Jor’Dynn told a school nurse not to involve her foster mother after showing visible marks on her face, yet the incident was not reported to authorities.
According to the filing, the girl also warned school staff about a 3‑year‑old child living in the home who was being abused. Prosecutors have said Jor’Dynn endured torture and abuse prior to her death, and the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office documented roughly 90 injuries on her body.
Family members charged
Jor’Dynn’s legal guardian, Emily Kelly; her mother, Barbara Renner; and Kelly’s daughter, Elyssa Seymore, have all been charged in connection with the case. All three have entered not‑guilty pleas.
During a press conference, Portia Duncan fought back tears while describing the alleged neglect. “If I would have known the hands that were taking care of my daughter, it never would have happened,” she said, according to a partial recording of her remarks.
Exhumation and ongoing investigations
The child’s body was exhumed earlier this year as part of the criminal investigation. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has not released further details about the exhumation or the pending criminal proceedings.
The civil suit seeks to hold the named agencies accountable for failing to act on warning signs, arguing that their inaction contributed directly to the tragic outcome. The lawsuit is expected to proceed alongside the ongoing criminal case.
Community response
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed outrage over the alleged failures, calling for stronger oversight of school reporting protocols and child‑protective services. While the case is still under investigation, many hope the litigation will prompt reforms to protect vulnerable children in Suffolk County.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
