Nationwide — Portia Duncan, the birth mother of 7-year-old African American girl Jor’Dynn Duncan, who died after suffering more than 90 injuries, is preparing to sue Suffolk County in New York and her daughter’s school district. She alleges officials failed to protect Jor’Dynn from abuse before her death in December 2025.
According to ABC News, Duncan filed notices of claim against Suffolk County and the Bayport-Blue Point School District, accusing them of failing to recognize warning signs and protect her daughter while she was placed in another caregiver’s home.
Jor’Dynn was in the care of Emily Kelly, the fiancée of the child’s father, after Kelly gained custody in April 2025. Duncan’s attorney said Jor’Dynn had previously been removed from her mother’s custody after a failed drug test.
Authorities charged Kelly with second-degree murder after investigators found evidence of alleged abuse. Kelly’s mother, Barbara Renner, and Kelly’s daughter, Elyssa Seymore, were also arrested in connection with Jor’Dynn’s death. Renner faces a second-degree manslaughter charge, while Seymore faces unlawful imprisonment and other charges.
An autopsy found that Jor’Dynn died on Dec. 29, 2025, from a severe, untreated infection caused by more than 90 injuries on her body, according to prosecutors. Investigators also said they found photos and videos of alleged abuse on Kelly’s phone and cloud accounts.
The notice of claim accused Suffolk County officials and child protective services of failing to properly investigate Kelly as a caregiver and failing to monitor Jor’Dynn’s safety. It also accused the school district of not reporting possible signs of abuse.
According to the claim, Jor’Dynn missed about 40 days of school between January and June 2025. It also alleged that she wore makeup to hide injuries when she attended classes, while Kelly gave the school excuses to explain her absences.
“I miss her dearly, dearly,” Duncan said during a press conference. “She was such a sweet, beautiful, smart, fun, girly girl. If I could turn back the time, I would’ve done things so much different.”
Duncan’s attorney, Derek Sells, said the notices of claim are the first step toward a lawsuit and holding those responsible accountable. Suffolk County, the district attorney’s office, and the school district declined to comment on the claims.
Kelly, Renner, and Seymore have pleaded not guilty. Kelly’s attorney said she maintains her innocence and plans to defend her in court.