Stepmom allegedly unleashes 103-pound Rottweiler on beau's 9-year-old daughter
What's the story
A 34-year-old woman from Florida, Tyshael Elise Martin, has been accused of murdering her boyfriend's nine-year-old daughter, Jamaria Sessions.
The allegations surfaced after home security footage revealed Martin physically assaulting the child and inciting her 103-pound Rottweiler (around 47kg), which "viciously attacked" the helpless youngster.
Initially, Martin claimed to have found Sessions unresponsive when she went to wake her up for a family vacation on June 17.
Disturbing evidence
Security footage reveals brutal assault
However, investigators became suspicious due to the numerous injuries on Sessions's body, including cuts, bruises, burns, and even bite marks.
They then decided to review the security footage from Martin's Montverde home.
The video revealed Martin encouraging her pet Rottweiler to attack the child. She was also seen physically assaulting Sessions until she became motionless, WESH 2 reported, citing the probable cause affidavit.
During this brutal attack, Martin was heard saying "I'm fixin' to kill her," officials said.
Twitter Post
Worst case of aggravated child abuse, say police
Florida woman charged with first-degree murder for allegedly siccing a 100-pound Rottweiler on her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter who then died of her horrific injuries.#TyshaelEliseMartin was seen on the family’s security cameras instructing the dog to attack #JamariaSessions pic.twitter.com/b6FOtSVrd9
— (IG) Hallesblogafrica (@hallesblogfrica) August 30, 2024
Past violence
History of abuse and legal consequences
Sessions's death was officially ruled a homicide, with the cause being blunt force trauma to the head and thermal injury to the foot.
Investigators discovered that Sessions had been subjected to various forms of abuse, including prolonged wall sits and being struck with objects.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office described it as "the worst case of aggravated child abuse we've ever seen."
Martin now faces felony charges for first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect.