New York, NY – A Bronx mother faces murder charges in the tragic beating death of her 6-year-old daughter. The child’s father is left grappling with the anguish of the ordeal and hoping for justice to prevail for his beloved daughter.
The lifeless body of Jelayah Eason was discovered in her mother’s apartment in the Forest Houses on May 26, 2023, covered in bruises and unresponsive. Rushed to the hospital, the young girl could not be saved, leaving her family and community in shock.
Lynija Eason Kumar, 27, was taken into custody and charged with murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of her daughter. The devastating loss has left the father, Ronald Branch, reminiscing about his daughter’s joyful spirit and favorite colors.
During the court proceeding, it was revealed that Jelayah was horrifically abused, with the autopsy report detailing extensive bruising, ligature marks, and severe malnourishment. The prosecution alleges that the mother inflicted fatal injuries on the child and left her hanging in a closet.
The heartbreaking incident also shed light on the living conditions of the apartment where two other children were found displaying signs of neglect and abuse. The boy and girl were taken into custody while authorities investigated the heinous crime.
Despite the mother being previously charged with endangering the welfare of the surviving children, she was released under supervision. Following Jelayah’s passing, the grieving father had to prove his paternity to claim the remains of his daughter for a funeral held months after her untimely death.
The community, haunted by the screams heard from the family’s residence, is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young life marred by unspeakable violence. The father is now preparing to welcome his son into his care while seeking solace and healing in the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy.