MONTVERDE – Authorities have arrested and charged a woman with murdering her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter with the aid of a vicious rottweiler.
Lake County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 34-year-old Tyshael Elise Martin Wednesday evening on a warrant charging her with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect in the death of Jamaria Sessions.
Rescue workers responding to a 911 call on June 17 found Jamaria unresponsive at her home at 16017 Harbor Oaks Drive, according to a Thursday sheriff’s press release.
She had abrasions, bruises, burns, and possible bite marks present on her body.
Included in a search warrant was home security video showing the child being attacked by the family’s 103-pound rottweiler on June 15, with Tyshael commanding the attack while holding the dog’s leash. Tyshael can then be seen repeatedly kicking Jamaria, who is lying motionless on the floor. Tyshael can be seen dragging Jamaria’s body. Jamaria was then repeatedly struck and shaken by Tyshael, who can possibly be heard in the video saying, “I’m fixin’ to kill her.”
Detectives also learned through interviews, other videos, and text messages that Jamaria’s typical punishment consisted of prolonged wall sits, running in place with her arms up, being struck with objects, and being kicked, punched, and pinched.
The Medical Examiner’s report on Aug. 27, determined the cause of death to be complications from multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso, extremities and a “thermal” injury of her right foot. The manner of death was listed as homicide.