A woman accused of setting a huge Rottweiler on her nine-year-old stepdaughter and then completing the killing herself will be executed.
Tyshael Elise Martin, 34, was allegedly seen on the family’s security cameras instructing the 103-pound dog to attack Jamaria Sessions on June 15.
After the dog was done, the evil stepmother kicked the little girl as she lay motionless on the ground, investigators who reviewed the footage alleged.
She then allegedly dragged Jamaria’s unconscious body across the ground before hitting and shaking her, possibly saying, “I intend to kill her.”
Tyshael Elise Martin, 34, was seen on the family’s security cameras commanding the dog to attack nine-year-old Jamaria Sessions on June 15, police said
Jamaria’s autopsy results indicated that her cause of death was complications from multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso and extremities, as well as a heat-related injury to her right foot.
Martin was arrested near her home in Montverde, Florida, on August 28 around 6 p.m. and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and child neglect.
Prosecutors filed a notice of intent earlier this month informing the court they would seek the death penalty if Martin was found guilty.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation June 17 after receiving a 911 call about Jamaria being unresponsive at the home on Harbar Oaks Drive.
Paramedics arrived on scene and found the girl with abrasions, bruises, burns and suspected bite wounds.
Detectives searched the family’s security cameras and found disturbing footage from the night of June 15.
In a fundraiser to help cover her funeral costs, Jamaria’s maternal family described her as a “smart and beautiful nine-year-old girl” who leaves behind a five-year-old sister.
The dog was seen viciously attacking Jamaria as Martin held the leash and appeared to lead the attack.
Investigators also discovered through interviews and text messages that the child was often subjected to horrific methods of punishment.
This included sitting against a wall for hours, running in place with her arms up, as well as being hit, kicked and punched with objects.
Jamaria’s autopsy results indicated that her cause of death was complications from multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso and extremities, as well as a heat-related injury to her right foot.
Martin is being held in the Lake County Jail without bond.
Police launched an investigation on June 17 following a 911 call after Jamaria failed to respond
In a fundraiser to help cover her funeral costs, Jamaria’s maternal family described her as a “smart and beautiful nine-year-old girl” who left behind a five-year-old sister.
They said the girls had been living with their father, Lojuan Sessions, since October 2023, following the death of their mother from leukemia at age 24.
They previously lived with their grandmother.
“Despite our efforts to be part of their lives and give them the love and support they need, we have encountered insurmountable barriers,” the family wrote.
Sessions had served a five-year prison sentence until his release in August 2023 for two counts of child neglect, MDMA trafficking and fleeing and eluding.
He was also arrested in August and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child.