New York police charged a Bronx mother with murder following the brutal beating death of her 6-year-old daughter, who, according to neighbors, pleaded for her life.
Lynija Eason-Kumar, 23, was taken into custody Thursday in connection with the killing of her daughter, Jalayah Eason. The child was found dead inside their apartment at NYCHA’s Forest Houses in May 2023.
Court documents indicate that the defendant tied the victim’s hands and feet together, hung her in a closet, and then beat her with a hard object, according to PIX 11.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police said Eason-Kumar called 911 at about 4 a.m., reporting her daughter’s injuries. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Jalayah unconscious in her mother’s bedroom.
The victim was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators said she had trauma on her wrists and torso and was living in squalid conditions, with clothes and other items tossed around the apartment.
The New York Administration for Children’s Services removed two other children from the home: an 8-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. The other children appeared to have old injuries as well.
On Thursday, police said the victim died from blunt force injuries, malnourishment, and asphyxia.
A neighbor told the Post that he heard the victim screaming early morning on May 26, 2023, while pleading for her life.
At 3:42 in the morning that girl was screaming,” neighbor Dennis Rivera said. “She was screaming for dear life . . . She was screaming like hell. She kept saying ‘stop, stop, stop.’ … You could hear the thumps, bro.”
The defendant is charged with two counts of manslaughter. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to a related episode below.
[Feature Photo: Jalayah Eason/Handout]
Additional reporting by KC Wildmoon
