Lynija Eason-Kumar, a 23-year-old mother from the Bronx, was charged with murder in the brutal beating death of her 6-year-old daughter, Jalayah Eason. The incident occurred on May 26, 2023, in their apartment at NYCHA’s Forest Houses. Initially, Eason-Kumar claimed she found Jalayah cold and not breathing in a closet in their home. She tried to administer CPR, but the little girl did not wake up. EMS arrived and rushed Jalayah to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead from asphyxia and blunt force injuries.
Neighbors reported hearing Jalayah screaming for her life during the early-morning beating, with loud thumps also heard. Police sources revealed that there had been several calls for domestic violence at the family’s address in the past. Eason-Kumar had previously been arrested on charges of harming her other two children, an 8-year-old boy, and a 3-year-old girl. Both children had visible injuries such as cuts, scars, and rashes when police visited the home on May 26.
The 8-year-old boy had multiple small lacerations in various stages of healing on his body, as well as a cut on his forehead and a deep, partially-healed gash on his scalp. The girl had a long, discolored scar on her waist and a widespread discolored rash on her inner thighs and buttocks. Details of the filthy and insect-infested home were also included in the criminal complaint related to the previous case. The investigation into this previous case remains open in Bronx Criminal Court.
Eason-Kumar’s upstairs neighbor, Dennis Rivera, recounted hearing Jalayah’s screams for help during the fatal incident. The young girl repeatedly begged for the beating to stop, indicating a harrowing and brutal ordeal. Eason-Kumar faces charges of murder and manslaughter in connection to her daughter’s death, and her arraignment was pending at the time of the news report. This tragic case highlights the cycle of abuse and violence that can occur within families, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support for at-risk children and parents.
The community was shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jalayah Eason, with many expressing outrage over the circumstances of her brutal killing. Residents of the Forest Houses and beyond called for justice for the young girl and accountability for those responsible. The details of Jalayah’s final moments, pleading for her life, struck a chord with many, prompting discussions about child protection and the need for stronger intervention in cases of suspected abuse. Eason-Kumar’s arrest and pending charges bring the long-overdue attention to the issue of domestic violence and child abuse within the community.
As the investigation into Jalayah Eason’s death continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the fatal beating. Reports of past incidents of domestic violence and child abuse raise questions about missed opportunities to intervene and protect vulnerable children. The tragic loss of Jalayah serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for support services, reporting mechanisms, and preventative measures to safeguard children from harm. The Bronx community mourns the loss of the young girl and vows to seek justice on her behalf, ensuring that her memory is not forgotten amidst the ongoing fight against child abuse and violence.
