Bronx, NY — Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced today that Lynija Eason, a 27-year-old Bronx woman, has been indicted for second-degree murder and related charges in the brutal, long-term abuse that led to the death of her six-year-old daughter, Jelayah Eason Branch.

District Attorney Clark stated, “The little girl was allegedly hanged by her wrists and beaten by the defendant with a hard object. For weeks before she succumbed, Jelayah knew only pain and hunger, allegedly committed by her own mother. We will get justice for Jelayah and are providing services and support to her two siblings who survived a house of horrors.”

Eason, of 730 East 165th Street in the Morrisania section of the Bronx, was arraigned today on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. Eason remains in custody, and her next court appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2024.

The investigation revealed that between March 1 and May 26, 2023, Eason allegedly caused the death of her daughter by hanging her by her wrists in a closet and repeatedly striking her with a hard object. On May 26, 2023, Jelayah’s body was found with new, healing, and old bruises, as well as scars. She had marks on her wrists from restraints and was severely underweight. The NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be child abuse including restraint (suspension) positional asphyxia, blunt force injuries of multiple ages, and malnourishment.

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