A 42-year-old stepmother is denying allegations that she tortured her 8-year-old stepdaughter after school officials alerted Florida police.
The child was allegedly dropped off on April 9 at Tedder Elementary School in Pompano Beach with black eyes and dried blood in her ears, which immediately alarmed school staff. “I’ve never read anything like this. … I’ve got serious concerns for the safety of the victim,” a school counselor stated.
Police were called after the incident, leading to Melirose Joncky’s arrest following an investigation. An arrest report documented that the child had a large contusion on her forehead and scratches on her arms and neck in addition to blood and black eyes. The child allegedly told the counselor her wounds were caused by her stepmother and was wearing a cast from previous injuries also attributed to Joncky.
The victim was transported to Coral Springs Medical Center by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, where scans revealed swelling of the neck, scalp hematomas, and fractures to her arm, foot, and ribs.
