Suffer the Little Children – Bonus Minisode #10: Kendall Doss

Podcast: Suffer the Little Children
Host: Lane
Date: September 27, 2025 (originally Feb 2022 for Patreon)
Episode Theme:
This bonus minisode focuses on the tragic and infuriating story of Kendall Lynn Doss, an 18-month-old girl who died due to abuse and neglect at the hands of her mother’s fiancé. Host Lane lays out the heartbreaking details of Kendall’s short life, the failures of the adults around her, the investigation, legal proceedings, and the enduring grief of those who loved her.

Main Theme Overview

Lane delivers a meticulous retelling of the abuse, murder, and subsequent investigation into the death of Kendall Doss. The narrative highlights the systemic failures that failed to protect Kendall, the dubious actions of her mother, the heinous crimes of her mother's fiancé, and the pain-tinged pursuit of justice by her loved ones and the community. The episode honors Kendall's memory by giving her story a voice and exposing the grievous wrongs done to her.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Kendall’s Early Life and Family Context

• [01:30] Kendall’s Birth:
  • Born Feb 23, 2014, to Jessica Farmer Arnold (34 at time) and Derek James Doss (25), in Sayre, Pennsylvania.
  • Jessica already had two other children (a teenage daughter, a tween son).
  • Jessica and Derek broke up in late 2014; Jessica quickly became engaged to Jeremiah Allen Cordell (“JC”) by 2015.

Jeremiah Allen Cordell’s Background

• [02:33] JC’s Criminal History:
  • Multiple arrests since 2008 for theft, conspiracy, corruption of minors.
  • Rumors (unproven/never charged) of past sexual assault against a young boy.
  • Consistently disruptive and dangerous behavior reported by community members:
    • “He’s tried running over numerous kids in town.” – [04:29] (Source quoted by Lane)

Events Leading to Kendall’s Death

• [04:34] The Day of Kendall’s Death (Sept 13, 2015):
  • Jessica left Kendall and her siblings in JC’s care while she worked/run errands.
  • JC sent Jessica a text saying Kendall had vomited, he cleaned her up and put her to bed.
  • Jessica claimed everything seemed normal when she came home.
  • The next morning, Kendall was found unresponsive in her bed.

Suspicious Responses and Behavior

• [06:17] Immediate Reaction:
  • Jessica packed up all Kendall’s clothes and “donated them to a daycare center” the very day Kendall died.
  • The night after Kendall’s death, Jessica was already planning to drink at a bar, displaying disturbing detachment:
    • “Who’s going to buy me my first drink because mama is broke?” – [06:21] (Jessica quoted by source)
  • Jessica was never criminally charged in Kendall’s death despite these behaviors.

Medical History and Investigations

• [07:34] Prior Head Injury:
  • In August (one month before her death), Kendall was hospitalized for blood between her brain and skull, suspicious for abuse.
  • CYS (Children and Youth Services) opened a case, but Jessica minimized the incident as “just procedure.”
• [08:38] Derek’s Frustration:
  • Derek tried to get information from CYS days before Kendall’s death; was told to stay away, then received news of her passing.
  • “Get advised to stay away and then a week later I get woke up to someone telling me my daughter’s dead. I mean, how are you supposed to handle that?” – [08:38] (Derek, Kendall’s father)

Kendall’s Funeral

• Funeral held on Sept 18, 2015.
• Jessica wanted JC at the funeral but was forbidden by police and Derek.
• Jessica’s conduct at the funeral was “full of laughs… acted like nothing had ever happened.” – [09:29] (Source account)

Investigation & Arrest

• [11:18] Cause of Death:
  • Officially ruled a homicide: “traumatic head injuries consistent with both impact and shaking.”
  • Signs of sexual assault detected during autopsy; DNA evidence found on Kendall’s clothing and a towel, matched to JC, despite laundering.
• JC arrested for unrelated unpaid fines shortly after, not initially for murder (Jessica and her mother posted his bail, against police warnings).

Prosecution and Court Proceedings

• [14:33, 17:57] Delays and Community Outrage:
  • JC was finally charged with murder and sexual assault nine months later, after DNA results returned.
  • Community outrage and rallies demanding justice for Kendall, faced with Jessica’s hostility.
  • “He did not let anyone know the child suffered a head injury. He did not do anything that would have allowed the child to get any sort of treatment.” – [17:57] (District Attorney Dan Barrett)
• [18:05] Plea Deal and Sentencing:
  • JC accepted a plea for third-degree murder in May 2017; sentenced to 20-40 years, other charges (including sexual assault/rape) were dropped.
  • “I think he deserves the death penalty, but I don’t make that decision… How do you take a baby's life, then basically get out on parole in 20 years?” – [18:51] (Community member)
  • Derek (Kendall’s father) was not given input on the plea deal.
  • DA Barrett: “It’s been a very long and disturbing case. We’re glad to have it done.” – [19:21]

Aftermath for Family and Systemic Failures

• [20:26] Ongoing Family Issues:
  • Jessica continued living in the house where Kendall died, lost custody of her surviving children multiple times due to continued drug use, unsavory associates, and neglect.
  • Jessica was never charged for her suspected involvement/neglect.
• [21:50] Discussion of Systemic Neglect:
  • Host Lane criticizes the local judicial system’s reluctance to fully prosecute child abusers/killers.

Remembering Kendall

• Kind Words from Samantha (Babysitter):
  • “One of Kendall’s favorite things to do was to go swinging with me.” – [22:57]
  • About Kendall and her sister: “They had a bond I’ve never seen before. You would always find the two together, happy as can be.” – [23:18]
  • “She was the sweetest little girl I have ever met… Her beautiful smile that could light up a room. She gave the best hugs… Our hearts will never heal. A part of all of us is missing without her.” – [23:26] (Samantha)
• Reflections from Uncle Dan:
  • “The memories of Kendall Bug, as her grandmother calls her, will forever remain… How she had the chubbiest baby cheeks with that intriguing scowl just like her daddy…” – [24:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On JC’s Dangerousness:
  • “He’s tried running over numerous kids in town.” – [04:29] (Source)
• On Jessica’s Immediate Behavior After Kendall’s Death:
  • “Who’s going to buy me my first drink because mama is broke?” – [06:21] (Jessica)
• On Institutional Indifference:
  • “I want to know how long it takes to find out whether it is criminal or whether it is natural. I just don’t understand how it could be natural.” – [08:54] (Derek)
• On System Failure and Plea Deals:
  • “I think he deserves the death penalty, but I don’t make that decision. Another said, how do you take a baby’s life, then basically get out on parole in 20 years?” – [18:51] (Community)
  • “At this point, I have to wonder what Barrett’s reasoning was for offering J.C. this sweetheart deal in which he doesn’t even have to register as a sex offender when he’s eventually released. Sometimes it’s really a shame that Dexter’s a fictional character.” – [19:25] (Lane)
• Kendall’s Impact:
  • “She was like my baby sister, my heart and most of all, she truly was my best friend. We were inseparable since the day after her father brought her home... Our hearts will never heal.” – [23:26] (Samantha, babysitter)
  • “Wherever she is. I hope Kendall is smiling down on the people who love her as she swings high to her heart's content.” – [24:49] (Lane)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:30] – Episode intro, case background.
• [04:29] – Testimony about JC’s dangerous behavior.
• [06:17] – Jessica’s suspicious post-death conduct.
• [07:34] – Medical history of abuse and system response.
• [08:38] – Derek Doss’s pain and frustration.
• [09:54] – Funeral and family reactions.
• [11:18] – Coroner’s findings and sexual assault evidence.
• [14:33] – Arrests, community activism, and legal system slowdowns.
• [17:57] – DA’s statement on JC’s neglect.
• [18:05] – Plea deal, community outrage, and sentencing.
• [20:26] – Family aftermath, Jessica’s continued troubles.
• [22:57] – Personal remembrances from Kendall’s babysitter and uncle.

Episode Tone & Language

• Lane’s narration is empathetic, direct, and at times bitingly critical, especially toward institutional failures and the plea deal.
• The tone is mournful, angry, and unflinchingly honest; the pain and outrage at the injustice done to Kendall and her family is palpable throughout.

Conclusion

This episode is a searing indictment of not only one man’s monstrous crimes but of the systems and adults who failed to protect Kendall. Lane ensures that Kendall’s life and memory are honored, lifting up the voices of those who loved her while fiercely criticizing those who enabled or excused her suffering. The episode stands as both a tribute and a call to action for better protections for vulnerable children.

For more info or to support families affected by child abuse:
Visit childhelp.org or your local child abuse hotline.