A tragic incident in St. Lucie County, Florida, has left a community reeling. Six-year-old Ra’myl Pierre was found deceased in his home on Friday, May 30th, and his mother, 31-year-old Rhonda Paulynice, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and altering a body. The shocking revelation from St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard R. Del Toro Jr.? Paulynice believed she was carrying out a divine command to exorcise demons from her son.
According to Sheriff Del Toro, school resource officers initiated a welfare check after Ra’myl had been absent from school since May 14th. Upon arrival at the family’s Fort Pierce home, Paulynice led the deputy to her son’s bedroom, where he was found lifeless in his bed. The sheriff stated that Paulynice confessed to believing she was instructed by God to perform an exorcism on the child, and that upon his death, she felt the ‘demons’ had been expelled.
While the exact cause and manner of death are still pending an autopsy, investigators believe Ra’myl died on May 18th. The sheriff’s department had previous contact with the family, but these were unrelated to the child. A prior medical call for the mother on May 17th and past domestic issues between the mother and her sister were noted, but nothing indicated any harm to the child. Paulynice’s statements to investigators reportedly ranged from laughter to tears, according to Sheriff Del Toro.
This heartbreaking case underscores the dangers of unsubstantiated beliefs and the importance of seeking professional help for mental health concerns. The investigation is ongoing, and the community awaits further details from the autopsy report and the legal proceedings against Paulynice. The absence of an attorney for Paulynice at this time prevents any statement on her behalf. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for vigilance in protecting them from harm.
