An alarming tragedy has unfolded in Florida, where a 41-year-old mother is facing serious charges for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son in an attempt to “cast demons” out of his body. St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro described the incident as one of the most emotionally taxing cases law enforcement has handled in recent memory.
Rhonda Paulynice was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and tampering with a deceased body. Her son, Ra’myl Pierre, was discovered dead on May 30, though investigators believe he died nearly two weeks earlier, on May 18.
Authorities were first notified when a school resource officer at Samuel Gaines Academy received information that Pierre had not been seen at school since May 14. A deputy arrived to the family home in Fort Pierce, where Paulynice allegedly led him inside and to her son’s lifeless body, which had been found laying on his bed.
During the investigation, Sheriff Del Toro revealed that Paulynice claimed to be following divine orders. According to her claims, she believed God had instructed her to “exorcise demons” from the boy, and s he believed that when the child stopped breathing, he had been spiritually released and would come back to life.
“She had a lot of emotional shifts, laughing at one moment and crying the next,” Del Toro noted. “It’s been extremely difficult for everyone involved.”
The specific cause of death remains unknown until the findings of an autopsy scheduled for the day after the body was found.
Deputies reportedly visited the home on May 17, the day before the youngster is believed to have died, in response to a medical emergency regarding Paulynice. However, no concerns were expressed regarding the child at the time.
The sheriff also revealed that the family had previously experienced domestic disputes involving Paulynice and her sister, but none had directly involved the small boy.
Local residents are in shock over the news. One neighbor, Theresa Sienkiewicz, told WPEC she felt “devastated” and “sick to her stomach” after hearing what happened.
Sheriff Del Toro took time during the press briefing to honor Ra’myl’s memory. “From what I understand, this kid just lit up every room he walked into,” he said. “He was deeply loved by those who knew him.”
He emphasized the emotional toll such cases take on law enforcement. “Our deputies see things no one should ever have to see. This was a senseless act of evil. Being a parent myself, it hits hard.”
