Florida Tragedy: 6-Year-Old Ra’myl Pierre Found Dead in Apparent Exorcism Attempt by Mother

Florida Tragedy: 6-Year-Old Ra’myl Pierre Found Dead in Apparent Exorcism Attempt by Mother

FORT PIERCE, FL — A quiet Florida neighborhood has been left shaken following the devastating discovery of a 6-year-old boy’s lifeless body in his home after he had been absent from school for more than two weeks. Authorities confirmed that Ra’Myl Pierre, a student at Samuel Gaines Academy, was found dead on Friday, May 30, 2025, in his bedroom during a welfare check initiated after school officials grew concerned over his extended absence.

His mother, Rhonda Joyce Paulynice, has since been arrested and charged with murder, after allegedly telling detectives that the child died while she was attempting to “exorcise demons” from his body—an act she believed was commanded by God.

A Disturbing Discovery

The tragedy unfolded after school resource deputies requested a welfare check due to Ra’Myl’s unexplained absence since May 14. When St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the family’s Fort Pierce residence, Paulynice met them at the door and led them to her son’s bedroom, where they found Ra’Myl deceased in his bed.

According to Sheriff Richard Del Toro, it was immediately evident that the child had been dead for some time.

“In speaking with the mother, she believed she was being told by God to basically exorcise demons out of the child’s body,” Sheriff Del Toro said in a Friday press conference. “When the child had stopped moving and basically passed away, at that point, she felt the child had been released of those demons and was waiting for him to come back.”

Delusions, Faith, and Fatal Consequences

Investigators believe that Paulynice acted alone, driven by delusional religious beliefs. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of Ra’Myl’s death, pending the results of an autopsy, but Sheriff Del Toro made clear that the circumstances were horrifying.

“This wasn’t a case of natural causes or an accident,” he said. “This child endured suffering. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.”

Officials say there were signs that the boy may have been subjected to prolonged abuse under the guise of a religious ritual. Detectives recovered various items from the home that they believe were used in the so-called “exorcism.”

Paulynice is now being held without bond and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and child abuse. Authorities are also reviewing the case to determine if mental health played a role and whether additional charges are warranted.

School Officials Raised the Alarm

Staff at Samuel Gaines Academy, where Ra’Myl was a kindergartner, are mourning the loss of a child they describe as bright, energetic, and kind-hearted. It was the school’s diligence in noticing Ra’Myl’s prolonged absence—and their decision to request a welfare check—that ultimately led authorities to uncover the truth.

“We’re heartbroken,” said a school spokesperson. “Ra’Myl was a sweet little boy, full of life and joy. Our entire school family is grieving, and we are working to support students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.”

Grief counselors have been dispatched to the school, and a memorial space has been set up to honor the young boy’s life.

A Community in Mourning—and Anger

The case has struck a raw nerve in Fort Pierce and across Florida. Social media is filled with messages of shock, grief, and anger. Many are questioning how such a tragedy could go unnoticed for weeks.

“This isn’t just a family tragedy—it’s a community tragedy,” one resident wrote on Facebook. “That little boy deserved safety, love, and a future.”

Faith leaders in the area have also responded, condemning the distortion of religious belief and calling for more attention to mental health awareness and child welfare.

“This is not what faith looks like,” said Pastor Elijah Monroe of a local church. “This is illness and tragedy, and we need to do more to protect the vulnerable and ensure those struggling with mental health get help before lives are lost.”

Looking Ahead

As the criminal investigation unfolds, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to report any concerns about child neglect or abuse without delay.

“Let this be a wake-up call,” Sheriff Del Toro said. “If something doesn’t feel right—say something. One phone call can save a life.”

Authorities continue to work closely with the medical examiner’s office and state prosecutors to build the case against Paulynice. A court date has not yet been announced.

Remembering Ra’Myl

Amid the grief, the community is rallying to remember Ra’Myl Pierre not for how his life ended, but for who he was—a joyful child with a warm smile and a big heart.

A candlelight vigil is being planned by local residents and school officials to honor his memory. A GoFundMe has also been launched to assist with funeral expenses and to support initiatives in child mental health and safety.

Rest in peace, Ra’Myl. You mattered. You were loved. You will not be forgotten.