FORT PIERCE, FL — The tragic death of 6-year-old Ra’myl Pierre has left the Fort Pierce community in shock. His mother, 41-year-old Rhonda Paulynice, is accused of killing him during an alleged exorcism. Here are 10 key facts about this disturbing case:
1. God Told Her to Do It
Paulynice allegedly confessed to suffocating her son during an exorcism, claiming she was instructed by God to remove demons from his body.
2. Body Found After Two Weeks
Ra’myl had been absent from school since May 14, 2025. A welfare check was conducted on May 30, leading to the discovery of his body wrapped in a blanket in his bedroom.
3. Erratic Behavior During Welfare Check
Body camera footage shows Paulynice applying lip gloss and scrolling through her phone while deputies questioned her about her son’s whereabouts.
4. No Immediate Signs of Trauma
Deputies reported no visible signs of trauma on Ra’myl’s body, but decomposition indicated he had been dead for several days. (wdbj7.com)
5. Charges Filed
Paulynice faces charges of second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and tampering with evidence.
6. Previous Domestic Incidents
Authorities had previously responded to Paulynice’s residence for domestic issues, although these incidents did not involve her son directly.
7. Family in Mourning
Ra’myl’s family is devastated, struggling to comprehend the loss of the joyful boy they affectionately called “Poppie.” (wpbf.com)
8. School Community Affected
Samuel Gaines Academy, where Ra’myl was a student, is providing grief counseling and support services to students and staff. (people.com)
9. Mental Health Concerns
While no formal mental health diagnosis has been reported, Paulynice’s behavior and statements suggest potential underlying mental health issues.
10. Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are awaiting toxicology results and further forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
📺 Watch the Body Cam Footage
For a visual account of the initial welfare check, you can view the body camera footage released by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office:
Florida woman accused of killing son in attempted exorcism
This case continues to unfold, raising questions about mental health, religious beliefs, and child welfare. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation progresses.
Here are several credible sources that provide detailed information on the tragic case involving Rhonda Paulynice and her 6-year-old son, Ra’myl Pierre:
📚 Credible News Sources
- ABC News: Reports on the charges against Rhonda Paulynice and details from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office regarding the alleged exorcism. abcnews.go.com
- The Sun (Ireland Edition): Provides insights into Paulynice’s claims about divine instructions and her behavior during the investigation.
- New York Post: Discusses Paulynice’s erratic behavior and the community’s reaction to the incident.
- People Magazine: Offers a comprehensive overview of the case, including the timeline of events and statements from authorities.
- CBS12 News: Features body camera footage from the welfare check and details about Paulynice’s demeanor during the encounter.
- FOX 13 News: Covers the official statements from the sheriff’s office and the charges filed against Paulynice.
- WPTV News: Examines the timeline of the school’s response to Ra’myl’s absence and the subsequent welfare check. wptv.com
