🚨 Ra’myl Pierre Found Dead in Bedroom After Weeks Missing from School — Mother Rhonda Paulynice Allegedly Admits to Killing Him While Trying to ‘Exorcise Demons Out of His Body’ in Fort Pierce, Florida

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA – The tragic death of 6-year-old Ra’myl Pierre, a child remembered by his school community for his bright energy and kind spirit, has sent shockwaves through the Fort Pierce community and beyond. The little boy was found deceased in his bedroom on May 30, 2025, nearly two weeks after he was last seen alive, following escalating concerns from his school over his prolonged and unexplained absence.

Authorities now say his mother, 41-year-old Rhonda Paulynice, has been charged with murder, after allegedly telling investigators that she believed she was following divine orders to exorcise demons from her son’s body. The circumstances surrounding this case are chilling, with law enforcement officials describing erratic behavior by Paulynice and pointing to religious delusions as a potential motive in this heartbreaking incident.

Timeline of Events: When School Silence Raised the Alarm

The timeline began to unravel after Ra’myl Pierre missed more than two weeks of school at his local elementary school. Staff members, worried about the sudden and unexplained disappearance, attempted to contact the family but received no clear answers. On May 30, they escalated their concern to local authorities, triggering a welfare check by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived at the family’s residence on Juanita Avenue in Fort Pierce, they found the home in a state of disturbing stillness. Inside the boy’s bedroom, they discovered the lifeless body of Ra’myl Pierre, reportedly wrapped in bedsheets and concealed under a blanket. Investigators believe the child had been dead for approximately 12 days, with May 18 identified as the likely date of his death.

A Mother’s Chilling Confession: ‘I Was Removing Evil Spirits’

In a series of disturbing statements made to investigators, Paulynice allegedly claimed that she believed her son was possessed by demons and that she had been instructed by God to perform an exorcism to rid him of these evil forces.

According to the arrest affidavit, Paulynice initially gave conflicting statements about her son’s whereabouts. However, her story changed when presented with the body. Authorities say she eventually admitted to placing holy oil on his head and pouring liquids into his mouth while praying fervently. When Ra’myl did not respond, she believed the demons were resisting and continued the ritual for hours.

What began as a religious practice quickly escalated into fatal abuse. Officials say Paulynice told them she physically restrained Ra’myl, pressing on his chest in an attempt to “push the demons out.” At some point, it is believed the child lost consciousness and never woke up again.

Police Say Mother Exhibited Disturbing Behavior at the Scene

Sheriff Ken Mascara of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office noted the unusual and disturbing behavior Paulynice displayed at the scene. Deputies observed extreme emotional shifts, with the mother laughing inexplicably one moment and sobbing the next. Her erratic demeanor further fueled investigators’ suspicions that she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.

Paulynice was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with first-degree murder, among other potential charges including child abuse resulting in death. She is currently being held without bond pending a psychiatric evaluation and further legal proceedings.

Inside the Home: A House Marked by Isolation and Religious Obsession

Investigators described the inside of the home as largely barren and quiet, with very few toys or signs of a child’s normal daily life. Several religious artifacts were discovered, including Bibles, bottles labeled as “holy oil,” handwritten scriptures, and various religious symbols scattered throughout Ra’myl’s room.

Neighbors reported that Paulynice was a deeply religious woman, though some noted that in recent months, her behavior had become more isolated and increasingly intense. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, said: “She used to be friendly and say hello, but she stopped talking to anyone in the last few months. I thought maybe something was wrong.”

There were no previous child protective services complaints known at this time, although authorities are reviewing whether any warning signs were missed.

The School’s Role: Why It Took Two Weeks to Discover the Death

The school community has been left reeling from the news. Faculty members reportedly made repeated calls to the family home in the days after Ra’myl’s disappearance, with no satisfactory response. While schools are mandated to report chronic absenteeism, officials did not anticipate the horror that would unfold once police arrived.

“We are absolutely devastated,” said a representative from Ra’myl’s school. “He was a sweet, loving little boy. To know that his life ended in this way—it’s incomprehensible.”

Community and Legal Response: Demands for Justice and Mental Health Review

The tragic death has sparked a broader discussion around mental health services, religious extremism, and child protection systems in Florida. Many are asking how a young boy could remain unseen for nearly two weeks without intervention and whether more proactive welfare checks could have saved his life.

State officials have already announced an internal investigation into whether Child Protective Services or other social services had any prior contact with Paulynice or Ra’myl.

Legal analysts believe the defense may attempt to pursue an insanity plea, given Paulynice’s erratic behavior and religious delusions. However, prosecutors appear to be building a strong case centered on premeditation and reckless indifference to human life, especially given the time gap between the alleged acts and the discovery of the body.

Who Was Ra’myl Pierre? Remembering a Life Cut Tragically Short

Ra’myl Pierre was just 6 years old. Friends and teachers describe him as a bright, curious, and joyful child who loved art and playing outside. His teachers recall that he had a vivid imagination, often telling stories during show-and-tell and enjoying books about superheroes and space.

A small memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and candles has begun to grow outside the home, placed there by neighbors and community members mourning the loss of a child whose life ended in unimaginable horror.

“This is a tragedy that shakes the soul,” said Sheriff Mascara. “A child’s life lost—not by a stranger, but by the very person who should have protected him. We owe it to Ra’myl to make sure this never happens again.”

What Happens Next: Legal Proceedings and a Community in Mourning

As of June 1, 2025, Rhonda Paulynice remains in custody, with a formal court hearing expected in the coming weeks. The medical examiner’s office is conducting a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, which will play a crucial role in the case moving forward.

Mental health professionals have been brought in to evaluate Paulynice’s psychological state, and law enforcement officials are reviewing whether any accomplices or enablers played a role in failing to intervene sooner.

The St. Lucie County School District is also conducting an internal review of protocols around student absenteeism and mandatory reporting timelines.

Conclusion: Justice for Ra’myl Pierre

As the investigation continues, the tragic case of Ra’myl Pierre serves as a gut-wrenching reminder of the importance of vigilance in child welfare and the need for accessible mental health support. The community of Fort Pierce grieves a life lost far too young, demanding accountability and healing in the face of an almost incomprehensible tragedy.

If you suspect a child may be in danger, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Help is available 24/7.

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