In a harrowing incident in Fort Pierce, Florida, a 6-year-old boy, Ra’myl Pierre, was found dead in his home, allegedly killed by his mother, Rhonda Paulynice, during a ritual she described as an attempt to “exorcise demons” from his body.

The tragic discovery was made on May 30, 2025, after school officials at Samuel Gaines Academy raised concerns about Ra’myl’s absence from school since May 14.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check, leading to the grim finding of the boy’s body in his bedroom, wrapped in cloth with only his face exposed.

According to reports from The US Sun, Paulynice, 41, confessed to investigators that she believed her son was possessed by a “spirit” or “enemy” and that she was acting on divine instructions.

She claimed that “God/Father” had been communicating with her through dreams, directing her to rid her son of demons.

The affidavit details that Paulynice admitted to suffocating Ra’myl by placing her hand over his mouth while he was “kicking and screaming” in bed, believing this act would expel the demonic presence.

She reportedly told authorities she was not in control of her “vessel” during the incident, attributing her actions to divine intervention.

Sheriff Richard Del Toro noted that Paulynice exhibited erratic behavior during the investigation, oscillating between laughter and tears, which investigators described as insincere.

She allegedly checked on her son’s body daily for 12 days after his death on May 18, believing he would “come back” once the demons were expelled.

The boy’s body was left decomposing in his bed, a fact that underscores the severity of the neglect following the alleged murder.

Paulynice has been charged with second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and willfully touching or moving a body. She was arrested on May 30 and is currently being held on a $150,000 bond.

The Sun reported that her behavior during interactions with law enforcement, such as refusing to remove her sunglasses indoors, was noted as “odd” and contributed to perceptions of her indifference to her son’s death.

The community and school officials expressed profound grief over Ra’myl’s death, with Sheriff Del Toro describing the boy as someone who “lit the room up” and was loved by many.

St. Lucie Public Schools issued a statement confirming the tragic loss and offering grief support services to students and staff affected by the incident.

This case has drawn attention to the dangers of extreme religious beliefs when they intersect with mental health issues or misguided actions, leading to devastating consequences.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.