What started as a school absence turned into a heartbreaking discovery no one saw coming. A missing child, a welfare check, and a mother’s disturbing confession have now left an entire Florida community in shock—wondering how something so dark could happen behind closed doors. Authorities in Fort Pierce, Florida, discovered 6-year-old Ra’Myl “Poppie” Pierre dead in his bedroom during a welfare check last Friday.
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Florida Mom Murders Son During Exorcism
Pierre had been absent from school since May 14, says reports. When deputies arrived at the home, his mother, Rhonda Joyce Paulynice, allegedly led them straight to the boy’s lifeless body. According to investigators, Paulynice told detectives her son died while she was attempting to “exorcise demons” from his body, claiming she believed she was acting on instructions from God.
“In speaking with the mother, she believed she was being told by God to basically exorcise demons out of the child’s body,” the sheriff’s office said during a press briefing on Friday. “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 basically come back at that time.”
More Details On Ra’Myl’s Death
Officials say the homicide likely occurred on May 18—the last day Paulynice admitted to speaking to Ra’Myl Pierre. During her interview, she reportedly cycled between laughing and crying. She was charged with second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a body. The autopsy has been completed, but the medical examiner’s office is withholding results due to the ongoing investigation. The mother has been denied bond, and her public defender has not commented.
According to reports, Paulynice and her son were the only ones living in the home. Authorities had previously visited the residence for domestic and medical issues, including the day before the tragedy.
The Community Speaks Out
Paulynice’s daughter and Re’myl’s sister, Ramoura Bartelus, echoed the heartbreak. “I’m so sorry, Poppie,” Bartelus said through tears. “Please know we love you beyond all measures.” As the family copes with an unimaginable loss, they’re now planning his funeral, monitoring the court case, and have launched a GoFundMe to help cover burial costs.
Additionally, the St. Lucie County school district announced it will offer grief counseling and support services to employees and students. In a statement, the district said, “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who loved and cared for him during this incredibly difficult time.”
