ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The mother charged with the death of her 6-year-old son will stay in jail without bond.
Rhonda Paulynice, 41, appeared before a judge Saturday morning in St. Lucie County. She has been charged with second-degree murder, as well as failing to report a death and altering a body after it was deceased.
WATCH: Mother charged in 6-year-old son's death
The death of her 6-year-old is under investigation after the child's body was found inside a home located in the 2500 block of Bedford Drive near Fort Pierce.
At a Friday evening press conference, St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro said the deceased 6-year-old is Ra'myl Pierre, who attended Samuel S. Gaines Academy.
The sheriff said he believes the child had been dead since May 18, which is also the last day Paulynice says she spoke with the child.
According to Sheriff Del Toro, the mother said she was allegedly being told by God to exorcise demons from her son's body. He said she allegedly attempted to preserve the body in some form after death.
Del Toro said they had responded to this house in the past, but not for anything involving the mother and son. He said they were last there for a "rescue run" on May 17 for a medical issue the mother was having.
WATCH: St. Lucie County sheriff says mother was attempting to 'exorcise demons' from son
Del Toro added there have been domestic issues in the past, going back to January, involving Paulynice and a sister who resided at the home.
An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday to determine cause of death.
Officials said about 10 a.m. Friday, deputies responded to the residence to conduct a welfare check at the request of a school resource deputy following concerns regarding the child's absence from school since May 14.
WATCH BELOW: Mother questioned after child found dead in St. Lucie Co.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with the child's mother, who directed them to a bedroom inside the home. Deputies later found the child dead in the bedroom.
"We're going to work it like it is a homicide," St. Lucie County Undersheriff John Bolduc said. "That's why you see a slow and extensive crime scene ... as we gather information. We'll go where the evidence takes us."
The little boy attended the Boys & Girls Club of St. LucieCo last year and in the summer and CEO Will Armstead, released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened at the Boys & Girls Club’s of St. Lucie County by the tragic loss of a child in our community -taken in an unthinkable act by someone who was meant to protect them. This kind of tragedy leaves a lasting impact on everyone who knew and loved this young life.
It is a painful reminder of the importance of mental health- for our children, teens, and the adults who care for them. We must continue to speak up, offer support, and create safe spaces for families to seek help before it's too late.
Let us honor this young life by standing together, supporting one another, and prioritizing emotional well-being in our homes and communities. “
