Orlando, Florida – An 85-year-old wife of a pastor was tragically beaten to death after a burglar posing as a community service officer broke into her home, according to the Orlando police. Lucy Pat Curl, the wife of Orlando pastor Bill Curl, was violently attacked by the suspect, Ronald Davis, a convicted felon, on January 31 and passed away in the hospital on February 4 following the brutal assault.
Reports indicate that Davis, 55, deceived Curl by pretending to be a community service officer when she requested proof of identification. He then violently attacked her, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her untimely death. The incident occurred at the couple’s residence in Orlando, leaving Curl in a pool of blood as Davis ransacked the house.
Following the attack, Curl managed to crawl into the couple’s vehicle and alert her husband by honking the horn for help. Arriving home hours later, the pastor discovered his wife gravely injured inside the vehicle and immediately contacted emergency services for assistance. Davis, who had left his wallet at the scene, was later apprehended while sleeping in a shed on a nearby property a few miles away.
Authorities discovered Davis in possession of stolen items, including jewelry, rare coins reported missing by the pastor, and a sweater stained with blood. Initially charged with home invasion robbery, aggravated battery on a person over 65, and aggravated battery with a weapon, Davis now faces the possibility of additional charges, including murder.
The suspect had been released from prison in June 2024 after serving a 15-year sentence for burglary with assault and battery, as well as robbery. Curl, who had battled cancer three times in her life, was described by family and friends as a resilient individual. A statement released by her family expressed shock and grief over her sudden passing and revealed the pastor’s intention to forgive the perpetrator behind the heinous act.
A memorial service to honor Curl’s life is scheduled to take place on February 16 at the Baptist Church of Orlando. The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved member, while seeking justice for the senseless violence that claimed her life.