Man Allegedly Killed Woman & 2 Children in Home Massacre – ‘Mental Health System Failed Him’

A horrific killing has rocked a Louisiana family who lost a beloved mother and two young boys. The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call on January 9, 2025, that ended in tragedy. Rhonda Powell, 40, and her son Braylon, 10, died along with Powell’s nephew, 1-year-old Hayden.

Sadly, it appears another family member took their lives. Police arrested Ryant Jones, 31, in connection with the killings. His family told WAFB the man had a history of mental illness but the system failed him. Jones faces three counts of first-degree murder.

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Jones reportedly had a history of schizophrenia.

Powell’s cousin, Deondra Robertson-Warner, told WAFB that Jones had schizophrenia and the family took him to the doctor on January 8 for help. The doctor allegedly gave him a different medication during that visit. The following day, tragedy occurred.

“She pleaded with or implored that the doctor give him the shot which usually works. Instead, the doctor gives him a pill,” Robertson-Warner told the news outlet. “They also requested, both the brother and my aunt, requested that they commit him and that they keep him because he was showing signs of aggression with his brother. They didn’t think it was a good idea to send him home.”

Jones allegedly attacked the family not long after leaving the medical center.

Per a news release from the sheriff’s department, police responded to a home at 1599 Sawmill Road in Amite, around 4:40 p.m. January 9. When they arrived, they reportedly found Powell, Braylon, and Hayden suffering from apparent stab wounds.

A short time later, police arrested Jones, who was charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

“This was a horrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims family, all the first responders that worked this tragedy, and the entire community,” Sheriff Clay Chutz shared in a statement.

Robertson-Warner thinks doctors could have prevented the killings.

She told WFAB that Jones believed that someone was against him, and he acted out because of his mental illness.

“And he feels like somebody is plotting against him. And then the rest is what it is. It is what it is, no one in that home survived because the mental health system failed him. Had he been committed, he would be where he needed to be today, and my other family members would be alive,” Robertson-Warner said. That baby would be alive, those babies would be alive, my cousin would be alive today. And my aunt wouldn’t be trying to have the strength to bury three members of her family and wonder what will happen to the other one.”

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Loved ones created a GoFundMe account.

All the money raised will help with the final expenses and Powell’s mother. Robertson-Warner wrote on the fundraiser, “Rhonda was a loving mother, sister, and friend who brought light to everyone around her. Braylon was a bright and joyful 10-year-old, full of potential and promise. Little Hayden, only one year old, was just beginning his journey in life.”

She told WFAB that her family needs many prayers. “And so on behalf of my family, I just ask for your prayers, not your judgment. We did what we knew to do, the family did what we needed to do, we trusted the experts to do what they should’ve done. And if that’s the best that they can do, they gotta try again,” Warner-Robertson said.

The GoFundMe has raised nearly $5,000 thus far.