AMITE — The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a triple homicide that happened late Thursday afternoon. A mother, her 10-year-old son and 1-year-old nephew were stabbed to death.
It was around 4:40 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2025 when deputies responded to 1599 Sawmill Rd. That’s off of Leonard Chapel Rd., which is off of Hwy. 16. Though the address is an Amite address and it’s right on the Tangipahoa/St. Helena line, it’s technically within St. Helena Parish. The triple homicide happened at a mobile home off a gravel roadway.
The St. Helena Sheriff’s Office says a 40-year-old woman, her 10-year-old son and 1-year-old nephew were all found stabbed to death.
Their families have identified them as Rhonda Powell, 40, her son Braylon, 10, and her nephew Hayden, 1.
Ryant Jones, 31, has been arrested and charged with the murders. The family tells UWK he has a documented history of schizophrenia and had a mental health episode.
“His own brother and mother basically begged the hospital to keep him and issue a 72-hour hold because he has been acting very aggressive toward his twin brother,” Deondra Warner, a cousin told UWK.
Warner added that the victim’s mother, who is usually at home and may have been able to intervene, “was in the hospital awaiting heart surgery at the time of the incident.”
“Rhonda is described as being 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.”
The family is requesting help financially not only to cover funeral costs, but also to provide counseling for the grieving family and help with medical expenses for the victim’s mother, recovering from heart surgery.
“This tragedy has left our family broken, but we are leaning on faith and the support of our community,” said the family.
Ryant Jones, 31, of Amite, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
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One Response
The picture of the mother listed is not the one that died she is the victims mother