UPDATE: Funeral arrangements changed due to the weather
The family of Rhonda Powell, 40, and her 10-year-old son, Braylon, has announced changes to their funeral arrangements due to the unprecedented snowstorm that swept through south Louisiana. The service, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been moved to Friday, January 24, to ensure attendees can safely travel.
Updated Funeral Arrangements:
- Visitation: Friday, January 24, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (CT)
Cross Memorial Funeral Home – Amite
60100 W Way Drive, Amite, LA 70422
- Celebration of Life: Friday, January 24, 10:30 AM (CT)
Cross Memorial Funeral Home – Amite
60100 W Way Drive, Amite, LA 70422
The funeral director made the decision to reschedule the services due to hazardous weather conditions, prioritizing the safety of family and friends traveling to pay their respects.
“This weather was beautiful but has messed everything up for us,” said Deondra Warner, cousin of the victims. Despite the setback, Warner emphasized the family’s resilience as they continue to mourn their tragic loss.
Triple homicide in St. Helena Parish highlights Louisiana’s mental health crisis
AMITE — A devastating triple murder that claimed the lives of a mother, her young son, and her toddler nephew has left a family shattered with grief while drawing urgent attention to a critical issue: the dire need for improved mental health care in Louisiana.
The tragedy unfolded late last Thursday in St. Helena Parish, where investigators say 31-year-old Ryant Jones allegedly killed his sister, 40-year-old Rhonda Powell, her 10-year-old son, Braylon, and his own 1-year-old son, Hayden.
Jones, who now faces three counts of first-degree murder, reportedly has a documented history of severe mental illness, including schizophrenia.
A Family’s Call for Change
Deondra Warner, the Jones’ cousin, has stepped forward to advocate for greater awareness and resources for mental health. Speaking candidly about the tragedy, Warner revealed that the family had raised concerns about Jones’ deteriorating mental state before the incident.
“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,” Warner said.
Jones was released from a hospital shortly before the murders, despite his documented mental health struggles, leaving the family questioning the system’s ability to manage such cases effectively.
Warner described the close bond between Jones and his sister, Rhonda Powell, who had been his confidant and best friend. Warner explained, adding to the heartbreak of the situation. “So we just cannot fathom what could have possibly happened in that moment.”
The Mother’s Struggle
Adding to the tragedy, Jones’ mother, who was in the hospital undergoing heart surgery at the time of the murders, remains hospitalized following the successful implantation of a pacemaker. Psychiatric professionals are working with her as she processes the devastating loss of her daughter and two grandsons, allegedly at the hands of her son.
“She’s still his mother,” Warner said, emphasizing the complex emotions involved. “There are mixed emotions. So there was anger, even from the mother the day it happened. But the next day, she told her son, ‘Go check on your brother.’”
A Broken System
Warner, who works with students with disabilities, expressed frustration over the lack of resources for individuals with severe mental health challenges.
“I was very overwhelmed, yes, and it’s very difficult,” she said. “A lot of people don’t understand mental illness, and if you’ve never had to deal with it and experience it personally, then you don’t know how it feels. You don’t know what it looks like exactly. Until it hits your home, it is not the same.”
The experience has impacted Warner’s perspective. “I have way more empathy, way more understanding. It’s hard, and you just cannot imagine. I look at situations from a different light, from this experience. I’m sure God’s not finished teaching me whatever it is he needs me to learn.”
Mental Health Care in Louisiana
Louisiana consistently ranks among the worst states for access to mental health care. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the state has one of the highest rates of mental health issues, yet more than half of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment.
State funding for mental health services remains below the national average, with limited options for inpatient care and crisis intervention, leaving families like the Powells without the support they need.
MORE: Mental illness warning signs and symptoms
A Need for Action
The Powell family hopes this tragedy will shine a light on the urgent need for mental health care reform. Warner emphasized the importance of removing the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocating for systemic change.
“It’s not easy to always try to do the right thing because I have human hearts to me too,” she said. “But this is bigger than us. We need help, and we need it now.”
As funeral arrangements are being made for Rhonda Powell, Braylon, and Hayden, the family continues to call for justice—not only in the form of legal accountability but in ensuring that no other family suffers a similar tragedy due to gaps in mental health care.
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the family.
Ryant Jones, 31, of Amite, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
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