Orlando, FL — An elderly woman, who had successfully battled cancer three times, met a tragic end in her Orlando home last week when a man posing as a community service officer fatally attacked her. The victim, identified as 85-year-old Lucy Pat Curl, was the wife of a local pastor.
Ronald Davis, 55, is accused of feigning a role as a community service officer to gain entry into Curl’s home on January 31. Once inside, he violently assaulted Curl, leading to injuries that proved fatal just days later, according to law enforcement officials.
The senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, David Uth, conveyed the brutality of the attack to his congregation. He explained that the assailant struck Curl, causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries. Subsequently, Davis ransacked the residence as she lay incapacitated.
In a desperate bid for assistance, Curl managed to crawl to her vehicle and sound the horn. It was several hours before her husband, Pastor Bill Curl, discovered her critically injured in the car and dialed 911.
The ensuing police investigation led to the arrest of Davis, who was found sleeping in a shed several miles from the crime scene. His capture was facilitated by his wallet, which he had left behind. Upon arrest, authorities found him in possession of jewelry and rare coins missing from the Curls’ home, along with a blood-stained sweater.
Before this incident, Davis had been released from prison in June 2024 after serving a 15-year sentence for charges including burglary with assault and battery, and robbery. The charges currently brought against him include home invasion robbery with a weapon, aggravated battery on a person older than 65 causing great bodily harm, and aggravated battery with a weapon. It remains unclear whether Davis will also face a murder charge following Curl’s death.
The tragic event has resonated deeply within the community and Curl’s family. In the aftermath, the family described her death as “shocking and abrupt.” Pastor Curl expressed a poignant desire to confront the perpetrator with a photo of his wife, emphasizing his commitment to forgiveness despite the heinous act.
A service honoring Lucy Pat Curl’s life and resilience is scheduled for February 16 at the Baptist Church of Orlando. This tragic incident highlights not only the vulnerability of the elderly but also the profound impact of crime on families and communities.