When Faith Turns Fatal: The Urgent Call to Address Mental Health Before It’s Too Late

By Hill of Justice Team | June 20, 2025

This week’s episode of Hill of Justice pulls no punches.

Jerome Hill and retired Sheriff Victor Hill sit down to unpack a chilling and deeply tragic case out of Fort Pierce, Florida, where a six-year-old boy was killed during what his mother believed was a religious exorcism.

This isn’t just about one horrific event—it’s a reflection of a broader crisis: how our systems are continuing to fail vulnerable children and families in the grip of mental illness and religious extremism.

Inside the Tragedy: What Happened in Fort Pierce?

A mother, consumed by delusions, believed she was ridding her son of demons. The reality? A child lost his life. The system never intervened—until it was far too late.

In this episode, the Hills confront the brutal truth: untreated mental illness and unchecked fanaticism are colliding in ways that destroy lives. And the institutions meant to protect—law enforcement, healthcare, and child services—often don’t act until the damage is irreversible.

Breaking Down the Bigger Questions

This episode dives deep into the uncomfortable truths behind the headlines:

• Why was there no intervention before the tragedy?

• How does untreated mental illness morph into deadly delusion?

• Where does religious freedom end—and public safety begin?

• What role must law enforcement and leadership play in prevention?

Jerome and Victor explore how jails have become the default response to mental illness, why proactive evaluations are critical (especially for officers and first responders), and the fine ethical line between faith and fanaticism.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

🔹 Mental illness doesn’t always look like a crisis—until it is.
🔹 Religious delusions are often overlooked or misinterpreted.
🔹 Community intervention, early evaluation, and public education are our first lines of defense.
🔹 Leadership at every level must prioritize mental health—before tragedy strikes.

Real Leadership Means Facing Hard Truths

Victor Hill speaks from decades of experience: “If we don’t start having honest conversations about mental health and the role of belief systems in criminal behavior, we’re going to keep burying children.”

Jerome adds, “This isn’t about religion. This is about responsibility. We’ve got to draw a clear line between faith and fanaticism—and act before it crosses into violence.”

Let’s Talk Solutions

The Hills don’t just analyze—they challenge listeners to consider what we can do. From mental health screenings to community training, real prevention starts with awareness and action.

Because this isn’t just about one family. It’s about every community.

🎬 Produced by Juming Delmas Studios
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