Pastor’s Wife Clings to Life After Brutal Attack by Fake Cop

An elderly Florida pastor’s wife is fighting for her life after a vicious attack by a man impersonating a police officer. The suspect, Ronald Davis, 55, has a violent criminal history and was released from prison just months before this heinous crime.

Lucy Pat Curl, 85, was home alone Friday morning in Orlando’s Catalina neighborhood when she heard a loud knock at the door. The man outside claimed to be a police officer. When she asked for identification, he forced his way in and beat her unconscious.

Her husband, Pastor Bill Curl of First Baptist Church of Orlando, discovered her bleeding and unresponsive hours later. “She was sitting on the couch, unable to call for help,” an affidavit stated.

Doctors placed her in a medically induced coma. Given her age and health, surgery was deemed too risky. The prognosis is grim.

A Woman of Faith, A Life of Service

For 52 years, Lucy Pat Curl has stood beside her husband, serving the church and community. A three-time cancer survivor and gifted pianist, she played at countless church events, comforting families through music.

“Bill and Lucy Pat opened their home and hearts to everyone,” said Head Pastor David Uth. “This is beyond tragic.”

Despite the horror, Bill Curl remains steadfast in his faith. “I want to look him in the eye and tell him I forgive him,” he said of Davis. “Because Jesus Christ forgave me.”

A Career Criminal Walked Free

Davis has been in and out of prison since 1986, with convictions for violent robberies and burglaries. In 2009, he brutally attacked a woman in her home, yet was offered a plea deal after years of legal wrangling over his mental competency. Sentenced to 15 years, he was released on June 11, 2023—less than five months before this attack.

Investigators say Davis left his wallet at the scene, leading police to a shed near Clear Lake where he had been living. Officers found stolen jewelry and coins from the Curl home. Given Lucy Pat’s grave condition, Orlando homicide detectives have taken over the case.

A System That Failed

The attack raises serious questions. Why was a repeat violent offender released early? Why did the justice system offer a plea deal instead of keeping a known threat behind bars?

Florida conservatives have long pushed for tougher sentencing laws, arguing that violent criminals should not be given second chances at the expense of innocent lives.

“This is exactly why we need stricter sentencing,” said Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini. “How many more lives need to be destroyed before we stop coddling criminals?”

As a beloved woman of faith clings to life, her community grieves, prays, and demands justice.