In a touching display of grace and forgiveness, Pastor Bill Curl of First Baptist Church Orlando addressed the court on April 22, 2025, to forgive Ronald Davis, the man who brutally murdered his wife, Lucy Pat Curl. This tragic event has shaken the community and highlighted the profound impact of faith, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Ronald Davis, 55, entered a guilty plea for the murder of 85-year-old Lucy Pat Curl, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent home invasion in January. In a plea deal, he admitted to the crime, stating it was the right decision. As he faced the consequences of his actions, Pastor Curl, who has served as a pastoral care minister for many years, chose to extend forgiveness rather than harbor resentment.
“My wife was the glue that held our family together,” Pastor Curl shared in a heartfelt statement to the court. “She was my partner for 64 years, and her loss has left a void that can never be filled.” Despite the pain, Pastor Curl emphasized the importance of forgiveness, proclaiming, “For him, we have nothing but forgiveness and love, and a hope that one day he will come to know Jesus.”
The incident that led to this heart-wrenching outcome occurred on January 31, when Lucy Pat Curl was attacked in her home. Pastor Curl was counseling at their church’s Center for Pregnancy when the assault took place. According to police reports, Lucy Pat was tricked into opening the door by Davis, who posed as a community service officer. Once inside, he violently assaulted her, leading to severe injuries that ultimately claimed her life days later.
In recounting the harrowing details, First Baptist Orlando’s Senior Pastor, David Uth, noted that Lucy Pat had been in good health, having fought cancer three times. “She was a fighter,” Uth said. “But this attack was beyond what anyone could have anticipated.” The community rallied around the Curl family, praying for a miracle during Lucy Pat’s hospitalization.
As the court proceedings unfolded, Judge Leticia Marques remarked on the rarity of witnessing such grace in her courtroom. “Mr. Davis, I rarely see grace in this courtroom, but I saw it today from Rev. Curl,” she stated, acknowledging the pastor’s remarkable ability to forgive even in the face of such tragedy.
The story of Pastor Curl and Lucy Pat serves as a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the Christian call to forgive. In an age where anger and retribution often dominate headlines, Pastor Curl’s actions encourage us to reflect on the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and forgiveness as central tenets of the faith.
For those seeking to understand how faith can guide individuals through the darkest of times, this story offers a profound lesson. The Curl family’s experience resonates with the message found in Matthew 6:14-15, which reminds us that forgiveness can free us from the burdens of anger and resentment.
As the community continues to heal from this tragic event, the legacy of Lucy Pat Curl will undoubtedly live on through the love and forgiveness demonstrated by her husband. In a world that often seems chaotic and unforgiving, stories like this remind us of the hope and healing found in faith.
For more information on forgiveness and its significance in Christian teachings, visit Focus on the Family or explore resources at Christianity Today.