Florida Tragic Incident: Man Killed While Trying to ‘Exorcise’ Child He Thought Was ‘Possessed

A sad incident occurred in Sebring, Florida, when 39-year-old Richard Myron Ham attempted to burn a 9-year-old kid whom he believed to be possessed by a demon.

The chilling episode culminated in a confrontation with law enforcement, resulting in Ham’s demise.

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office received reports of burning debris on Bay Blossom Drive, prompting a response from firefighters. Upon deeming the situation suspicious, deputies were called to intervene.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered Ham armed with metal rods, obstinate and unresponsive to commands. Efforts to subdue him with a Taser proved ineffective as Ham defiantly removed the probes and wielded one of the bars, striking a deputy in the head.

Another deputy responded to the attack in Florida by pulling their gun, which killed Ham. While the wounded deputy received treatment and was later discharged from the hospital, Ham passed away from his wounds despite receiving prompt medical attention.

Florida’s Shocking Revelation

Disturbing revelations emerged during the investigation, uncovering Ham and 30-year-old Lakenya Phillips burning the possessions of Phillips’ 9-year-old son under the belief that the child was possessed by a demon.

Witnesses recounted the horrifying scene, alleging Ham’s attempt to put the child into the fire, covering him with a burning blanket. Fortunately, the child managed to escape the flames, averting severe injury.

The fact that Phillips and the youngster were reported missing and endangered in Wichita, Kansas, earlier in December raised even more questions for Florida investigators. For detectives, their unexpected arrival in Highlands County remained a mystery.

A subsequent search of Ham and Phillips’ vehicle revealed an arsenal of firearms and 

undisclosed quantities of drugs, adding to the complexity of the case.

A picture of Ham’s troublesome background embroiled in criminality and earlier run-ins with the Florida law was drawn by his troubled past, which was defined by prior convictions for firearms felonies and drug-related charges across various states.