Toddler adopted from Haiti was ‘tied up and thrown in the swimming pool’ by mom who later beat him to death and told sibling he was ‘faking’

Left: Polk County (Fla.) Sheriff Grady Judd, speaking at a press conference on May 8, 2024, holds a picture of Patricia Saintizaire, who is accused of killing her adopted 4-year-old son, who she adopted from Haiti. Right: Saintizaire booking photo.

A woman accused of tying up and throwing her adopted son, Bryan Boyer, into a swimming pool before allegedly beating him to death is facing severe charges including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with a witness. Patricia Saintizaire, 36, adopted Bryan from Haiti and brought him to the U.S. in April 2023 when he was three years old, as per the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

During a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd expressed profound disgust at the investigation's findings. He detailed a disturbing video showing Bryan's hands tied behind his back and being tossed into the backyard pool.

The tragic events leading to Bryan's death unfolded on May 1, after he returned home from school seemingly happy and uninjured. However, later that day, an older sibling found Bryan lethargic, unable to walk, and struggling to sit up. Despite Saintizaire dismissing Bryan's condition as "faking it," the teen brother noticed Bryan's deteriorating state and initiated CPR. Bryan was rushed to a hospital in Davenport and later transferred to Orlando due to the severity of his injuries, but unfortunately, he passed away.

The victim, Bryan Boyer

Medical examinations revealed horrifying evidence of ongoing abuse, including a significant spleen tear from a blunt force impact, various bruises and scars consistent with prior assaults, and deep liver lacerations. Bryan's cause of death was determined as blunt force trauma, classified as a homicide.

Further investigation uncovered additional footage showing Saintizaire assaulting Bryan while he lay defenseless on the floor. Despite initial denial, Saintizaire's husband confirmed her role as the family disciplinarian. Detectives also learned that Saintizaire had instructed her teenage son to remain silent about the abuse.

Saintizaire is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment scheduled for June 11. The community is reeling from the tragedy, with Sheriff Judd remarking that despite Bryan's suffering, he is now at peace and free from further harm.