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Barb,
No worries Mr. Lahmann realizes without a shadow of a doubt he spoke up to soon for Ron Reynolds. He will NOT get into the position of superintendent. The school board is also very aware. They have to keep mum because of the constant threat of lawsuit. Idiot. (person with iq of a 2 or 3 yr old.)
Your friends in Lewis County

FROM BARB THOMPSON: UPDATE ON BOOK: We are working hard, very hard on putting together a webpage for my book along with other interesting information and a look into Ronda's life, her dreams, her loves. The webpage was donated and is being built by a private citizen who wishes to remain anonymous. This person is donating their time and money because of their own belief in Justice and I am so very grateful --- and excited. I will keep you posted on the progress. It is going to be great and hopefully my book will soon be available in completed form. Keep checking...............

FROM BARB THOMPSON: I have heard from several other people also that Tom Lehmann is retiring. People who have contacted me seem to be in agreement that he is a good person and if this is true he will be carrying a haunting memory that he was manipulated by a murderer. Maybe it has something to do with not being able to continue working with someone as evil as Ron Reynolds. Whatever the reason I truly wish Mr. Lehmann well -- I wish I could share with him the kind things people have had to say about him and pray at some point he will find the courage to speak out.

I can't for the life of me imagine that Ron Reynolds could think he would have a prayer at obtaining the job of School Superintendent, but you never know......... I appreciate every email I receive and feel for every parent who has voiced their concern about having their child (Children) being "governed" by Ron Reynolds. But unless these parents take a stand -- together as a group or alone -- individually -- and make sure their voices are heard that they do not want Ron Reynolds supervising their children he may very well become the next School Superintendent or -- or maybe Ron Reynolds won't have the opportunity to apply for that position.

Just because we are quiet doesn't mean we are not still working hard Barb! We are watching his every move. If he sneezes we know. Love Ya Barb! (Remember the saying "The calm before the storm")P.S. Super is retiring this summer and he wants to apply. He He! Stupid pig. Hint to the pig..DON'T BOTHER.

Well, they are getting closer to choosing a new sheriff! We have high hopes that he will be a sensible man and want to solve some of these very controversial cases. Keep watching our paper!! The one they are leaning towards is not the one endorsed by McCroskey....and to us, that is a giant PLUS! Hang in there Barb!!

To the citizens of Lewis County.

Thank all of you who have the courage to step forward with your opinions. It is realy not that hard to accpet this case for what it is, A Murder!. The facts and evidnce has always been there for anyone who wanted to review them with an open mind.

McCroskey has retired. But I am sure it is not for the reasons he proclaims. His Chief Jail Administrator quit unexpectedly to. What does that tell you? Does he think he can hide his cowardice forever? For all his dispictable behavior in his efforts to assist Undersheriff, Spanksi and Chief Criminal Deputy, Joe Doench, in preventing this case from being cleared, he is just as guilty as the perp who pulled the trigger. That is my opinion.

Not only do I believe that this case will eventually be cleared with an arrest, but the citizens of Lewis County will someday be forced to accept the truth about McCroskey and his administration.

God Bless those who have stood by their own convictions and what simple common sense has told them about this case.

I am asking all of you who follow this case to renew your prayers and pray for justice and complete truth disclosure in this investigation. It is a new year and we will have a new sheriff in this county...and perhaps the new person will have a conscience about Ronda's case. Hang in there Barb...we are pulling for you!!


Your friends in Lewis County

FROM BARB THOMPSON: Why is this man so appealing to women? Beats me. I know in Ronda's case she was vulnerable. She had just confirmed that her first husband of 8 years had been having an affair with the Real Estate Agent that had listed his mother's house (he has since married this woman) and she was filing for divorce. Ronda went to Ron who was the head Elder of the Jahovah Witness church for counseling and Ron took advantage of her. Knowing what her inner most feelings of inadequacy were he prayed upon them. Months later when he realized that he couldn't control her, he wanted out. I can't tell you what the situation was with other women but I would venture to guess it is much the same. There was a lady he spent a couple of years with after Ronda's death while he was still having an affair with his 2nd ex-wife (Catherine). I understand this lady is from a very prominant family in Lewis County and she was fnancially very well off and had ties to legal counceling which he desperately needed. I have a feeling that she must not have been too interested in him or figured out what he was or maybe she was too smart to let him use her, her money or her community ties because he then turned to the lady he is currently married to, who -- oddly enough -- was a person who came forward early on in the case (an ex-Lewis County Sheriff's Office employee) and gave a statement that she had been given information that Ron Reynolds had taken a class in homicide investigation before Ronda's death. I am not sure of the time frame of when he started his involvement with this lady(current wife) because he seems to like to have relationships with more than one woman at a time especially when getting ready to change women -- but -- I am pretty sure it started after he had access to the case file and probably read the statement by her. Appeared to me that he had this need (in his warped sadistic mind) to conquor this woman who had given this information and control her. He is a very -- I cant' stress this enough -- a very manipulative, controling, materialistic man.

Can someone explain WHY he is so appealing to all these women he has allegedly been involved with????

FROM BARB THOMPSON: It is a new year and we are working on new ways to give you, the public, access to information on Ronda's case. For those of you who wonder, we are always lookings for different ways to share and discuss Ronda's case. Ronda's case was featured on the program out of Seattle, "NorthWest Afternoon" in 2002 and there is always a possibility of something similiar happening again. I see Sheriff McCroskey has resigned. Has anyone wondered why? I have. I personally think it is sad that he took an oath 2 years ago to serve the people for 4 more years and now he seems to be disregarding that promise for -- whatever reason -- don't think it is for the one he gave the press --. It is wise in one way. He can basically hand pick his choice for replacement and give that individual 2 years to snow the citizens of Lewis County and be pretty solid for a re-election in 2 years. It also gives him 2 years to plan his own campaign for a higher office if, in fact, he truly has higher political aspirations. I'm sorry he has never, in the six years since my daughter's death, found the time, courage and decency to talk to me one on one. Can you imagine? The Sheriff of the county where such a controversial death occurred with a mother looking for answers -- looking continualy for 6 years -- never taking the time. I wonder if he is really okay with that. I have to wonder if her case doesn't hang there in the back of his mind -- never quite giving him peace of mind. I know if he does plan to continue a political career Ronda's case is going to follow him.

I hope the little pig doesn't croak before the law gets him. I am ready for trial! Bring it on!

IN REGARDS TO RHONDAS CASE,
HERE WE ARE APPROCHING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON, IF WE ALL AS CHRISTIAN'S PULL TOGETHER AND PRAY THE KILLER OR KILLER'S FINIALLY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE, THEN JUST MAYBE BARB COULD BE AT PEACE.
TO PUT THESE EVIL DOER'S, IN THE SLAMMER WHERE THEY DESERVE TO BE, NOT OUR ON THE STREET'S GLOATING ABOUT, WHAT THEY THINK THEY ARE GETTING AWAY WITH.
THEY ARE SATAN POSSESSED, AND OUR LOVING GOD, WILL NOT TOLORATE SUCH GOINGS ONS, FOR ANY LENTH OF TIME.
THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FACE UP TO THERE DEVILISH DEED'S.
MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF US , TO SEEK THE JUSTICE THAT BARB AND HER FAMILY SO DESERVE.
THIS HAS TO BE A VERY TOUGH TIME FOR ALL OF THEM.
I JUST WANT TO ADD THAT, ALL OF US HERE IN LEWIS COUNTY ARE PULLING FOR YOU BARB.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU STRONG FOR THE DAY'S TO COME
OUR FAITH IN GOD IS THE ONLY THING TO CLING TO.

FROM BARB THOMPSON: TO: A friend in Centralia
Thank you for your support. Thank everyone who has emailed me privately at home these last 4 days. It has been an overwhelming flow of support. It shows me that more people in Lewis County than I realized read the Memoriums in the Chronicle are aware of what happened, what is happening and are praying for our judicial system to take action. So many people have let me know they are very much aware that a murderer is walking around free and are very frustrated.

About my book, JUSTICE FOR RONDA: We have been looking into trying to set up a website but they are expensive and I just haven't been able to afford it. I would like to have a website just for the book. I have 21 chapters complete and I actually can complete it -- to a point -- putting all of the evidence on the table for the reader to decide who should or shouldn't be charged and who in the Lewis Co. Sheriff's Office/Coroner's office and Attorney General's HITS UNIT should be held accountable. I would then have to write a second follow-up book when the case goes to court and an individual is or individuals are charged.

If you would email me at my home email barbswash@aol.com
and give me an address or Email contact, as soon as it is complete or we can put it on a website, I will be more than happy to contact you. Remember all contacts are kept confidential.

Again, Thank You readers of the Chronicle for noticing Ronda's memorium and for taking time to relay your thoughts, support and prayers. It means so much to me.
BARB THOMPSON

Barb we love you and you are the most amazing person.
I can't believe there was a so called woman out their dumb enough to marry this monster!!!!!! I have an island in the middle of the Pacific I would like to sell her. Cheap!!!!

Barb
I know we have never met, but I feel your pain. NEVER give up, Justice for your DAUGHTER will happen some day.. The Killer or Killers will be brought to justice. Some one will bost or spill there guts. Hopefully soon. How is your book JUSTICE FOR RHONDA coming? I know it will not be finished until JUSTICE is done. I would like to read your first 5 chapters, is there a web site for that?
Keep your faith.
A friend Centralia

This is regarding Ron & Katie. While it is true Ron was having an affair while married to Katie, actually one of several affairs that he had, it also true that Katie left Ron before their divorce for another man and drugs. But the real issue is to get Ron and or whomever else was involved in the Murder of Ronda. Whether it is just Ron, his sons or even Katie.

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
TO: Curious in Elma:
About Katie: On what authority do you have it that Katie left Ron for another man and drugs? Maybe she divorced him becaue he was having affairs with other women...........and then turned to other men and drugs. Katie had/has a drug problem and I am sorry to say she will battle that the rest of her life. Katie & Ron both used drugs in earlier years. Katie became addicted. Did Katie leave Ron for drugs and another man? I have it on good authority that Ron was having an affair with another teacher whose name, out of courtesy to her, I will not mention at this time. Ron Reynolds, in my opinion, is a very manipulative, controlling, not to mention, “sick” man. Why Katie actually left and divorced Ron only Katie and Ron know. All of which has little bearing on this case except to show a pattern of habit of Ron Reynolds. He was having affairs while married to Katie, Affairs while married to Ronda. Ronda was married to him for only 7 or 8 months before she found out he was having affairs. When Katie divorced him she was awarded most of the furniture, part of the house and a sum of About $70,000.00 or more. Ron went crazy with anger in court and had to be restrained. One year later with a second divorce to happen Ronda was demanding a settlement and threatening to attach his retirement and refusing to finalize any divorce until after 6 months and HIV tests on her were negative. He would again be financially devastated not to mention publicly humiliated by the time Ronda got thru with him. Plus, Ron believed Ronda’s life insurance was for $300,000.00 for which he mailed the conversion card and only payment in after Ronda’s death. Pretty good motives for murder don’t you think?
BARB THOMPSON barbswash@aol.com

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
TO: Just Curious in Elma: The first responder was Deputy Gary Holt followed only minutes by Deputy Bishop. As Deputy Holt was arriving the 3 boys, Jonathan, David and Josh were leaving via Jonathan’s car. Deputy Holt did not stop them – he just let them leave -- without questioning. That was just the first of many, many mistakes made that tragic day. The three boys were not questioned until months later and then only in the presence of Ron’s attorney. Deputy Bishop’s report of what he saw at the scene shows strong concern about the cause of death and about what Ron Reynolds was describing happened. The first detective on the scene was Detective Dave Neiser who the next day told me he was turning the case of to Detective Jerry Berry because he, Neiser was going on vacation. The second detective on the scene was Detective Jerry Berry. From the time Detective Berry arrived at the scene he felt things were not as Ron Reynolds was trying to portray and he has never believed it to be a case of suicide. None of the deputies or detectives carried GSR(Gun Shot Residue) test kits. Detective Sgt. Glade Austin would not order or have kits available for any of the detectives. Felt they were a waste of taxpayers money. Ronda’s hands were swabbed and tested at a Forensic Lab for GSR and the test came back inconclusive. A result of inconclusive means there was not enough gunpowder on her hands to show that she fired the gun. Ron was never tested – neither were any of the boys. There were no finger prints or smudges on the gun which Ronda would have had to have loaded and obviously held and pulled the trigger. There was one spent casing and five live rounds in the pistol. An ex- law enforcement, firearms expert and instructor, which Ronda was, would have only reloaded 1 round. It only takes one bullet to kill yourself. And you cannot wipe your fingerprints off the weapon after you are dead…….. There were no fingerprints – of any kind -- on the whiskey bottle that Ron said Ronda drank from – and Ronda’s blood tests showed no alcohol. The position of the pistol when first responders arrived was in a position impossible for a person who shot themselves. And one final question for you – If someone shot a .32 caliber pistol 10 feet away from your bed – would you wake up? Ron Reynolds says he didn’t, but approx. one hour later a quiet alarm clock did wake him up.

The call was placed by Ron calmly saying “My wife committed suicide”. The first responder accepted that instead of following procedure which is all cases are considered homicide until proven otherwise. As to your question about the case being pursued as a homicide – the best thing is for you to read all the links on Ronda’s case and go back thru the message board and study all of my statements.

After 6 years of gathering and studying evidence I am now, more than ever, fully convinced my daughter was murdered – beyond any doubt. That shouldn’t come as any surprise however, because numerous nationally recognized, respected homicide and forensic experts have, after studying her case, come to the same conclusion.

Not today, not tomorrow and maybe not next week, next month or next year -- but one day the person(s) who murdered my daughter will be brought to justice.
BARB THOMPSON barbswash@aol.com

A couple of questions I've been wondering about. Who were the first detectives on the scene that day? Did they do any gunpowder tests on anyone? Was the crime scene contaminated in any way that day? Why was the case not pursued as a homicide, what were the reasons? By the way, Katie left Ron for another man and a drug habit.
Just curious in Elma.

Barb-
I want to first of all give say thankyou to Officer Berry and congratulate him on his ethics and integrity, he will be greatly rewarded for this at some point in his life. I am deeply ashamed of the rest of the police caught up in this joke of a cover-up, the truth will always come out at the end. It's sad when these are the type of people our tax money goes to pay. I beleive with all my heart your daughter will have justice, all evidence is in your favor. Remember that - everything points to Guilty on her husbands part. Until the time he is finally put away this will only garner more and more and more attention- it will be a true nightmare for the guilty party. Hang in there Barbara and remember all the support and prayers that surround you, the truth will prevail!!!!!

Well now...McCroskey has announced that he is leaving. I wonder if he thinks he can just walk away and forget all about the Ronda Reynolds case. I just do not think that it will happen. It is going to haunt him. For one reason...my friends and I will be praying for that. Will you join us? Ronda, we will not forget, ever, and we will not let go of the search for justice. Hang in there Barb...we are still out here , cheering you on!!
Your East End Pals.....Lewis County!!

Reynolds family has NO passion or conscience. We will be waiting a long time if we wait for them.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
We all think that it is just about time that someone out there knows something, please please come forward, how would you feel if it were your child that had gotton killed???????Do you not have any passion?

Personally I could never sleep at night, Are you sleeping at night?

There is nothing to fear but fear it self.
Be strong and tell it all.
May God be with you

Dearest Barb and Family,
Tomorrow is a day of Thanksgiving, I do hope and pray that someone will come forward, on this day. Anyone that reads your message board, knows that you have waited so very long and is not about to give up.
We will be praying for you and for this one person that may come forward with some information that you can use.
God be with you all,
Have a great Thanksgiving
Your friend in Lewis County

Game Over, thank you!

Catherine, find somewhere else to spread your lies. You have even lied about your sister's death. Your fourty-four year old sister did not kill herself on Thanksgiving this year, and you know it. She was severely ill and died of natural causes. Also, you do not have a mental illness, you are just a drug addict. Heaven help your parents if they read your June 25th message with your despicable lies about your sister's death. Leave your parents alone. Everyone knows you are stealing from your family for drugs, even the law.

They are quickly coming after you. Strap yourself in because you are in for a BUMPY ride. Prison (again) and no money ooh ooh! Do you think your children will visit...........
(In your own words, Catherine, Tue Nov 16 20:13:16 PST 2004)

So we now know Catherine is playing both sides of the fence. Hopefully there is a trickle of truth in something she is saying. Thanks for the warning. Personally I won't believe her anymore without physical proof. Remember we all know she reads this site.
Game over.

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
First: Whoever you are -- Thank you for your concern and I do appreciate every update and opinion I receive. There is no way to trace any comment posted on this board so we will never know who is posting what. I do think there are people who know information and would like to share that information. About Ron – about the activities of the boys……… and I would like to assure them that the sender of any message posted on this message board is not available. And remember, I will respond to any email sent to me privately and promise confidentiality.
Second: I have never said, nor have I believed, Catherine was "loyal" to me. She is not. I have only said I believe she is as much a victim of Ron Reynolds as Ronda was. I feel compassion for her for the situation she is in and I wish her the best in her efforts to stay clean. I stand by that. Does she know what happened that night? I believe she does. Does she know who killed my child? I believe she does. Does Ron Reynolds still have a hold on her? I believe he does. Will she ever step forward and tell ALL that she knows? I don’t know. She is the only one who can answer that and I am still waiting. I can be reached at (509) 455-9370
barbswash@aol.com
Barb Thompson

You say Catherine is a convicted criminal, that’s true, but she has done her time. That is more than we can say for Ron Reynolds now isn’t it? Drug abuse is addictive. But then so is murder when you believe you can get away with it. Hmm, let me see – drug addiction vs. murder ---- Does the scale seem a little tipped here?

Barb
We wonder if you realize that Catherine is writing you many of these messages. They have her "fingerprints" all over them. Most of her messages are lies, like most of her life. We have actually heard her say very negative things about you over the last few years.

It is a contradiction when Catherine claims on 6/25/04 that she is a "past addict", and now on 11/15/04 it is stated that she "has to continue drugs so she can deal with her CONSCIENCE".

Catherine has no conscience. She has stolen from her own family to support her drug habit, and continues that same behavior at this time.

We are sorry, but Catherine is not loyal to you Barb. In fact she is using you and your grief to gain vengeance on her faily, including her own children. She is the only convicted criminal in the picture. You would be safer if you recognized how dangerous she can be.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding when I mentioned the two boys. When I made the statement McCroskey is covering and Reynolds did the murder I am talking about them. They are sleeping soundly at night and how could they? Hope this is more clear.

Catherine: If you are reading all this. Have you stopped to think that you are hurting your sons worse by not coming forward with what you know? How long do you think it will be before one of them do something very, very bad because they can’t deal with the murder? You won’t be able to save them then. The sooner the truth is out – the sooner the guilty are punished, the sooner the one(s) not responsible can begin to heal and maybe put their life(s) back together. Isn’t saving one worth more than losing them all?

FROM BARB THOMPSON: About the boys:

There were three boys in the home the night Ronda was murdered. Two boys were supposedly in bedrooms across/down the hall from Ronda's. The youngest boy was supposedly in a bedroom that shared the back wall to the closet Ronda was murdered in with his bed against that wall. Ron states he was in his and Ronda's bed approx 12 feet away. The youngest boy would have been in his bed not 6 to 8 feet away with only a thin wall between. We know Ron was lying when he said he was asleep and didn't hear a shot fired..........

I will let the readers draw their own conclusions. Did the shot wake anyone up? Were they all already awake? Were one or two or maybe all three of the boys involved in the murder or just the cover up? At this point in time I have to refrain from disclosing anything further regarding how much we know to be fact. I will say that it does appear to me that the boys are troubled and acting out in socially unacceptable ways. I wonder if they realize that the burden only gets heavier and harder to deal with?

Watch yourself Ron....they are slowly coming after you. It is the calm before the storm. They will not lose in court with the info they have. Hope you made some money off the sale of your house that you murdered Ronda in. Your attorney's are going to need every penny.
Strap yourself in because you are in for a very BUMPY ride. Prison and no money ooh ooh! Do you think your children will visit. I don't think so. Try having a conversation with one of them...my goodness..all they can talk about is murdering something or destruction to someone. IT IS SAD........

TWO BOYS? does someone know something others don't know? what is the "2" boys? Aren't there 3 boys? Is there one that actually wasnt involved? How many people here in Toledo do you think know the truth, Ron? What do you think when you walk down the street and people look at you Ron? Do you think "do they know the truth"

Barb: Actually you are right about Catherine. She wears her emotions on her sleeve sorta of speak. (Truth or not) She shows more conscience than McCroskey and Reynolds. McCroskey covers the murder and Reynolds does the act and those two boys sleep like babies! Catherine has to continue to do drugs so she can deal with her CONSCIENCE. That pretty much says it all don't you think? And they think we could not figure this out.
P.S. Take that Reynolds because we all know for a fact you read everything on this site. You have sorely miscalculated all the people around you. Hint Hint!!! Reynolds who can you TRUST? Think about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FROM BARB THOMPSON: About Catherine]
I hear what you are saying but I still believe Katie is as much of a victim as Ronda and she is still carrying that burden. Ronda had told me that Ron and Katie both did drugs in prior years (and my research indictes that to be true). It is possible that Ron was able to control his abuse or it is highly possible he continues, if only now in recreational drugs. A number of his boys have done (possibly still do) drugs which makes it obvious to me that drugs are/have been available to Ron Reynolds. That may or may not be why we are seeing him pack on the pounds (a lot of them). Katie wasn't so lucky. She became addicted. So she was not only fighting a drug addiction but the mental and emotional abuse of an unsupportive, unfaithful husband. Does all that make the choices she has made okay? No. Yet, for all she has done she still just might be a better person than Ron Reynolds -- AT LEAST SHE APPEARS TO HAVE A CONSCIENCE.

The Lewis County Sheriff's office, Catherine Reynolds and Ron Reynolds
are all liars. Quite a bag of characters here. Why would the Sheriff McCroskey try to talk to Catherine? McCroskey is in bed with Ron Reynolds!

I am sorry Barb, you may or may not want to hear this, but Catherine Reynolds is giving you a big line. I know. I have dealt with her before. She wouldn't tell the truth if it was written out for her. She would deviate from it. She is as cold and calculating as her ex Ron. The police need to bring her in and put her to the test or something. Please, Please, please watch out for her.

Well I have kept quiet long enough.....McCroskey get off your lazy ass, suck in your gut and get this investigation over...Try the fat PIG (ron reynolds)What else do you have to lose?(WHAT DO YOU CARE IF YOU SPEND THE TAX PAYERS MONEY) This pig needs to be judged by his peers....McCroskey give us what you have and let the jury decide. Of course this is my personal opinion that the fat pig couldn't get past a trial. Word has it on the street he has to take medication for the heart. We have spies on every corner I love it. So go ahead McCroskey let's get the party started!!! I dare you! Oh yes, one other thing, McCroskey you might become famous because I know that ANN RULE is very interested in this case. P.S. I have it on strong authority the Pig is scared to die...........mmmmm....the devil is calling RON REYNOLDS.

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
We are quietly waiting and gathering information. Slow but sure - yep, just like St. Helens. Ronda was only around 15 back then and riding back in the woods when the ash hit us. Carefree, full of engery, laughter and life.

I know time will bring her killer(s) to justice and I have plenty of that. Anyone who has any questions please feel free to post them at this webpage and anyone who has any information, however unimportant you might think it is, and wish to remain anonymous please contact myself or Jerry Berry in Mossyrock. Or if you wish to post it on this webpage - the messages sent to this page are not traceable back to the sender and you don't have to put your name. I can be reached by
Email at: barbswash@aol.com
PHONE: (509) 455- 9370

Just a note to let you know that I think this case is like Mt. St, Helen....quiet for a long while...then an abrupt ERUPTION!!!!! We are waiting for the tremors...and then it will come to a rapid head!!! So hang in there and keep praying for the justice that Ronda deserves!!
From a Friend....Love and Prayers

Barb,
You have not been forgotton,You are forever in our prayer's
We are all prayiny that sometime soon there will be a break in this case.
Keep strong in you mind and in your Faith in God
love and Prayers from all of us here in lewis county.

Barb and family,
you are forever in ours prayer's as is, all of the other cases,
we will be praying for all of you to have some break throughs, soon.
God Bless you all
your friend's in lewis county

Re: Kaitlyn Arquette case:

On the home page, go to the blurb introducing the Kaitlyn Arquette case and click on the "Update: APD Cold Case Squad Reopen's Kait's Case." It took that family 15 years to make that happen. If this can happen with one case, it can happen for us all! We just have to keep hanging in there!

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
Things might be still right now on Ronda's case but everyone needs to take a look at new input on Kaitlyn Arquette's case. There was a big article in the Albuquerque Tribune about the new COLD CASE SQUAD and Kaitlyn's case is one they are going to be working on. It has been 15 years since her murder and finally her mother has gotten the attention of someone in Law Enforcement that believes in doing the right thing and her case is being reopened. She has worked long and hard and I am so proud that her daughter's case is moving forward. My prayers are with Kait's mother who I am so grateful to for listening to Ronda's story and helping bringing it to the attention of the world.

She has shown me that I too have the courage and stamina to keep Ronda's memory and case alive -- if need be - for 15 years -- for 20 years -- For however long it takes. So, although the website and message board on Ronda's case is quiet right now -- keep checking -- because soon................ But for now, please take time to go read about the progress on Kaitlyn Arquette case and say a prayer for her mother that justice will soon prevail and she will find the closure she so deserves.
BARB THOMPSON

Barb,
Things have been very still, is there something good going on ?
I'll be praying that there will be some good and positve news coming soon.
God Bless you, and your Family

Your Friend's in Lewis county.

From Barb Thompson to Officer “John” in Pennsylvania:

Gary Aschenbach is an instructor that every individual in Law Enforcement should be lucky enough to take a class from. He is an intelligent, honest, dedicated an compassionate person. I am sorry to say, my daughter’s case is the perfect example of the repercussions of the lack of training in a law enforcement agency. Worse yet is the fact that the public needs to wake up and realize that Ronda’s case is only a drop in the bottom of a gigantic barrel of erroneously handled murders all over the United States. I have come to respect and admire instructors like Gary who have dedicated their lives to trying to improve the way our law enforcement community investigates crimes. My hat is off to you all law enforcement personnel who go out every day and put their lives on the line to protect us and uphold the law with grace, honesty and dignity. Keep up the good work and stay safe……………….
BARB THOMPSON

Hello Barb,

I am a Police Officer in Pennsylvania, where Gary Aschenbach just taught a class and he had mentioned your daughters death as a case he has been working on. I have read it from this web site, and I hope justice is served soon! My prayers go out to you and hope for this to end soon. I would be embarassed to wear a badge in that Sheriffs Department. God Bless You!!!

John

Catherine: I too, will echo Barb's words. You are not alone. There are many, many of us that pray for you, for you to find strength and for your safety. You are strong enough within you can survive all of this. You can. You must tell yourself that and believe it. It could just as easily have been your life that was lost instead of Ronda's. You are alive by the grace of God and you have the power to make your life better. But you are going to have to accept the fact that your family as you knew it -- the 3 boys as you knew them no longer exist and find it within yourself to move on with your life and find peace within yourself. Ron Reynolds and the 3 boys who were in the house when Ronda was murdered know what you know and know how much you know and that puts you in grave danger. They love their freedom and want the truth hidden more than they love or want you. You need to stay away from them -- All of them. Don't let Ron keep using you. He lives for the day you O.D. and die. Please don't make his wish come true.

If you read all the posting to this board you will see that Barb has done her best to protect you by openly posting that she fears your life is in danger. She is a more forgiving person than most of us & I truly feel she has forgiven you. Your parents are a great strength for you and love you dearly. Don't let them lose another daughter needlessly.

Catherine, I'll echo Barb's words. You are definitely not alone. There are many people who sympathize deeply with all you've been through. In a way you're as much a victim as Ronda, but thankfully you broke free without losing your life. The one we should all be worrying about now is the current wife.

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
Catherine, You are not alone. I know your parents are there for you and one son. And I too, feel your sorrow and pain. I don't hate you by any means. I do fear for your safety. I know you too have been a victim of Ron Reynolds for as many long years as you have known him. He has turned your sons (3 if not 4)against you. The sons I know you would give your life for. Ron Reynolds has played on your mental affliction to the point you believe you are hopelessly lost. You are not. You are a strong and very intelligent person. I know that you can beat your addictions. I know you have the will power if you will only learn to like yourself. When you realize that you are a good person and that you can stay away from Ron and find yourself, you will find the strength to move forward and stay drug free.

Ronda was very, very fond of you until Ron took control of her as only you know he can do and turned her against you and tried his hardest to turn her against her family. Ron is a cold, calculating, manipulating, evil person and you deserve better.

I know it took a lot of courage to post your message and I deeply appreciate that. But again, please take care and stay safe. The ones you love the most may very well be the ones who will do you harm. I sincerely wish you the best and pray for your safety. I still have your poem and you need to focus on continuing to write and work to get your writing published.

My email address is barbswash@aol.com
My phone # is (509) 455-9370

If you would like to talk, I am here - Mother - Mother. And again Thank you -- from the bottom of my heart.
BARB THOMPSON

MOTHER TO MOTHER
Barb---I know you are doing what you need to do and that your greif is overwhelming as I have also lost two children--but mine were rom natural causes---I have been able to heal and get on with my life and I know you will when you reach the point where you are satisfied with the outcome. People who have never lost a child don't understand--they think they do--but it is totally different than losing a parent or a sibling---a child is the end of your lineage--a child is what's let's everyone know that you existed on earth. Your reason for being or living and gives you purpose in life. I beleive that my kids are with me form time to time--I can feel them ---I get one beautiful flower every Christmas day on a climatis that by all outword appearances looks to be totally dead but every Christmas morning I run out to see my one perfect flower---a gift from my son who always brought me flowers on that day. You will see Rhonda again and I'm sure she is with you now. I hope that gives you some comfort---there is not much else that anyone can offer to a greiving parent.
Take care of yourself and "go gettum, mom!!!" I know you're doing what you need to do.
Barbara E.

dear Barb, I only tonight was made aware of this page. I have had no idea how your work on Rhonda's case has advanced.First, I want to go on record as saying, I personally do not believe that Rhonda killed herself. I believe she was murdered. I do not know who, how or why but I believe her killer(s) should be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law;whomever that person(s) may be.
I have no other information than that which I have told both you Barb and the authorities.
I loved Rhonda. I know that me being in Toledo after her tragic death was not appropriate. I in no way was trying to produce more deep hurt, to her mother, by giving you the poem. It was my only way of expressing how I felt. Rhonda's death was tragic . . I am alive. I am basically alone.
That is my cross to bare. My mental illness and past addiction with
resulting crimes of the past are also part of that cross.
My fourty five year sister killed herself on Thanksgiving this year.
My wonderful parents are still alive and I am very very close to them.I know from a daughter's standpoint how important a mother is. I do not know how I will go on if their death(s) occur before mine.

I wanted to responed personally to your note
Sincerely,
Catherine

Just a note to tell you that we have not forgotten and we are not letting go until this is resolved!! Stay tough , Barb, and keep on working on this...being a parent...I would do the same thing..only I would hope to be even half as determined and strong as you have been.
Our prayers are with you...many of my friends are praying for justice for Ronda, also.

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
The only reason anyone would warn me to be careful is if they know something about Ron or one of his 3 boys that is disturbing to them. I am always careful and neither I nor Detective Berry intend to slow down. Just because you don't read much about what is going on on this message board doesn't mean we aren't getting closer to being able to produce enough evidence to persuade an arrest. I can't even imagine the lives of people in Lewis County who are also victims of a misdetermination of death and are too afraid to demand justice. We have nothing to fear but fear itself and I refuse to become a prisoner of fear. Ronda never backed down or gave in to fear or threats and I am my daughter's mother. Thank you for your concern. I do appreciate it and I do take your warning to heart but it only makes me more determined to press forward and continue to work on bringing Ronda's murderer to justice.

Ive known Barb Thompson for 30 years and don't think anyone needs to worry about her being careful. She's sharp. She's tough. There isn't anything anyone can do to her to stop her from doing right by her daughter. When it comes to her children she has no fear. Remember the saying, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Lewis County and Ron Reynolds had no idea who they were dealing with and probably still don't. She is a woman of her word and has more determination and courage than anyone I know. We all could learn from her.

Well,I don't actually have a tip,but what I want to say is be careful!

FROM BARB THOMPSON: Several people have contacted me in an attempt to reach Detective Jerry Berry. We finally realized that his phone # is still posted wrong on the messge board. Pleae make a note of Jerry Berry's Email Address and phone #.
These are the correct ones.
JERRY BERRY: (360) 790-6585 -- West Coast Investigative Services
EMAIL: westcoastinvest@aol.com
Or contact myself, BARB THOMPSON at: (509) 455-9370
EMAIL: barbswash@aol.com
Anyone with any information concerning the Ronda Reynolds case please contact Jerry Berry or myself. We will honor your requests to remain anonymous.

The case that was posted here from the Chronicle did not just happen. They are referring to an incident that happened in 1991. They are ONLY still looking for the weapon that mysteriously disappeared. There are not two separate cases of attornies being shot in a local park and the weapon missing. But this case is definitely a strange one. A person cannot dispose of the gun after they have killed themselves. I find it hard to believe that someone would walk by, take the weapon, and not report the body. But remember, in Lewis County, any thing can happen. Do I personally think he killed himself? NO. And not too many people (other than the political powers that be) think he did. But -- I have not studied the case file totally. All I know is what I have read and what people have relayed to me so mine is only an opinion based on limited information. It is possible it was suicide. My thoughts are "possible" but not "probable". We get right back to the fact that it costs tax dollars to investigate and even more tax dollars to prosecute. Tax dollars that don't seem to be available so residents of Lewis County can look forward to the possibility of many, many more possible homicides being written off as suicide -- not because of a cover-up necessarily -- but because of lack of funds to persue.
BARB THOMPSON

Yes, many of us who have lived in Lewis County, remember this case well. Makes you feel really secure ....not often they CAN"T FIND...the SUICIDE weapon!! It was a farce...and most of us know it is another One of Those cases. Just add them onto the evergrowing list!
They could at least try to be more convincing.....very lame!

Seems a few years ago another attorney was found dead in one of our parks -- the weapon never found and that too was ruled suicide. Ms. Thompson, I know this must make your blood boil to watch the coroner, Terry Wilson be able to rule still another murder suicide. I have always truly trusted our Centralia Police Departement and felt our cheif has always done an excellent job but now I wonder and I worry. Is it the fact that it costs tax dollars to investigate homicides and even more tax dollars to attempt to prosecute that now even our Centralia police appear to be following the the footsteps of John McCroskey? Do they think it makes them look better to save tax dollars than to do the proper investigation and prosecution? What is jour County coming to? Maybe we are all in danger here. What about if it happens to one of us?
Worried in Centralia

Lewis County, where one can be shot in the head, and count on a "passer-by" to pick up the gun. Another Lewiscide.

-------------------------------------------------------------

POLICE STILL SEEKING WEAPON
IN AREA WHERE ATTORNEY DIED


By Laura Towey
Chronicle Staff
Centralia, WA. - Lewis County
Friday, September 13, 1991

A police search was continuing this morning for the gun used in the Wednesday shooting death of a prominent Centralia attorney.

Centralia Police Chief Toni Breckel said this morning that an officer with a metal detector would be searching the area on Seminary Hill in Centralia where attorney Jerry Moore, 57, died of what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Moore’s body was found on the hillside Wednesday afternoon in a location east of Washington Elementary School by two youngsters walking on a trail.

Previous searches moving underbrush apart found no evidence of a gun.

Breckel didn’t sound overly optimistic this morning of the last officer with a metal detector finding the weapon.

“He’s going to make one last attempt,” the chief said, commenting that searchers had gone through the area in a very thorough manner.

“I’d be surprised if he found anything,” conjectured the chief.

Instead, Breckel said he felt reasonably certain “that a passer-by picked that weapon up and moved it from the scene.”

The chief added his department very much wanted the weapon for its investigation, and was asking anyone with knowledge of the gun to contact police. He added his department had no interest at this point in filing charges against individuals with knowledge of the gun being moved.

“Until we recover the gun, that will be a dark cloud hanging over the case,” Breckel said.

The chief also said his department would be looking at a note Moore is alleged to have written before he died. The note stated Moore had been feeling considerable pressure at work, in addition to expressing worries that his mind and body were deteriorating.

Breckel said his department would be checking the handwriting of the note, to ensure it is Moore’s.

“We will be doing a visual inspection ourselves,” Breckel said, adding if any concerns remained over the source of the writing, “We will be doing a (handwriting) comparison with an expert.”

When asked if there was a chance foul play was involved in the incident, Breckel sounded doubtful.

“We don’t feel it was,” he said. “We’re really just trying to cover our bases.”

Breckel also added that Moore’s car was found earlier parked a few blocks away from the site where the attorney died.

Also today, an autopsy is scheduled for Moore. Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson said Dr. William Brady of Portland will be conducting the autopsy sometime this afternoon.

When asked about Moore’s statement in his note about deteriorating health, Wilson said the autopsy could assist in determining if Moore had any previous health problems.

At this point, he said, “there is no medical evidence (supporting the mention of deteriorating health) we’re aware of.”

Barb, just a note to let you know that many of us in Lewis County are praying for an answer to this crime, and for your family. We pray that the guilty party will feel such condemnation that he will have to confess and tell the whole truth, and face the consequences.
We have NOT given up the fight....so hang in there.

FROM REAL CRIMES: Posts on two of our other Real Crimes message boards have said: "I understand that you taped the Real Crimes Press Conference that you NM guys held last month in Albuquerque. Is there a way to order a copy of the video? If all the Real Crimes NM cases are on it, I sure want to see it. Also, I'm part of a homicide surviors group in another state, and we'd like to hold a similar press conference. We'd like to see what you did with yours."

We responded as follows:

The videos are currently being run off and should be available sometime next week. If you want a copy, send a contribution in any amount you can afford to NIA/NM (National Investigations Agency of New Mexico), a non-profit investigations agency that performs investigations without charge for families of homicide victims whose cases have been botched by The System. (The NIA web site is at www.realcrimes.com).

Real Crimes guarantees that one hundred percent of any donation you make will be used for pro bono investigations for families whose cases weren’t properly investigated by law enforcement. Your check should be sent to NIA/NM, P.O. Box 845, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. Please, print your address clearly and include an e-mail address in case there’s a problem with delivery.

From: Jerry C. Berry, ret

My new # is 360-790-8565, and I again, encourage anyone with any information to contact me. One thing that has been said remains true. This is a murder that Lewis County and the Sheriff is not going to hide from the public and, just hope it goes away. We are continuing to build a case, and Lewis County will again, have to confront this death investigation.

Det. Berry hit the nail on the head. Our sheriff doesn't care -- never has. If he did, he would personally go over the case file and meet with Ronda's mother. Apparently he hasn't the courage to face her. What does that tell you? It tells me he can't face her. He knows it was murder and he cannot explain it away. It has to stop. Ronda's mother apparently isn't going to quit and I for one hope she doesn't. She seems to be the only one besides Mr. Berry who has the courage to stand up to the Sheriff's Dept. and Coroner's Office. What is wrong with everyone? If they aren't afraid of Ron Reynolds and our sheriff, why should anyone else be? If we all find the courage to tell what we know, we can help solve this murder. I have already given Ronda's Mom information and I can assure you she & Berry keep it confidential. I hope and pray the rest of you that know things will do the same. This is one murder in Lewis County that is not going to go away.

Signed: A proud informant

(From: Detective Jerry C. Berry, ret)
I am sure there are citizens in Lewis County who have information that could eventually result in the arrest of the killer. For some reason, they are afraid to come forward. Writing to Sheriff McCroskey would be a waste of time. I don't think he cared in 1998, and I think he cares even less now. I encourage anyone with information to contact the Prosecutor's Office, or call me @ 360-179-8565.

Im afraid that there has to be proof that he has done something AT THE SCHOOL that is illegal or would bring harm to the children. Everyone can agree that they dont LIKE him, but that is not enough to cause him to be fired. There has to be provable just cause.

There are many legal statutes that would prevent this.

About the best you can hope for is he decides to move on to another town.

This question is to the message posted Tues. 2-17 that was unsigned: Are you telling us, as parents, we can do nothing to get Ron Reynolds removed as Principal? Are you saying that even if a petition was circulated and signed by 90% of the parents in the Toledo School District that he couldn't be removed? Or if that petition was presented to Mr Lehman are you saying he wouldn't act on it? Or couldn't act on it?
Signed: An Angry parent ready to take her children out of school.

The addresses for Tom Lahmann and the Toledo School district are the same. Simply address one copy to Tom Lahmann, School Superintendent at: P.O. Box 469, 130 North 5th Street, Toledo Washington, 98591
Address another copy to Toledo School Board at the same address. The Phone number is (360) 864-6325.

You can reach John McCroskey at: Sheriff John McCroskey, Lewis County Sheriff's Office, 360 N.W. North Street, MS: SHE01, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900

There is no legal recourse to get Ron removed from his position unless he is charged or convicted of the crime.

I'm one of those parents. I want that man out of here. But I don't know what to do to make that happen. I can't jump into the street with a "Get Rid of Ron Reynolds" sign on my back. Well, I guess I could, but what would it accomplish?

Response: BARB THOMPSON RESPONDS:

As I see it, you have two choices:

(1) EVERYONE start writing letters to Tom Lahmann (with a copy to the school board) and to Sheriff John McCroskey. The letters to John McCroskey can be from anyone and everyone in Lewis County and outside of Lewis County. Don’t just write one letter and consider the job done. That’s a flash in the pan and is easily shrugged off. Write one letter EACH WEEK! It will take everyone doing this, not just one or two or three people. I know it is time consuming, and I know everyone who does this is going to have fears of reprimand of some sort, but if I am a good judge of character -- and I think I am -- I believe that Mr. Lahmann and, yes, even John McCroskey, may secretly be waiting and praying for such letters. Those letters will let them off the hook, and they can state that they’re making their decision due to public demand.

Here are the addresses:

Tom Lahmann, School Superintendent (same address for the Toledo School District), PO Box 469, 130 N 5th St., Toledo, WA 98591; Phone: [360] 864-6325

Sheriff John McCroskey, Lewis County Sheriff's Office, 360 NW North Street, MS: SHE01, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900

(2) If enough people will contact me (and you can do this anonymously to start with) I will set up a meeting time with each of you to discuss avenues available and to start a petition. I will come over and meet with each parent individually without revealing who else I met with. I think we should start this petition with the understanding and my promise that, if we don't get the required number of signatures to make this work, no signatures will ever be revealed. This will be an "all or nothing" attempt. If we get enough signatures, there need be no fear of retaliation, because most of the parents in the school district will be on that list. You can do this, and you can be successful. With enough support and signatures, Mr. Lahmann will have no choice but to take action.

It can be done. I have said before and I will say again -- I have no fear of Ron Reynolds or any one or all of his troubled sons. I have no fear of the "Powers That Be in Lewis County." They are only flesh and blood, no better than you and me and no more deserving of special treatment. Banded together, the families of Lewis County can make this happen.

Think about it, dig deep into your souls, take a stand and contact me. I will not desert you and I will not reveal your identities unless and until the petition has such a huge number of signatures that retaliation against individuals will be impossible. I believe this can be done, and I am willing to take the time and put forth the effort to coordinate this movement.

BARB THOMPSON barbswash@aol.com -- (509) 455-9370.

What has Tom Lahmann’s position been on all this? Apparently he thinks Ron is innocent or Ron wouldn’t still be working in the Toledo School District.

Response: BARB THOMPSON RESPONDS:

In 2001,when the Chronicle was kind enough to do a story about the suspicions of foul play and the mishandling of the case by the Sheriff's office, Tom Lahmann was interviewed, and he took a strong stand behind Ron Reynolds, portraying him as the "model" principal. Lahmann stated, without reservation, that he believed Ron innocent and that he knew Ron to be a kind, quiet, gentle man who wouldn't harm anyone. So, as you can guess, Ron Reynolds's job has been secure ever since.

Five plus years after Ronda's death, does Mr. Lahmann still feel that way? That is a good question and a question the parents in Toledo need to ask him. Personally, I suspect Mr. Lahmann may be having second thoughts, but there isn't too much he can do (even if he wants to) to discharge Ron Reynolds without losing face and/or facing a legal action by Ron.

With his statements to the press, Mr. Lahmann painted himself into a corner. Even if he’s now come to realize that he was manipulated by a charismatic monster, he has little recourse other than to keep up the pretense of his belief in Ron or provide a glowing recommendation to any school district out of the area that Ron might be trying to secure employment in.

In that event, Ron would be out of the Toledo School District, and parents there could feel relief, but what about the district where he would be going? Do they deserve to have a killer overseeing their children? Their children are just as important as the children in Toledo. To me, that is just as unacceptable as Ron’s remaining in Toledo. Your School Superintendent has no right to throw his trash into another school district.

That leaves the chore of getting Ron Reynolds out of the Toledo School District up to the parents.

Could you, please, review the timeline of the events that took place on the morning of Ronda’s death? Maybe I’m spacing something out, but the timing doesn’t make sense to me.

Response: BARB THOMPSON RESPONDS: It doesn’t make sense to me either.

At approx. 6:20 a.m., Ron Reynolds placed a call to 911 and quietly stated, "My wife committed suicide." That 911 call ended at approx. 6:30 a.m.

At 6:42 a.m., Deputy Holt arrived at the scene. He met Ron Reynolds in the doorway, escorting his three sons to a car. Before even viewing the crime scene, Deputy Holt accepted without question Ron’s statement that Ronda committed suicide. Deputy Holt ALLOWED RON’S SONS TO LEAVE THE SCENE WITHOUT QUESTIONING THEM! And without even taking a glance at what they were carrying away with them or what had been stashed in the car!

When Deputy Holt arrived at Ron’s residence, he found two of Ron’s friends already there. Those friends were Tom Lahmann, Superintendent of the Toledo School District, and Bill Waag, Principal of Toledo Middle School.

Ron has stated that he called 911 call as soon as he discovered Ronda’s body. If true, that would mean that in the 12-15 minutes between the end of that call and the arrival of Deputy Holt, Ron woke up his three sons, got them dressed and ready to leave the house, (one son even found time to burn incense), phoned both Lahmann and Waag to ask them to come over, and Lahmann and Waag had time to get out of bed, get dressed, and contact each other to make arrangements for one of them to pick the other one up so they could drive the ten miles to Ron’s house together.

And they got there BEFORE THE POLICE ARRIVED? Give me a break!

You’re right, that timeline doesn’t work. Ron would have had to have first called his friends to invite them over, then gotten the boys up and ready to leave the house, and then – as an afterthought – called 911 to report Ronda’s death. That shows what he thought was most important.

FROM THE WEB MASTER:

For Those Who Are Interested:

Go to the Real Crimes home page and click on the link beneath the headline about the Real Crimes press conference that was held in Albuquerque this past week. You may want to think about assembling your own group of families to conduct this same type of press conference in your own area.

One thing to do is talk to other parents..see what their opinion is...form a group of concerned parents..go to the administration and the Sheriff's Office...voice your concerns and let them know that you mean what you say. It is your right...and these are your children.

A concerned Citizen!

What can concerned parents do about Ron Reynolds as principal? I would like input as to actions that parents and concerned citizens can take. Any suggestions are welcome. I am somewhat new to the community and do not know what was done in the past, if anything. What was done? And what can we do now?

OK so from reading the comments posted here it sounds like there are many concerned parents of Toledo. I for one do not live there but am in Lewis County. GET SOMETHING GOING people... these are your kids this man is watching over and has, obviously, no remorse for what he has done so why would he give a rats ass about your kids' safety. Look at how his own kids turned out, is that the kind of role model the school should allow in their district. Yes it is harder in a small community, even with the little support Ron has, but if everybody else works together who knows what you could accomplish... GOOD LUCK!!!

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
In a society or community where citzens are assured of no repercussions from petitioning or expressing their right of free speech it would be very simple to succeed in removing Ron Reynods as principal in Toledo. I'm sorry to say that I, for one, know and reaalize that is easier said than done in the community where Ron Reynolds lives. With the powers that seem to have a hold in Lewis County, it is hard for individuals who live, work and have children to voice their opinions and information publicly without fear of retaliation of some sort. I am very much aware of that fact and I admire those of you who take the step to voice your opinion here on Ronda's message board.

By taking time to post your opinion anonymously to this website it is not only a tremendous support to myself and Ronda's case but there is still power in numbers, even without names. So, please, take the time to let me, and the world, know your opinon and feelings regarding this case.

Anyone wishing to email me directly and confidentially is urged to do so at barbswash@aol.com or phone (509) 455-9370. All contacts and information are guaranteed kept strictly confidential.
Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers.
BARB THOMPSON,
Ronda's Mother

From a parent in the Toledo School District:
I admire Barb's persistance with this case. I hope the book is widely read and sparks interest in this case. In the meantime I really wish Mr. Reynolds would resign from his job, like he should. It is so wrong for him to be in the position of an elementary school principal surrounded by children. It makes me sick when I think about it. I feel like everyone's hands are tied about getting him out of the position. Is there anyway to get him out of his job? He should confess to his involvement with the murder, quit his job, and get on with his prison sentence. Mr. Reynolds, if you are reading this, quit your job, you aren't any good at it anyways.

It is good to know that people all over are reading about this case and wondering what is happening to our world, that a beautiful young person could be murdered, and the authorities could ignore and coverup the evidence...and let guilty people go. This case will NOT go away...it will keep speaking to us and giving us more evidence. Stay strong Barb...we have not forgotten.

I recently attended a training this past week, taught by Gary Ashenbach, and had the chance to view the statement generated by Ron, as a part of out class exercise. As an officer and wife of a Delaware State Trooper, I have to say that I was outraged at the blatent disregard for evidence and the "typical suicide" attitude the police exhibited. I am glad to see Sgt. Berry no longer works for a department that has no conscious. As long as Gary is able to tell your daughters story, she will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and your family.
Janet N.
jan206@yahoo.com

FROM THE WEB MASTER:

There's a new case on the Real Crimes web site. Please, read the story about Russell Cage.

This will be of particular interest to those of you who have concerns about forensic issues and murders concealed as suicides.

If you would like to send a message to Russell's family, you can post it on the General Message Board or send an e-mail to and we will forward it.

It has been another year. A lot happened in 2003.....so maybe this new year will bring the results we have all been waiting for! It is so hard to believe that Ronda has been gone from us for so long. And that her killer has been free all of this time. I hope he is haunted with thoughts of her. Please keep praying for justice in this case and a total revelation of the facts. Hang in there Barb! We are all cheering for you!!

FROM BARB THOMPSON:
Thank you, everyone, for your support, for your prayers and your committment to see a murderer brought to justice. Our Christmas here is a blessed one. Freeman is returning to work at his same job right after the first of the year and I am hard at work on Ronda's case and finishing my book. All of the families of victims featured on this website are feeling a void this time of year but thanks to the hard work of Lois and Don Arquette, who built this website and have devoted their lives to helping familes find justice, all of our Christmas's are filled with hope. And that is the very best gift any of us could ask for. Our graditude is indescribable.
Thank you everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS.
BARB THOMPSON

DEAR BARB AND FAMILY,
WISHING YOU A VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR,
MAY GOD BRING THIS CULPRET TO JUSTICE VERY SOON, THAT TOOK YOUR BABY GIRLS LIFE AWAY FROM YOU .
WE WILL ALL BE PRAYING FOR THIS CASE TO COME TO AN END.
GOD BLESS YOU, YOU SPECIAL PERSON.RHONDA IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU AND SHE HAS TO BE VERY PROUD OF HER MOM, FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE DOING FOR THIS CASE..
WE ALL LOVE YOU
HERE, IN LEWIS COUNTY

This worked for Mr. Houston! He kept at it and at it and at it and finally made the breakthrough.

Please God that every family with a case on this web site does the same.

From the Web Master:

A note of hope for all who are battling for justice: Another of our Real Crimes cases moves forward:

STEPHANIE HOUSTON'S KILLER HAS BEEN INDICTED!

Thursday, Dec. 18: Late this PM, Patrick Murillo was indicted for vehicular homicide in the killing of Stephanie Houston.

The indictment is a direct result of a personal investigation conducted by Stephanie's father, Bill Houston, and his private investigator, Mike Corwin. In July, 2002, Bill was charged with stalking for attempting to obtain information about his daughter's killer. But he persevered.

The case in a nutshell: Stephanie died Feb. 27, 2000, in Belen, NM, when her jealous and abusive boyfriend, Patrick Murillo, ran her over with his truck. The investigating agency was the New Mexico State Police. OMI urged that the death by investigated as a homicide, but the NMSP refused to do that. Scene investigator, Mark McCracken, (who has since been indicted for first degree murder in the death of his own wife, Melanie McCracken), told the media that the State Police had fully investigated the case and Stephanie caused her own death because she was falling-down drunk. In truth, police had questioned no witnesses and done no reconstruction. The toxicology test showed Stephanie had consumed about one beer. It has taken Bill Houston and his PI almost four years to get this case to the Grand Jury.

For more information about this case, go back to the Real Crimes home page and scroll down to "Stephanie Houston." The "Crystal Houston" case is also on our web site. Stephanie's sister, Crystal, was murdered in Socorro, NM, fourteen months after Stephanie. The investigatinig agency was the Socorro Police Dept. Bill and his PI are continuing to work on Crystal's case.

Oh what a life Ron Reynolds leads. He is getting older, dumber and lazier as life goes by. He truly thinks he has everyone fooled. NOT!
We are waiting our turn to devour him. I hope the good Lord does not take him first. I can't believe the thing can still stand. He looks 10 months pregnant. Oh by the way good luck on selling the house that someone was MURDERED in. I think you do need to disclose that before selling to some unsuspecting soul.
Signed,
Someone is watching you closely
(we always get our man)
p.s. Now that you are the proud owner of a NEW Life Insurance policy because of your naive wife, if anything happens we are coming to get you. The only person able to save you is Brother Devil. (I believe you have met him)

FROM BARB THOMPSON:

I have tried to imagine how hard it must have been for D&R F to sit down and write what they just did. Ronda's death stunned and devastated them at a time in their lives when another personal tragedy just months earlier had shattered their whole world. To have the resolve, the courage and compassion to set aside their own heartache to be there for Ronda's family went far beyond what I could have done under the same circumstances. I have never found the words to fully express my appreciation or to tell them how much strength it gave me to know they were there for me.

There was never a sliver of doubt in the minds of those good people that Ronda was murdered, and the descriptions they give of Ron Reynolds and Ronda are right on target. They knew Ronda very well. Ronda could take a hit and get up, brush herself off and move forward. She would give herself totally and hang in there until the last rose petal fell, but when she was through, she was through. Ronda had had enough and was ready for the fight. She was not going to walk away from this marriage with nothing, as Ron demanded that she do. She had mapped out her strategy, and she was going to fight for her fair share in order to start a new life.

Just one year earlier, Ron Reynolds had lost over $100,000 in a divorce. He must have been beside himself with rage at the thought of losing more to yet another ex-wife.

But don't let’s focus solely on Ron Reynolds. There is Jonathan to consider also. Several months earlier Ron’s oldest son had threatened to kill Ronda for revealing to Ron that he had walked into the bathroom while she was showering and "peeked" at her in the nude. That is fact, and to me is the act of a mentally and sexually sick individual. Following that escapade, Jonathan had to take Anger Management Classes and went to live with his mother.

Because Jonathan was unhappy with his mother, Ronda, being the forgiving person she was, allowed him back in her home. She believed she could help him. But Jonathan is a vicious and unstable young man, and helping him was impossible. Court records show that he has had at least one restraining order slapped on him for allegedly stalking and harassing a young lady who was trying to end a relationship with him. He can be as manipulative and controlling as his father, and his outbursts of anger are just as uncontrollable. I don't know for sure which one of those two men killed Ronda, but I know in my heart that both were involved in the cover-up. Father and son -- so alike -- but they made mistakes, mistakes I am confident we are going to uncover. It is only a matter of time...............

Dear Barb
While catching up on the board this morning I see many people are seeing through Ron's weak attempts at covering up! Having known Ron for about 15 years I must say I too was impressed with him at first. He comes off as well educated and suave, friendly and caring..... it was only a matter of time befor the truth came out ! I watched as him marriage fell apart very publically, we finally saw the real Ron. A man desperate to hold on to his position in our community, the school and win the sympathy of his peers. To me he personally portrayed the poor unsuspecting jilted husband, ( Ha ! ) he was relaying his story to me at my place of employment, as he talked he became enraged, his face was red then purple, he repeatly banged his fist on the counter, at that point I became aware he was not the man I knew. Why was he sharing this with me, a person he knew only through the school system, and why in a very public place ? That day I saw a man lose control in front of everyone including his two young sons, it was scary. I saw someone capable of anything. The hate and rage in his face caught me so off guard for this man who was normally so composed , that day I got my first look at the true person he is. When Ronda told me about her relationship with him I shivered. You can't tell someone young and in love anything, all I could do was pray. Her love was going to save him, she was young , healthy , and strong , she felt it was her lucky duty to bring his family back from the brink of destruction, she set about her task with as much joy and love as anyone I had ever seen, she never saw it coming. She totally expended herself liken to fireworks, withen a matter of months she was dragged into thier world. She lost her youthful glow, her faith , and finally her dream of the white pickett fence. It broke my heart, and of those who truely loved her. But, like the Ronda we knew - she picked her sorry self up, admitted defeat , got a new game plan and started to move ahead ! Well it seems someone did not care for her new stronger attitude, she was once again in control! No divorce until her blood tests came back! She knew he was cheating on her! It would take awhile to get rid of her...hmm. Maybe there is another way... That is why we are here today, 5 years later. As the date approachs of my friends murder I am even more resolved to see it to its end. I will be there when Ron and Jon get thiers!
Barb we are here for you , R & D in Elma

Well, All we can do for Rons new wife, is to pray for her.

Wow!!!! Everyone scroll down and read Ronda's Mom's response to Ronda's neice on Dec. 2nd. Especially you Mr Lahmann! It's good to see you are back working on this case, Barb and even better to see Freeman doing so well. I understand he is back at work. A miracle! A true miracle!!
A Friend in Lewis County.................

So Ron is now the official beneficiary of Linda's life Insurance policy!! My, my, my! All I can say is that at least this time it is "official". I understand from all I've read that investigation has proved Ron sent in the only payment paid on Ronda's conversion life ins. policy the same day of her death - after her death -- and he finally admitted he did. It also appears he named himself as the "official" beneficiary on the conversion card that had to accompany the payment. But Ron made a mistake that cost him $250,000.00. Statements in the case file indicate he thought her life insurance was $300,000.00 and probably was when she was an employee but maybe the conversion was only automatically $50,000.00 and you had to take time to indicate the desire to increase it above that. It did not automatically convert to the previous amount she had. Poor Ron! He really expected to be the beneficiary of $300,000.00. I would like to know if Ron signed Ronda's name on the request to the conversion. Someone had to sign it didn't they? Has he also gotten away with forgery? Or was it possibly that he could get the $50,000.00 without signing anything and to increase it he would have had to sign her name? Ron has admitted he sent it in -- Did he sign the check? Doesn't the Insurance company even care?
A watchful concerned citizen

Rumor has it that Ron is now the official beneficiary of Linda's life policy. I hope for her safety. My thoughts are with you Barb!

Is there a way to view archived posts?

Response:From the Web Master: Yes, it's possible for us to access archived messages. But it's a real hassle, since there are so many message boards and literally thousands of posts. So we prefer not to do that unless the request comes from the family of a victim, a private investigator, an attorney, a reporter, etc. -- somebody with a real need for archived information.

I am Ronda's cousin, I grew up with her. She was my role model! I always loved the cars she drove and the music she listened to and the career choices she made. I can always remember her saying that she was going to be a police officer and that early on was what she knew she wanted to be. When she went to the academy and took her polygraph I remember how proud she was that she passed. She even posted it on her bedroom walls like wallpaper border. She was so proud. And she should of been! She was a strong, independent, graceful woman. She was not about self pity or "Feel sorry for me". She was sooo strong and she showed her strong self throughout her life in her actions. She was so loving, she loved her brother more than anything, Our Grandmother like her own mother and even my mom (her aunt) so very much. Ronda was full of love not sorrow or pain. When my grandmother called and told me that Ronda was dead and that "they" said she killed herself it didnt take a second for me to say, "absolutly not, she would never ever do that." And even though Ronda and I didnt have much of a relationship after we both grew up and moved on, you just "know" and I know that Ronda would NEVER EVER kill herself!!! She was stronger than that and had endured so much more in her life to let a MAN (and a weak one at that) to get to her and push her to something that she would never think of doing.

And as far as the electric blanket story, I remember talking to Ronda a long time ago and her saying that her first husband had seen so many scaring things happen with an electric blanket that she was scared to death to use them, so for her to curl up in a closet with an electric blanket is so out of this world. And as far as Ron he is the principle of some friends grandkids of mine and he is not respected and liked at his school, they all have a feeling that he is guilty~ Ron, what is the worst thing in life to lack and that is respect and your really lacking it!!!

As for Ronda, I have always worried about my family that loved her so much but at the same time, I have always had a sense of peace knowing that she is with someone that loved her VERY much, my mom (Ronda's aunt) knowing that they are together makes me so happy for both of them.....I love you mom and Ronda!!
Ronda's Cousin

Response: Barb Thompson responds:

My precious niece -- No one could have said it any more clearly. I know your Mom would be very proud of you as I am. I don't know who is taking care of whom up there -- But I know they are busy pulling crazy fun pranks and doing girlie things! They were both so full of fun. I know Ronda is also very proud of you as a mother yourself now for the marvelous job you are doing raising your own children. I wish they both could be here so you could share your own children with them.

As for Ron -- I too am aware of his reputation at the school and in the community. It is a small world isn't it? Interestingly, there are other people here in Spokane who are connected to that community and school district, and his guilt has traveled this far thru the school system, not through me.

I wonder if Mr. Lahmann is still a strong supporter of Mr. Reynolds? His last taped statement in 2001 didn't sound very convincing. For a well spoken man, he did a lot of stuttering and evading of questions. His normal speech is fluent and right to the point, but not in that statement! He didn't appear to support Ron with the strong conviction he did when the Chronicle released the 3 page story early in 2001. I wonder why that is? Has time proven to Mr. Lahmann that Ron is a murderer and just used him to his own advantage and now Mr. Lahmann doesn't know how to admit that and do something about it?

Mr. Lahmann has to live with his conscience and what happens at his schools. That's a tough one isn't it Mr. Lahmann? Now 5 years later, do you still believe Ron Reynolds is innocent?

God hears the cries that go on in your Heart as a Mom Barb,May he be with you in the days and night to come, we all are praying that justice will done.
God Speed
We all care.

It really seems strange to me that not one person has ever written into the message board in defense of Ron or his sons. But plenty have the other kinds of comments. That is pretty unusual. In fact, that speaks volumes! I, too wish that some of the women who were hurt by them, would write or check in...this crime needs to be prosecuted...these murderers need to face the consequences for their actions. And this Sheriff's Dept. needs to re-prioritize their agenda. The new jail should never be more important than the people it serves...and to this present Sheriff, it is exactly that. He is going to go on to higher political callings....and look at the job he has done here. Sad.

A MESSAGE FROM BARB THOMPSON, RONDA'S MOTHER:

I have not sat still for the last five years. I have done a lot of investigating and paid for a lot of investigating and have identified women Ron has had affairs with. The person who wrote in on Nov. 6th is correct about the affair that Ron had with a lady in the school system while he was married to Katie, right before their divorce and his marriage to Ronda.

I also know this woman is not the only one. But this horrible character flaw, however immoral and unacceptable in the eyes of God, does not necessarily make a man a murderer. Still -- think about it – in most cases in which a husband or wife kills their spouse, the killer has a history of infidelities and affairs and many times the murder occurs because the spouse is trying to block or expose one of those affairs.

The women Ron was involved with weren’t involved in Ronda’s death, and I see no reason to embarrass them by identifying them by name. Ron, by his own taped admission to detectives, has established the fact that he was/is a lying, cheating manipulating husband. It makes me nauseous when I think of the way he deceived Ronda and took advantage of her vulnerability. He presented himself as a "Holy Man Of God," with a high position in their church, and Ronda turned to him for counseling and guidance when her first marriage was falling apart. Ron used her emotional fragility at that time of crisis and her need to be loved and valued to his own advantage. Ronda described to me once the lie he told her in order to convince her that he couldn’t function without her. I can’t help but wonder if he used that same line on his other women.

I’d be very interested in hearing from them if he did.

And now I must get to work composing a response to the post concerning the message left on the mirror in the bathroom the night before Ronda's death. The evidence I will expose is sure to raise an eyebrow or two. Responding to all your good questions and comments takes longer than I’d like, because I have to go over and over all of Ron's statements of record to be certain that what I say is totally accurate. I have kept and will continue to keep my promise to base every accusation I make on this web site on facts that I can prove.

BARB THOMPSON

I just wish some of his "other women" would come out of the woodwork and give us a rundown on what their experience with him was like. And blow the whistle on his EXTRAMARITAL affairs...the ones he denies so vehemently. It seems they could hae some very valuable information to pass on and help this case. How about it ladies....let us hear from any of you that have had to go through any "stuff" with him or his kids.

Response:From the Web Master:

If anyone has information for Ronda's mother and feels uncomfortable posting it on this message board, they can send a private e-mail to justiceproject@earthlink.net and we will forward it to Barb Thompson.

I'm Ronda's daughter and although I miss her to much to even say, I have dealt with my loss, I have many theories in my mind, but I'm not taking my anger out on anyone, because I think that is very rude and it's just stupid to do it. I miss her very much, I wish I could go back to that day and have gone to the house to stop it somehow, but I'm glad she knew that I loved her, becuase we talked on the phone on the previous night. Barb, I feel you're pain, I miss her very much and I wish I could have her back just as much as you do. I wish things could have been totally different, but life gives us obsticles and we have to overcome them. My prayers to her family and friends.


ace_of_diamonds_03@yahoo.com

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

I know that, to Ronda, when she took children under her wing, to her they were her children. She loved them as her own, cared for and protected them with a love stronger than we see in most biological mothers. Ronda had no biological children of her own but to her this girl was as much her child as she was her biological mother's child. This girl’s post is just another indication of how Ronda's love touched the lives of so many young people.

I have a slightly different theory. I believe the oldest son Jonathan, the one who threatened to kill ronda earlier and had to go to anger management classes,is the one who helped his father with this murder.

That would explain the ex-wife Katie's seeming loyalty to Ron. She's not protecting HIM, she's protecting her son. she knows if one goes down they both go down.

Barb,
I have been watching this message board for some time, not really understanding the whole case,I just read the starting of your book, I have to tell you in all honesty, Katie and Ron must have been in this together, Just my personal thoughts, I just can not fathem how people think, and do they actually believe they can get away with MURDER?
May God Bless you and Have his Hand on you in the coming months and always
Love and Prayer
From your forever
Friend

The following message is from Nancy Grice, Melanie McCracken's mother:

An update on the Melanie Grice McCracken story is scheduled for Friday, 11/14, on Dateline NBC. This will likely include information on the grand jury indictment of Mark McCracken for first degree willful and premeditated murder and evidence tampering.
Signed Nancy

For background on this case, go to Real Crimes , scroll down and click on "Melanie McCracken." The blurb on the home page contains links to recent newspaper articles about the indictment.

Everyone: Tune in to Dateline THIS FRIDAY NOV. 14th and watch this case closely. What will happen to Melanie's husband will, in time, happen to Ron Reynolds.
Signed: A watchful eye in Lewis County

From Barb Thompson, Ronda's mother:

Are statements about apparently minor details important?

They definitely are. Because when suspects lie, they are lying for a reason.

The holster for the gun used in Ronda's murder has never been seen by any member of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. It's just GONE. Why? Is it incriminating evidence?

Let's retrace the events surrounding that missing holster, keeping in mind that when a person lies his story changes every time he tells it simply because he can't remember every lie he tells. If a person makes a true statement it will remain the same each time he tells it.

On the morning of Ronda's death at approximately 6:30 a.m. Ron Reynolds told Deputy Gary Holt that ON THE PREVIOUS DAY he had found the holster, but not the gun and had REPLACED IT IN THE CLOSET.

This statement implies that the gun had been kept in the closet.

One hour later in a taped statement Ron (not able to remember the earlier lie) stated "SO I PUT THE HOLSTER BACK IN THE DRAWER WHERE IT IS USUALLY KEPT and, uh, I assumed that her friend had the gun. I didn't look for it any more but evidently she had it hidden somewhere."

This statement implies that the gun had been kept in the drawer (under the bed on Ron's side -- a drawer tested by detectives and very hard to open).

Both of those statements cannot be correct. One (or perhaps both) of them is/are a lie.

Then -- on Sept. 26, 2001 in a taped statement Ron Reynolds answered the following questions:
Q: Where was the Rossi .32 gun normally kept?
A: It was in the drawer under the bed.
Q: Where did you put the holster, as Detective Berry did not find it?
A: It was between the toilet and the wall by the wastebasket. Kind of behind the wastebasket. After the detectives left I picked it up and put it away. It might have been behind the garbage can. After the detectives left I picked it up and put it away.

"After the detectives left I picked it up and put it away" ??? Here Ron Reynolds is definitely stating that he moved the holster AFTER her death and AFTER the detectives left.

Now there are 3 conflicting statements from Ron Reynolds. He can't keep his stories straight -- Indicating he probably didn't confront Ronda about the gun at all and, more important, that the holster has never been seen by authorities. At the time of Ron's statement on 9-26-01, Detective Sgt. Glade Austin should have asked for the holster as evidence. He didn't. Why? One has to assume he didn't want to be in the position of discovering (and therefore having to report) this information. How pathetic!

with these statements, Ron Reynolds is actually confessing to tampering with, concealing, withholding and lying about evidence. All are criminal offenses that Detective Sgt. Glade Austin refused to address.

On December 15th, 1998, the day before Ronda's death, David Bell, Ronda's friend who was at her house with her helping her pack has stated (not once but numerous times -- each time his statement is exactly the same) -- Ronda took the .32 Rossi in its holster FROM THE DRAWER UNDER THE BED and asked David to take it, saying she didn't want it left there -- (why? Because she was afraid?). When Ronda told David that the gun belonged to Ron, David said it wasn't right for him to take it. Instead, he unloaded it, put it back in its holster and back in the drawer under the bed. Then he immediately left the residence with Ronda.

When they returned hours later Ron Reynolds was already at the residence. When Ronda got out of David's truck, Ron followed her into the house.

On 12-17-98 Ron Reynolds told me, as verified on my taped statement the very next day in the Sheriff's office, that when David & Ronda returned he (Ron Reynolds) followed Ronda into the house and into the bathroom. He said he saw the holster on the BACK OF THE TOILET and asked Ronda where the gun was. According to him, she said it was safe, David had it, which, of course, David didn't. There's no reason Ronda would have lied about that. Now, my first thought is -- if Ron believed that David had Ron's gun -- a keepsake that had belonged to Ron's beloved father who just passed away approx. 5 months earlier -- and David was right outside -- and Ron Reynolds, being a very controlling materialistic person who doesn't want anyone to have anything that is his -- Why wouldn't Ron go get his gun from David right then?

This couldn't have happened as Ron stated anyway, because there is no way Ronda could have moved the holster from the drawer to the bathroom and IF that confrontation actually did occur and the holster had actually been in the bathroom, a giant red flag would have gone up for Ronda that someone (Ron or one of the boys -- perhaps Jon, the one who had already threatened to kill her) -- had taken the gun out. In that case, she would have left immediately.

This is only one set of discrepancies. There are many, many others. I can post this particular one for the public because Glade Austin made it clear in his taped interview with Ron Reynolds on 9-23-01 that police were aware of the discrepancies surrounding the holster and they were trying to get Ron to make a statement to clarify it. So Ron knows he was caught lying and, even knowing that, he couldn't keep even one of his lies straight. Same with the 911 call and when he actually took Ronda's pulse. After reading the statement he made to Holt, then the 911 transcription, he couldn't figure out which one of his lies he wanted to go with and hung himself. ( please excuse my use of words here).

With my son recovering so very rapidly and getting ready to return to his job, I now have more time to devote back to Ronda's case so stay tuned......................and thank you so much for all your support and information. It is all very, very important.

Well, this is wonderful news with the McCracken case, and now that leads right into the Stephanie Houston case....they begin to fall..just like dominoes!! Just hang in there Barb! All of us are out here cheering you on! We are all sick of the politics being played in our Law enforcement. There is NO place for politics in an investigation..of any kind. We are trying to fight against that problem with a sheriff who is a political animal..to the point that nothing else matters. The walls will come tumbling down!

I am not sure I can express my dislike for Ron and his sons. I lived near them at one time. This was even before Ron was married to Ronda.He was sneeky and deceitful then, not to mention he was having an affair with a woman at the school in Elma. He was still married Katie. Jonathan was a bully even then. I even suspected them of stealing from me, but couldn't prove it.

I also knew Ronda and she was the sweetest and nicest person. I can only hope pray he gets his justice now.

Ron when they catch you and they will. I am going to do my best to be at your trial.

FROM THE WEB MASTER:

Another of our Real Crimes cases iS going to the Grand Jury.

The Stephanie Houston case is scheduled to go to the Grand Jury this coming Friday. Please, familiarize yourselves with this case by reading the account on this web site. Stephanie died when her abusive boyfriend, Patrick Murillo, ran her down with his truck when he realized she was going to leave him.

The scene investigator was none other than NM State Police Officer Mark McCracken, who has just been indicted for charges of first degree murder and evidence tampering in the death of his own allegedly abused wife.

Like Melanie McCracken's mother, Nancy Grice, Stephanie's father, Bill Houston, has been engaged in a heartwrenching day-to-day struggle to force the NM State Police to perform an honest investigation of his daughter's suspicious death.

BARB
IT IS PROOF POSITIVE , THAT SILENCE IS GOLDEN.
WE ARE PRAYING THAT BY ALL THE SILENCE, THE CASE WILL BE COMING TO A HEAD.
KEEP UP ALL THE GOOD WORK , WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY
WE LOVE YOU HERE IN LEWIS COUNTY

See what can happen when a mother doesn't give up!!!!!!!!

"The moral of this story is there is no such thing as a perfect crime. There is such a thing as imperfect investigation."

Way tog Go Nancy!!!!! Does this make you squirm Ron? If you study case for case there is as much, (maybe more, huh Ron?) evidence in this case to convict the murdering husband. It took Nancy Grice 7 years. Barb has only been working on getting you indicted for 5 years and I for one don't think she will stop. Who knows Ron, she just might break Nancy's time. To Barb -- YOU GO GIRL!!!!

NEWS FLASH FROM THE WEB MASTER -- MARK MCCRACKEN INDICTED!

(From Nov. 1, Albuquerque Journal):

Eight years ago, New Mexico State Police investigated the mysterious death of Melanie McCracken, the wife of a respected officer in the department. The result: case closed.

On Friday, a Valencia County grand jury working with a special prosecutor took just 10 minutes to decide there was enough evidence to indict retired Lt. Mark McCracken on charges that he killed her and covered up the crime.

THE INDICTMENT CHARGES MCCRACKEN WITH THE "WILLFUL, PREMEDICATED AND DELIBERATE" FIRST DEGREE MURDER OF 24-YEAR-OLD MELANIE MCCRACKEN AT THEIR BOSQUE FARMS HOME. HE IS ALSO CHARGED WITH EVIDENCE TAMPERING.
McCracken, who retired in August after 25 years with the State Police, is scheduled to surrender to authorities Monday. He has denied any involvement in his wife's death....

Special prosecutor Randall Harris said no new evidence emerged but said none was needed.

"They just never seriously investigated this," Harris said. "Rule number one is you never, ever investigate your own agency, and that was where it started."

The indictment comes more than seven years after the state Office of the Medical Investigator ruled the death as "undetermined" and State Police and then-District Attorney Mike Runnels closed the case....
"The moral of this story is there is no such thing as a perfect crime. There is such a thing as imperfect investigation," Harris said. "This case is about an imperfect investigation."

...................................................................
Officer McCracken's indictment is the direct result of the perseverance of Melanie's mother, Nancy Grice, who fought for eight years to get her daughter's case reopened and properly investigated; to Nancy's private investigator, Mike Corwin; and to pressure from the media.

Read the Melanie McCracken case report on this web site for background on this case.

[FROM BARB THOMPSON:]
Watch for a new link to be added to Ronda's case showing evidence from the crime scene not shared before. We will post on this message board when it is completed.

I have always felt that Katie, Ron Reynolds's ex-wife was and still is as much of a victim as Ronda. Ron manipulated and abused her mentally, verbally and emotionally for over 20 + years. I know without any doubt she loves her children more than her own life and would do whatever needed to protect them even though they show her absolutely no love or respect. I know she knows what happened but I also believe she fears for her life. My heart goes out to her and I pray she stays safe and gets her life in order.

Yes, there are two boys older than Jon, The oldest hasn't had much if anything to do with his father in several years. The next to the oldest, according to what Ronda had told me, tried to have a fellow student harmed while in school. So most of the apples aren't falling too far from the tree.

These preditors need to be brought to justice before they kill again. History has proven that the odds are they will do just that -- kill again. I am always available for anyone to contact with information whenever they feel ready. I guarantee to keep any information and the source strictly confidential and will help and protect anyone who contacts me.
BARB THOMPSON --- barbswash@aol.com
Please tell your friend to be careful and stay safe.

This information is very disturbing to those of us following this case. If there is any kind of information that may help bring these men to justice...please do not be afraid to divulge it. They should not be loose to harm another soul.....If , indeed, Jon is the assassin....his father is guilty of concealing the evidence...and staging the scene. That is the same as taking part in the murder. What ever happened to teaching our children that every act has a consequence? This is a terrible thing...they should be punished. The consequence should be a very long jail term....the consequence for Ronda was death...for loving him.

No offense ment, but I must correct you, EX-GIRLFRIEND. She is his ex-girlfriend and wishes not to have any relation with the mad man.
Also since you mention it I strongly believe it was infact Jon who commited the actual crime, but his father was very much involved. I make this statement from a year and a half of being deeply involved whith Jon himself as well as the rest of the family.
One more thing, Jon is not the oldest son, there are two older brothes before him. Jon is the middle child, this fact also adds to his unstable frame of mind.

Dearest Barb, She will contact you when she feels safe enough to do so. She wishes to speak to you so very badly!!

From the past few posts, it sounds like Ron's oldest son, Jonathan, is a very violent person. He had to take anger management classes after threatening to kill Ronda. From the way he's now acting with his girlfriend, those classes didn't work. Jonathan was in the home when Ronda was killed. He knew she was leaving Ron and that she was holding strong on financial issues, which would have affected Jonathan as well as his father. Jonathan should be considered as strong a suspect as Ron.

If Jonathan shot Ronda, that would explain why Jonathan's mother (Ron's ex-wife) would be willing to get back in Ron's (and Ronda's) bed the night after Ronda had her brains blown out in the same room. I can't imagine many women who would do that willingly, even if she loved the man, which this woman apparently didn't or she wouldn't have divorced him. Ron had the goods on her (their) son and could cover for him or not, as he saw fit. Any loving mother would give in to that sort of pressure even if it meant getting into bed with a monster.

This gets sicker and sicker.

TO: YOU AND I NEED TO TALK!!!!! You have just made me realize my worst fears. And you are so very right -- Like father -- like son. No one is safe with Ron and his sons around. They are not only predators on women but they are highly intelligent, manipulative con artists. I had so hoped that Josh would be spared the life the others have chosen but it doesn't appear to be so. I think you did the right thing by making public what Jonathan has done and maybe in doing so you are guaranteeing your friend's safety. We have tried to protect Ron's new wife in the same manner -- by letting everyone know we believe he may do harm to her. Jonathan is a cruel, sick young man who seems to derive pleasure from cruel punishment to others. But he has had to live with what his father did and I know he knows his father killed Ronda and he knows I know he helped his father prep the crime scene. He is living with all that knowledge and it is driving him to believe he too could kill someone and get away with it. And in time he may -- courtesy of your great Lewis County Sheriff, John McCroskey, and his fine detectives, Austin and Neiser. The public needs to be aware of the danger of these men (the Reynolds) and I will work on another personal ad to get people to read the website again with this update. PLEASE, PLEASE feel free to contact me by phone (509) 455-9370 or by email at barbswash@aol.com I will keep all names and information confidential. I have no fear of Ron Reynolds or any of his sons. They have already taken the most important part of my life -- they can't hurt me any worse and besides that -- they have to be smarter and tougher than I am. I won't run --I darn sure won't hide and they know where I live. Ron took my daughter's life and I will not rest until he and however many of his sons helped him are brought to justice. Please, please, contact me. BARB THOMPSON

Well, you all were right, like father like son!!! I have a unfortunate friend who is now living in constant fear for her life! She unknowingly began dateing a serverly disturbed, sick young man named Jonathan Reynolds. To make things worse, she found herself surrounded by not just one, but a whole family of cruel heartless men. After suffering Jonathans abuse for well over eight months she attempted to leave him. However she was unable to escape him, and for some damn reason claimed to still love him; she fell back into the relationship. After about ten months she had seen, heard, and suffered enough, and once again attempted to leave him. Once again Jonathan wouldn't accept her "rejection" and harrased her untill the only thing she could think to do was give in. A year and some odd months into the relatioship she was quickly deteriorating from the strain of the relationship. Only after family and friends pleaded whith her to get out, and assured her he would be unable to cause her any harm (she was scared to death of how she predicted he would react)did she muster the curage to leave him once and for all. To this day she is suffering his rath for it. Just recently she was granted a D.V. protection order against Jonathan. Amongst the list of attacks made on her is his attempted break-in at her home to get at her since she wouldn't answer his relentless calls. He continues to stalk her, leaving her affraid to answer the phone, answer the door, walk alone, or check the mail. She has asked me to inform anyone and everyone of Jonathans voilent nature and of the order placed by the superior court on him. He is not to own/have access to firearms nor ammo amongst many other regulations he must now abide by.Please report to the police any suspicious action and or comment made by Jonathan or any other Reynolds, for she resides in the Toledo/Winlock area. Thank you.

I remember once reading an article on this sight about his having to attend anger management classes, and another that predicted one of Rons sons would break and play havoc on some unsuspecting inocent. Well one has, and I thought this would be a good place to start spreading the news.
{a concerned and frustrated friend}

P.S. Barb, you have our deepest sympothy for your loss. I am gratefull I still have my best friend with me today, and can only guess the amount of pain they have caused you. So Truley Sorry.
-YOU AND I NEED TO TALK!!!-

FROM THE WEBMASTER:

We have just posted a new case, which in some ways is similar to the Ronda Reynolds case, as it involves a young woman who was preparing to leave a bad relationship. It should be of particular interest to people whose murdered loved ones were victims of domestic abuse.

Please, take a few minutes to review the heartbreaking story of Susan Hurley Harrison. Susan vanished following a fight with her allegidly abusive estranged husband, Jim Harrison. Two years later she was found in a shallow grave, dead from a blow to the head. Despite an overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence implicating Jim, and his failure to pass a polygraph test, the Attorney General’s Office refuses to prosecute. Is Jim guilty? If not, who is?

The investigating agencies were the Baltimore County Police Dept. and the Maryland State Police.

If you would like to communicate with Susan's family, send a message via the Real Crimes e-mail address -- justiceproject@earthlink.net -- and we will forward it.

*********BUYER BEWARE***********
I think that when anyone sells a house where a violent death occurred they are required by law to disclose that fact to any and every perspective buyer. I wonder how he will handle that? He probably will not even mention it -- That is why it is by appointment only -- so he can pick an unsuspecting buyer and get it sold before anyone knows or can warn the new potentional buyer. If Ron had nothing to hide and intended to be honest about his house he would list with a realtor as he did his other. It only reveals he has something else to hide. Makes a person wonder what it is, huh? How would any of you like to get up every morning and walk into your bathroom and in order to wash your face and hands you have to step past the doorway where a beautiful compassionate innocent woman was murdered? I don't know how the new wife does it. Ron can do it because in his mind Ronda deserved to die and he has convinced himself he rid the world of an evil person.
Ron Reynolds complained that Ronda ran up all this bills but yet 5 years later after getting every credit card debt he had at the time of Ronda's death wiped out he appears to be very very deep in debt.

Ron is a very manipulative, controlling man as evil as the devil himself but in time the truth will come to light and Ron Reynolds will be brought to justice. I just would like to see it happen before the fat slob has a heart attack and dies. You can't eat away your guilt Ron -- won't work but keep trying. I like watching a pig being fattened for slaughter --(justice). And everyone is watching and waiting, waiting, waiting.
A CONCERNED WATCHFUL CITIZEN

****NEWS FLASH****
Ron Renyolds is selling his house, the very house where a murder took place! But why Ron? We know it doesn't bother you, but what about your new wife? Or... are you selling it because you want to eliminate your debt and live off Linda's assets now. Or... do you have yet bigger plans? How come it's "For Sale by Owner and by appointment only"? Got something to hide? Never know who's watching you Ron, or who gets informed of your every move or who the informants are. Just some things to think about.

That is sure the truth...we rely on justice from our local police and court systems...but politics play a huge part in the outcome. It should not be that way. We have some very good law enforcement officers, and they will not play those political games, so they do not get rank..and end up being harrassed until they go to other jobs, with less stress. And I mean harrassed by their own .....
It is happening all around us. We need justice...and we need honest investigators..such as Jerry Berry...they really slam dunked him with all of their false accusations...and he is an honest man.

I posted this on the general message board and will post it again here.

People seem so amazed that the victim's family can’t “MAKE the police investigate”?

I’m a private investigator, and let me tell you something -- families of homicide victims have ZERO RIGHTS, because the victim is basically a ward of the state. The police can do the investigation or not, and take the case to court or not, as whim and politics allow. If there’s a police officer or a friend of a cop or someone with political pull involved in the homicide, you can hang it up. If politics say, “We don’t want this case going to court because it’s going to be messy,” that’s the end of that.

There’s zero accountability. The families can’t review anything that the cops don’t want them to look at, so they have no way to prove the investigation wasn’t done properly. They can make all the innuendoes they want, but the cops just say they’re lying.

You can’t go over the heads of local police. Everything that goes to the politicians takes a circuitous route back to the police. The higher up it is, the worse it gets. If you go to the Attorney General or the Governor, he just forwards your complaints to the very police officers you’re complaining about.

It's a well-kept secret. You don't find out until the murdered person is your own loved one.

Response: Barb Thompson, Ronda's mother, responds:

You have no idea how right you are when you say the family of the victim has "O" rights. Everything you said in your statement is the absolute truth. And I found out the HITS UNIT at the State Attorney General's Office did exactly what you described. Simply turned everything right back to Lewis County Sheriff's Office and, worse yet, helped them cover their butts even more.

If a Law Enforcement Agency decides they want your family member to be a suicide victim, guess what? That is what they become. And the lies some of the officers involved will stoop to telling are beyond belief.

In Ronda's case, for instance, the first deputy on the scene, Deputy Holt, described Ron Reynolds as showing no remorse. (Every Officer at the scene, plus 2 citizens, described him that way). That same deputy gave a statement almost three years later, coached by then Sgt. Glade Austin, in which he said Ron Reynolds was crying. It took them two taped statements to get it right. How pathetic an attempt to cover up! And that is just one minor one. Holt screwed up so badly by letting the 3 boys leave without being questioned, letting evidence leave the scene and not controlling the crime scene that in order to keep his job he really had no choice but to bow down, change his story and lie to keep his job. Even more scary is the strong possibility that this was more than likely overseen by the Attorney General's HITS UNIT.

I will continue to work towards accountability if in no other way than by telling all in my book. It is very frustrating to have so much indisputable evidence and have a Law Enforcement Agency say "So what? I have the power to do whatever I want and you can't change that." But hold on -- I have just begun to fight and the word "quit" is just not in my vocabulary.

On a brighter note, Ronda's brother is recovering rapidly and we are told he will make a full recovery and be back working as a Civil Engineer within 6 months. So hopefully, soon, I will be back in full force and will start giving everyone more information and more evidence on this website.

(9-24-2003)
Barb sounds good and says that things are getting better all of the time. Freeman is riding his mountain bike now. (That is very good for a person's body AND soul!!) Her Mother is doing well, and Barb is staying very busy. She is concerned about the winter weather coming...but maybe we will have a mild one!!
So, she plans on getting back to her computer in the near future...just can't seem to get enough time right now.
Thank you for your prayers. Keep your ear s open and your eyes open for any new info!!!

Just a note to say that Barb is very busy trying to keep everything working smoothly. I will be calling her soon to see how things are...but sounds like it is okay..just a lot of work and worry. But she is tough...and the last few years really have proven that!
Keep praying!!
Thank you!!

Blessings to Barb, freeman and Barbs Mom,
You have been through so much in these last few years, you deserve, a good break in this case, God is with you all of the way, Freeman is surely proof of that.
May Our Precous Lord Jesus Christ be with you all
Love and Prayers from all of us here,
in Lewis County

Barb: We are thinking of you. Also of course we are keeping our eyes peeled on the murderer. Ron all eyes are upon you!!!Don't you feel special?

Update on Barb and her family...everyone is home now...Freeman is doing well...but the progress is a bit slower now.....but he is making a remarkable recovery. Barb's Mom is home, too, so she is a very busy gal right now. Please pray for God to keep giving her the strength to keep up the good work. She is a very strong woman, and will do what she has to do to keep her family together and progressing!

FROM THE WEB MASTER -- to reporters and TV producers in Lewis County:

The KRQE TV story (Albuquerque, NM) about the Stephanie Houston case, (which is one of the cases on this web site) is a good example of how an enterprising investigative reporter was able to force a police chief to admit that a homicide case was not properly investigated.

Real Crimes has been able to obtain a copy of the script for this story. Anyone who is interested in reading it may contact us at justiceproject@earthlink.net, and we will send it to you as an e-mail attachment.

Barb:
What a pillar of strength. You are a woman to be admired. I don't know how you do it! The town of Toledo is praying for you. (Except Ron of course)
Attention: Sleezy Ron Reynolds, if I were you (ick) be very afraid. You picked the wrong woman to murder!!! Barb and the community is going to get YOU! Just a matter of time...or maybe God will get you first? I wouldn't want to be you on your judgment day. Either choice doesn't look good for you. Oh the price you will pay. Live it up now while you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barb is back home now with Freeman and her Mother. They had a fire near the house a few days ago , started when a careless smoker threw a burning cigarette out of their car window in passing. Luckily it was put out in time...but pretty scarey considering the close proximity to the house. She evacuated Freeman and her Mother..but it was a tough thing. Please pray for them and ask God to get Barb's house ready for the handicapped access and all that has to be done! They are at her Mother's right now. Thank you all.

It is Thursday night, July 24th....Tomorrow Freeman will be released to go home with Barb!!! He has been making wonderful progress with his therapy and all of his healing...so they are letting him go home. People seem to heal faster and recover better when they can be at home in their familiar environment. And we are thanking God for the answer to prayer, and all of you for the prayers!! Saturday Barb's Mom will come home too, so that will make her extremely happy. It has been a very hard row to hoe for this family. Now they will be together..things will just be better!! Thank you all!

Response:From the Webmaster:

This is the type of miracle that gives hope to us all. Our prayers are with Freeman for speedy healing and with Barb continued strength in her quest for health for one child and justice for the other.

FROM BARB THOMPSON: I am still at Harborview with Freeman. I have been given access to a computer so I can do some messages. Freeman is doing great and recovery is far ahead of what had been expected. In the last meeting with the doctors they told me I could hope for a full recovery. It has been a long uphill battle but we are winning! I cannot thank eveyone enough for all their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. Freeman's accident has slowed down progress on Ronda's case but has not stopped it. Ron is getting a little reprieve but not for long. Even if I have been tied up caring for Freeman, Others have been busy at work. I will be able to retrieve my emails as soon as I learn how to get onto AOL on the hospital computer so please feel free to email me again at any time at
barbswash@aol.com . Hopefully I will be able to take him home by the 25th or 29th of this month.

My book is coming along very well and have received one offer from a publishing company. That is very, very exciting. So, maybe, very, very soon, the whole world will be able to read about Ronda, the tragedy surrounding her murder and the corruption in Lewis County. Ron Reynolds and John McCroskey will be famous, but for all the wrong reasons. You can go to her case on this webpage and click on the link to two chapters of my book. I hope you find it interesting reading. Be sure to send me comments on those two chapters, please.

About Kathy Huttalla, Ron's ex-wife. I know she knows what happened, as does Ron's boys, but you must realize that she too is a victim of Ron Reynolds and I am sure she fears for her life. Ron manipulated, controlled and abused her mentally and emotionally for some 25 years and now is allowing his 3 boys to do the same to her also. She is doing all she can do at this point to simply survive so please don't judge her harshly -- you haven't walked in her shoes. When the time is right and she is stronger and feels safer maybe she will find a way to help but I refuse to force anything upon her and cause her any more pain and I certainly do not want any harm to come to her. (and Katie, if you are monitoring this message board, I will do everything in my power to help you and protect you. You know that. You knew Ronda and you knew her committment to her friends and at one time she was very, very close to you and I know you cared deeply for her. Ronda believed in doing the right thing, standing up for what you believe in and telling the truth and you know I am the very same way. So, I am here whenever you are ready -- no strings.)

Again, Everyone, thank you so very much for all your prayers and support and please continue to let your feelings about Ron Reynolds be known because it is you, the people of Lewis County, who can make a difference.
Barb Thompson

Sunday, July 14th already...
Freeman is doing better each day. More therapy and he is keeping up with the tough assignments they give him. He is beginning to remember things, and that is a great sign! His vision is getting better all of the time..he has had considerable double vision since the accident...but the eye muscles will heal with time. He is very determined to do things for himself...gee, I wonder where he got that!! Praise the Lord for His strength and mercy! So, be encouraged! Our prayers are being answered!

glad to hear that recovery is progressing. re ron reynolds' desire for rhonda's possession, that may also be "trophate". not sure about the spelling. the killer wants possessions of the deceased as trophies. natalie wagner's boyfriend not only had her teeth, he also took her driver's license, much of her jewelry, her radio, and many, many other things which he claimed were either contaminated by her blood spatter or someone else took them. perjury is one of the least things any court seems to care about. cops even call it "testilying" when they alter the truth to fit their ends. milwaukee is again going thru a d.a. dog & pony show inquest of a cop shooting. in 35+ years, no cop has been indited as a result of an inquest. there have, however, been many cop shootings - not all justified. we've had 4 in the last couple of months. hang in there, rhonda's death will not have been totally in vain.

Today is the 8th....so Freeman is getting on with this recovery! He is doing remarkable therapy...walked alone(with a therapist there to help when he needed) today, and he went up four stairs and turned and came down again(with a bar of course) and he did this five times!! I am so amazed at his progress!! I told Barb that he has that independent, determined streak that she has! And I am so glad he has it...it is going to help him. He is happy to be doing these things and responds well to the therapist. Keep the prayers going!!!

It is the 5th...Freeman is doing well..therapy is going very well..he is getting stronger and passing the cognitive tests with flying colors!! Red, White and Blue!! Halleluia!! Barb gave me the address to write to him...and I am passing it on to you! I am sure they would love to have a card from each of you!!
Freeman is eating more and each day seems stronger and more alert. We have so much to be thankful for. Bless you all!!
Address: Freeman Thompson
c/o Harborview Hospital
325 9th Ave.
Room #460 West Wing
Seattle, Washington
98104
so get those cards acomin'!!!

I feel that when Ron Reynolds or one of his sons can't keep it under condrol any longer 6 t0 8 years after .we will have a school shotting in TOLEDO.how will they cover this up.

It is July 3rd already!! Barb is doing well...Freeman began therapy for real today...they are not taking it easy on him..they are giving him real challenges. He stood for awhile..and took some steps...and he is doing cognitive tests...and aceing them!! So each day is more and more of a miracle!! The doctors are amazed at the progress he is making after only 11 days!! We KNOW the answer to that one!! And we thank HIM with all of our hearts!! He has been speaking on the phone and recognized the voices..so that is really great! Have a Happy 4th...more later...be safe!

Tuesday Update:
Freeman is eating a bit now...had some jello today and some"juice" fortified so it isn't so liquid...has to be careful because it can cause choking easily. They moved him up to the therapy floor...and began some testing and getting him ready for that!! He is able to do some math problems and his coordination is doing pretty well. Our God is showing us a miracle in progress!! He said to Barb today," I am so glad you are my Mother!" So you know that brought a few tears to our eyes...we are so glad too! She is a strong, brave soul. Bless you all..keep up the prayers!!

Lots of prayers are coming his way.

Hello Everyone...this is the latest on Freeman. He is doing remarkably well considering the injuries he has. He was able to have a shower this morning...in a chair..but a shower no less!!!
He is speaking more and used a few sentences today..and gave his Mom a big hug!! I know you all are rejoicing with us...just to hear good news about this young man. He was able to get up three times today..so sounds like he is getting stronger...still will need lots of help to do these things..but at least he is doing them!!! Thank you for your prayers. Barb sounds so much better...and she says she feels very blessed. we will continue our prayers!!!

Update on Freeman...
He is doing better..was able to brush his own teeth today and sit up and eat crushed ice. If all continues to go well...he will possible begin a therapy program..in hospital..next week . We are very happy to see each tiny bit of improvement...Barb is sounding better. She relayed that it is going to be a long healing process...not fast..like TOMORROW..as we all wish it to be. But he is better. So keep praying!! It is working!!

This is terrible news about Barb's son being in such a serious accident. This family has been through enough without that. Freeman is in my prayers and Barb is also.

Spoke with Barb tonight..Freeman is talking more and being a bit more active...they moved him to a private room. It is sounding better all of the time...he is answering questions..and listening when read to. Keep praying, thank you for the love and prayers.

To Ron Reynolds,

Please resign from your position as Principal of Toledo Elementary School. You should not be there. Think about the children. I would ask you to do this face to face but do not want to put my children at risk.

Signed, A Parent of Toledo Elementary School Children

Update on Auto accident: Barb's son is injured badly, head injuries, broken vertabra(four) , bruised spleen, damaged kidneys and lacerated liver....he has been unconcious so far..but can move extremeties. Keep praying for him..and for Barb. It has been about 50 hrs now since the accident...he seems a bit better...Thank you all for your concern and prayers.
A Friend

From the Webmaster -- news flash from the Melanie McCracken message board:

We have just been informed that NBC Dateline has received the 2003 Edward R. Murrow award for investigative reporting for their story on the Melanie McCracken case.

Please be in prayer for Barb and her son(only remaining child) as he was in an auto accident and is in ICU in critical condition. For all of you who care so much..thank you...your prayers are very important!! Thank you so much.
A friend

Has anyone question his ex Catherine. I think if a deal was offered to her she would be more than willing to tell all she knows.

Ron, I know you are reading this. If you were a real person you would confess to this horrible crime and get the punishment you are due. How can you live with yourself? What an example you have set for your children. You will be caught.

Ron Reynolds,my goodness what a web of deceit you think you have spun.But as I'm sure you already know you cant fool everyone forever so enjoy now because your time will come when the highest justice of all will be served.

Attention Ron Reynolds! After reading this website and documents attached and the most recent post, I have the need to ask you, have you ever told the TRUTH? How do you sleep at night? Oh! Somebody with NO feelings. Dead from the neck up maybe! You are sick. God sure doesn't want you but I bet the devil does!!!
Sheriff McCroskey I hope you do not intend to run for any bigger offic e sometime soon. The case will follow you where ever you go. What a tragedy!!!!

I was shocked when I read a court document in the Ronda Reynolds case. As executor of Ronda's estate, Ron Reynolds stated to the court in a certified document that Ronda had only $1,000.00 in personal property. Ronda took into the marriage (11 months before her death) a very expensive china cabinet (worth $1,000.00?), An entire Master bedroom furniture group, living room furniture and various kitchen appliances. Not to mention her jewelry. It is a known documented fact that Ronda collected fine and antique jewelry, several individual pieces being worth $1,000.00 or more each. In fact, she had such a substantial amount of expensive jewelry Ron Reynolds made the statement to Detective Berry in a documented interview that he was going to sell it to cover the debts Ronda had incurred which according to him amounted to first $50,000.00 and then later $20,000.00. It is my understanding that he also told Ronda's mother the same thing, refusing to let Ronda's mother have even one piece of Ronda's jewelry. One piece of perhaps tens of thousands of dollars of jewelry -- not less than $1,000.00

How does the judicial system in Lewis County let something like this get past them? It is bad enough the Sheriff's Departement is corrupt, but is the judicial and court system also corrupt or was it an honest oversight by the judge(s) involved? Shouldn't Ron Reynolds be held accountable for Ronda's personal property? Shouldn't he be accountable for what appears to me to be purgery?

The really sad part about all of this is this lie by Ron Reynolds is only one of hundreds he has told in this case. The good part is they will all, one by one, come back to hang Ron Reynolds.

Hang in there Barb Thompson. We know you will soon be able to have Ron Reynolds prosecuted for murdering his wife, your lovely daughter. And you need to know that there are hundreds of people following and working on evidence in this case. Ron Reynolds will be brought to justice.

[From: A friend]

Response: Barb Thompson responds:

What you have stated is true. It is all in the portion of the case file that I received from the Sheriff's department. Ron Reynolds lied to a court of law, and the judicial system in Lewis County couldn't care less.

You have to understand how Ron Reynolds thinks. He has this tremendous desire for material and financial possessions, and he will strive to possess those regardless of what he has to do.

He believed at the time of Ronda's death that she had $300,00 worth of life insurance. After her death, he found out that she had not completed the necessary conversion forms, but he had to fulfill his need for money so badly that he, himself, completed the conversion forms and mailed them in, only to discover to his great disappointment that the police was only for $50,000.

So far, he has gotten away with this, because the insurance company says it isn't financially feasible to attempt to prosecute. Then, $50,000 wasn't enough for Ron Reynolds. He needed more. He openly lied to his attorney and the courts about Ronda’s personal property in order to be able to sell it and acquire more cash. I am her mother -- I know what she had and the amount of fine jewelry she owned, and believe me, its value far exceeded $1,000. Being executor of an estate is a responsibility not be taken lightly, but as with everything else Ron Reynolds does, he believes he is above the law and God.

Sadly he seems to be teaching his own children that they need not obey the laws governing the citizens of Lewis County either. Just recently his oldest son, Jonathan -- the one who had threatened to kill Ronda several months prior to her death -- was arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He spent one night in jail and then was fined and turned loose. So he got 3 or 4 good meals and a good shower on the County and was out to continue on his self-indulgent way in the typical Reynolds manner.

As you indicated, Ron Reynolds has told so many lies he can't keep up with them, and they will be his downfall. I am even more confident as time passes that he will be brought to justice.

Readers: Please, feel free to ask any questions you have. I will be more than happy to answer them.

FROM THE WEBMASTER: News flash from the home page: There is a new case on this web site.

Nick Swigart was burned to death in his car at 2:30 a.m. in a vacant field 25 miles from his home. Police immediately labeled Nick's death "an accident." Nick's family wants to know, "What was Nick doing way out there in the middle of the night? How did the fire start? Why were his car keys and money clip missing? Why won't police investigate this as a possible murder and arson?"

We hope you will go to the Real Crimes home page and scroll down to the Nick Swigard Case in Lafayette County, Mississippi. If you have comments to make, please, post them on the General Message Board. Anyone who would like to send a personal message to the family can do so by an e-mail via this web site.

Attn: Ron "the murderer" Reynolds, the fat lady is about to sing. Hang on, you about to get the ride of your life!

I am a parent of Toledo Elementary school students. We are new to the area and I heard the 'rumours' about Ron Reynolds so decided to look into the case. I am sickened by what I am finding out. I am appalled that this man is the principal at the elementary school that my children attend and that no one seems to be doing anything about it. Can the school board legally remove him from his position? Is he innocent until proven guilty, does that tie the school boards hands? Is there anything we can do to remove him from his position. Not only is Ron Reynolds suspect in this gruesome death he is also a very poor principal. To see him walking down the hall at the school it is obvious that something is terribly wrong with him. I could tell this before I even knew about this case. He does not do his job well. I don't want this man around my children or others. I am committed to writing letters to the powers that be and to the media to let my voice be known. I will post here when I have done so. I encourage other parents to do so as well. Nobody wants to talk about it. The teachers and staff don't like the man but everyone is afraid of jepordizing their position. Something needs to be done. These are our kids at risk here. Thank you to Ronda's mom for staying persistant on the case. The ads in the Chronicle were my first indication that something was up. Also the recent "double suicide" in Toledo seems odd. What is going on? Some serious investigations need to happen in Lewis County.

That's wonderful news about the breakthrou in the Petrazzuoli case!!!

This demonstrates what can happen when a case gets publicized and people with information, who didn't realize they HAD information, find out that what they know is important and can solve a homicide case.

Ron Reynolds's three sons were at that house when Ronda died. If what those boys knew wasn't a threat to Ron, he wouldn't have whipped them out of there before the police had a chance to question them. Those boys are adults now. Who have those (not so young sons now) been drinking with? Sleeping with? Talking to at a bar or in the bedroom?

Let's get WORD OUT ABOUT THIS CASE! People will remember things they didn't realize were important and respond to them, just like the witness did in the John Petrazzuoli case!


Let's all of us try to find ways to publicize this web site and direct investigative reporters and TV producers to this case!

FROM THE WEBMASTER -- (news flash from the main message board):

We're pleased to announce an exciting new break-through in the "John Petrazzuoli" case.

John was burned to death in his car at 1 a.m. on May 6, 1999, in an allegedly deserted parking lot in Garden City, SC. Police closed the case as a suicide/accident, despite John's family's belief that John was murdered.

Last week, on the fourth anniversary of John's death, his mother placed an ad in the paper directing people to the Real Crimes web site to read John's story. That ad brought forth a witness, who had driven past the parking lot and seen three vehicles, with a man walking away from John's burning car. That witness, who called 911 at the time, was never questioned by the police and didn't even know that a victim died in the blaze. Until reading the write-up on this website, he hadn't realized the importance of his information and the fact that what he saw that night was a murder and an arson.

We sincerely hope this causes the Horry County Police Department to reopen John's case and investigate it as a homicide.

Barb, I live in Centralia.... read your letter in the cronicle today. I finally mgot interested enough to try and respond to you. Yes, this county is in the good old boys hands and definetly needs some shaking up. We are munder the thumb here if we speak out... help us please! call KELA am radio (360-330-0777) and spread the word... the phone in talk show "let's talk about it" starts at 8:30 in the morning ,, runs till 9am I would love to see you stir up ahornets nest down here

Correction to the below post: That should have read, "Using the data of 14 suicides from 2001", instead of "Using the data from 14 suicides from last year".

Hey, it’s time to wake up Lewis County! In last nights Chronicle it was reported that in 2001 Lewis County had 14 suicides and 1 homicide. Okay, let’s look at that for a second. I’m no statistician, but you just can’t deny these facts are alarming to say the least.

According to the Center for Disease Control for the nation as a whole we have a 1.5 times greater suicide rate then homicide. Okay in Lewis County it’s 14 times greater. That’s a huge discrepancy. Let’s look a little farther…

According to statistics from 2000, we had 10.7 suicides per 100,000 as a national average. The State of Washington had 12.5. Using the data of 14 suicides last year that would make our rate for Lewis County a whopping 20.21. That is 14 / 69,273 (population of LC) * 100,000 = 20.21

When is someone going to recognize this? Doesn’t this raise any flags, anyone? Perhaps the Seattle Times need to be made aware that something is very wrong in our county. HELP!!! ~S

Dear Barb--
I have followed this web site--And, as a parent to Toledo elementary school students, have tried to stay unbiased. BUT---after reading exerpts from your book--THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM IN TOLEDO!! I guess the schoolboard has chosen to look the other way---That is wrong. I don't know what kind of contract a principal signs, but can't they just choose NOT to renew it for the next year? I am going to send all the info on this website to the STATE dept of education--and maybe they can put some pressure on the school board to do the RIGHT thing!! I encourage everyone who no longer wants that overstuffed man around our kids to do the same!! Thank you for letting me vent--

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

Remember the old saying, "It is the squeaky wheel that gets greased"? If enough people write to the Toledo School Board, the School Superintendent and the State Dept. of Education or the State Board of Education, I would like to believe they will take some sort of action. My own hands are tied in this effort because I am not a resident. It has to come from the people Ron Reynolds works for and the community that Ron Reynolds influences. So, please, take time to make your voices heard.

I know that everyone who monitors this website gets tired of hearing me say: "We are continually working on Ronda's case and continually coming up with bits and pieces of new evidence." I wish could tell you more and hope tht you understand why I cannot at the present time, but, believe me, we ARE moving forward. This is a very delicate case because we are not only up against a well-orchestrated cover-up of a murder by the participant(s), (although it's definitely not fool proof), but an an attempt by the Lewis County Sheriff's Department and Coroner Terry Wilson to cover up their own blunders and their loss of unrecoverable evidence.

Now, we see in Tuesday's Chronicle an article by Sharon Decker about a couple found dead in their home (determined by Terry Wilson to be a double suicide) where the bodies were held in the Coroner's office for nearly a week and the Coroner's office lied to public inquiries about the possibility of those bodies being there. Then, Wilson apparently DISCOVERS the bodies and makes the statement that, even though he has determined it was double suicide, he is not sure about the weapons used. He states that two guns -- he "believes" they were handguns -- were found with the couple. Amazing how a coroner can determine the cause of death to be suicide (double), but can't determine if the guns that were found with the couple were handguns. He is SURE this is suicide, he just doesn't seem to know how they did it. Ring any bells to anyone?

Remember, like Sharon Decker stated: "Most news organizations don't report on deaths from suicide." Wake up people!!!!!! That routine omission by the media gives your law enforcement agencies and your coroner free rein to cover up homicides!!!!!!!!! All they have to do is mention the word "suicide" to reporters, and the suspicious death is buried as if it never occurred. Nobody ever hears about it, because your news media feels dutybound not to report it in order to "spare the family embarassment." This also saves law enforcement the money it takes to conduct a homicide investigation. People all over the United States need to wake up and smell the homicides!!!!

So this shows that there is always a lot of hope and not to ever give up!! Now we will be watching these cases and praying for justice!! Hang in there Barb, it will not be over until we are victorious and there will be justice for Ronda. Perserverance pays off...sometimes it just takes awhile!!!!!

A friend in Lewis County

FROM THE WEBMASTER:
Re: the Stephanie Houston case

A note of hope for those who think justice is impossible! Thanks to the relentless perseverance of Stephanie's father, Bill Houston, and of his private investigator, Mike Corwin, the N.M. State Police have reopened Stephanie's case and will be investigating it as a possible homicide. Stephanie was run over by her abusive boyfriend, Patrick Murillo, in February, 2000. At that time the State Police closed the case as an "accident." (For details, read the Stephanie Houston case report on this web site.)

The scene investigator for Stephanie's case was State Police Sgt. Mark McCracken, who is currently under investigation for the murder of his own wife. (For details, read the Melanie McCracken case on this web site.)

From Barb Thompson:

I am overwhelmed by the response from those who have read the two chapters of my book that are linked to Ronda's case report. We are looking for a way to build our own web page where we can give everyone access to the 22 chapters that I have completed to date. I haven’t started looking for a publisher yet, but it should be only a matter of time before the entire book will be available to people everywhere.

I am very aware that Ron's new wife is an ex-employee of the Lewis County Sheriff's office. I have obtained, thru the Freedom of Information Act and the help of my attorney, most of the case file. It was like pulling teeth, but I did end up getting a good portion of it, and it seems quite strange to me that the lady Ron married so suddenly is the same lady who made a report to the Lewis County Sheriff's office that a person close to her told her that Ron Reynolds had at one time attended or taken a class(s) in Homicide Investigation. This current wife, at some point -- I believe soon after getting involved with Ron Reynolds -- changed her story, saying that the person she got the information from was a foster child she had taken in and was not a reliable source. I have not yet come up with concrete evidence that Ron did take such a class, and there is always a possibility that he did not. If anyone out there has information about this, please, either post it here or send it by private e-mail via the Real Crimes site.

Of course, there is no law against taking homicide investigation classes. Neither is there any law that says a man cannot have his ex-wife in his deceased wife's bed the night after her suspicious death. And there is no law that says that same man cannot have multiple relationships with various women all at the same time. All any of that means to me is that such a man has no conscience, cannot control his sexual desires, has no morals, and is a very poor example for his own children, not to mention all of the children in the elementary school of which he is principal. But these acts alone do not make him a murderer.

All I want to say is that I miss my aunt Ronda more then ever... I lost my mom 2 years before my aunt was murdered... and lifes not that easy... and Rons days are numbered... as much as I want to do something about it.. I can't thats why I have left it in Gods hands... I almost... feel sorry for him... almost...

Stephanie Davidson-Johnson
Corvallis, Oregon

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

You are a very strong young lady -- so much like your Mom, your Aunt Ronda and your Grandfather, and you have been through more than any young lady your age should. Ronda loved you as if you were her own and would never have deserted you of her own choosing. I know going to this website has opened old wounds for you but together we will see the truth unfold. I am proud of you for the accomplishments you have achieved and I know, and you know, Ronda would never have taken her own life and left you and your 2 brothers so alone, especially after having lost your mother so suddenly without warning. She loved you too much. You and your brothers are lucky though, because you now have two of the most wonderful, beautiful angels watching over you. Stay strong Steph. Thank you for sharing your feelings and remember I love you and hope to see you soon. Gramma Barb

Dear Ronda Reynolds Mother:
What a gut wrenching two chapters I have just read. All I can say now is RON REYNOLDS your days are numbered. They got Scott Peterson and they will get you. Come on Linda (new wife) READ this and wake up. He only has you. (he needs income honey)(you are it) The kids are crazy they are no help. Somebody was telling me how naive you are, please prove them wrong. He is using you! $$$$......
Barb: You are a woman of great strength and I admire you. My family is behind you all the way. Go get'tem Barb!!!

To those of you who live in Lewis County, (I don't, thank God), I sure hope you'll do everything you can to steer people to this web site to read the excerpts from Barb's book. And print them out and mail them to people you think ought to read them. Mail them to the school board or whoever. They won't be too happy to know a books coming out with this information in it and that their principle Ron Reynolds is still employed at their school and the school will have to take the backlash from the book.

Nobody's going to know about Barb's up-coming book unless WE get the word out. Let's all do that in all the ways that we can.

Barb, I have read the part of your book that is on the webpage...it is riveting. I know this man...and I am appalled that the Sheriff's Office has made such a mess of this case. They clearly catered to his every whim, destroyed evidence..vital evidence..and turned a murderer free. He has no conscience...and seems to have a very large ego. He bad-mouthed Ronda until he realized what kind of damage he was doing to his credibility..then changed it to a grief ridden act. All I can say is....keep plugging away at it and his monarchy will fall. Evil never wins...the book says..we win!!
Keep up the good works and I can't wait to read the entire book!! As for the incompetent Sheriff's Office...I certainly would like to see them eat some old cold crow! They deserve to have all the garbage pulled out and viewed...and they really deserve to be called on the carpet over this case..and MANY others that they have messed up so terribly. The new wife has many friends in the Sheriff's office...she used to work there..strange , huh? More manipulation....

A Friend in Lewis county.

Barb,

I just read those chapters from your up-coming book. They took my breath away. I can't wait to have the book come out. On this web site I'm going to go straight from here to the excerpts from the other books about Kaitlin Arquette and Peter Klunck. First tho I wanted to tell you how awed I am that you were able to force yourself to write about your meeting with Ron Reynolds two days after Ronda was murdered, and Ron's ex-wife walks out of the bedroom and hands you that insipid poem she wrote about Ronda. And the fact that you kept notes to give to the detective. Your heart was falling out of your chest but you did what you had to do.

FROM THE REAL CRIMES BOARD:

Ronda's mother, Barb Thompson, is writing a book about Ronda's case, titled JUSTICE FOR RONDA. We've established a link to excerpts from this work-in-progress in the introduction to Ronda's report on the Real Crimes home page.

You will also now find links to an excerpt from WHO KILLED MY DAUGHTER?, (Delacorte, 1992) in the intro to the Kaitlyn Arquette case, and an excerpt from THE TALLY KEEPER (a work-in-progress) in the intro to the Peter Klunck case.

So very sorry to read of your beautiful daughters death. The fact that she was making plans and seemed to be relieved to be getting out of a sour marriage indicts that she did not commit suicide and looked forward to life without him. Why all the lies on the husbands part if he has nothing to hide? The real horror is that the murderer is out there and will surely kill again. Did Ron ever take a lie detector test or was he ever considered a suspect? Or was his place in society a safety net for any suspicions of him being the guilty party? Deanna

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

You are so very right about Ronda's plans. Having come to realize the manipulating, controlling individual Ron really was, she was very eager to get away from him and get on with her life. Why would a person make airline reservations, (making sure she also reserved crates for her two dogs), pack her bags and then go kill herself? Doesn't make sense to anyone with half a brain.

There are so many, many lies that Ron Reynolds has been caught in when you compare all of his statements, ranging from the last time he saw Ronda alive to what time he woke up -- from whether or not he checked her pulse before he called 9-1-1 or not until after he called 9-1-1. In one of Detective Berry's reports, he described how and where Ron Reynolds indicated he checked Ronda's pulse. Yet, when we blew up the crime scene and autopsy photos, there was no indication of interruption in the blood flow to indicate that he actually did that. And the list goes on and on.

Ron Reynolds told me personally that he did not pass the first lie detector test given by the Lewis County Sheriff's office. However, 8 months later he did pass another given by a private tester hired by Ron's attorney. Eight months is long time for an intelligent person to practice in deceiving a lie detector test.

Ron Reynolds was considered a suspect until his attorney threatened the Sheriff's department with a civil suit if they did not close the case as a suicide. That is when Det. Sgt. Glade Austin wrote a report that enabled the Sheriff's Department to close the case. In his report, Glade Austin flat out lied. He stated that two experts had reviewed the case and had determined that it was suicide. Those two experts were identified as Rod Englert, a well known blood splatter expert and crime scene reconstruction expert, and Dick Steiner of the State Attorney General's Office. Both of these "experts" denied making that statement to Sgt. Austin when later confronted by Vernon Geberth and myself. And neither one even came close to "reviewing" the case. One had only been told sketchy information, and the other had only seen a minute part. Nevertheless, that statement enabled the Sheriff's Dept. to close the case in order to avoid the legal expenses and the media attention. And Sheriff McCroskey did nothing about the fact that his Sergeant lied. Nor has he taken any responsibility for the negligence of Deputy Holt and Detective Neiser at the crime scene. He has continued to look the other way and let everyone cover up, hide and destroy evidence.

You would think that, with the controversy surrounding this case, the Sheriff's department would hold onto evidence. Not in Lewis County. All of the evidence the Sheriff's Department had in its possession has either been destroyed or handed over to Ron Reynolds.

Will Ronda's murderer kill again? That remains to be seen. I pray not. But we really don't know how this particular killer's mind works. I hope that by keeping enough pressure on thru this website, he will be smart enough not to.

Are we close yet? I can't stand watching him at school with a smile on his face. Look at me!!! I'm the one who got away with murder!!!!
Thanks John McCroskey. The sheriff of Crime belt of America!!!

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

Look at Ron each day and smile, knowing and trusting that we are hot on his trail and we will get to the bottom of all of his lies. Look at him and pretend you are the cat that just snuck up and snatched the canary. He has lied so much that I am not sure that he knows anymore what the truth is, but one thing is for certain -- he will not get away with murder.

Time is on our side and is allowing us to move forward. Like a picture puzzle -- The pieces are all there, it is just putting them together into the right places, and those pieces are falling into place. Please, trust that I monitor this webpage daily and everyone's input and support is overwhelming and so deeply appreciated. Rest assured we are working hard. I would like to say so much more, but there is a reason that I can't.

All I can say is: Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned! John McCroskey has not once to this very day spoken to me. He did send me two short replies to my letters, but only after I sent each letter a second time certified. My last reply to him was -- "I may live 400 miles away, but I will not go away" And I promise everyone that I mean that with every breath in my body.

Although I have never believed McCroskey instigated any type of cover-up, I do know that he could have stopped it and turned this case around a long time ago. Instead, he chose to look the other way and let Glade Austin and Dave Neiser cover up the horrible, horrible unprofessional things that Deputy Holt and Detective Neiser did, in the belief that they couldintimidate me into giving up and going away. McCroskey has continued to look the other way, figuratively and literally, even when he sees me in a room or on the street. But, then, how do you look someone in the eye when you know that your Sgt. (Glade Austin) actually lied in a written report in order to close a case, simply to avoid a possible law suit from a suspect, and you let him get away with it?

This case is not only about a murderer walking free, it is about the corruption that is in the Lewis County Sheriff's Department. They cannot be allowed to continue to classify homicides and possible homicides as suicides just to cut down on their financial burden and look good to the tax payers.

Open your eyes, people! There is never anything in the newspaper about suspicious suicides. All you ever see is someone "passed away." Look at your obituary columns and start counting the deaths in which the cause is not stated -- and ask yourselves "Why?".

Rhondas Mom,
We Hope things will be resolved real soon, it is a long time waiting.
You are forever in our prayers, We will be praying for new information.
God Bless
Your friends in Lewis County

Rhondas Mom,
We Hope things will be resolved real soon, it is a long time waiting.
You are forever in our prayers, We will be praying for new information.
God Bless
Your friends in Lewis County

nothing yet??

Anything new?????

Fri Mar 21 08:08:12 PST 2003

Re: Ann Rule (posted by Lois Duncan, Kaitlyn Arquette's mother):

Best selling true crime writer, Ann Rule, is the person who referred Barb Thompson to the Real Crimes web site.

I just received an e-mail from Leslie Rule, Ann's daughter. Leslie says: "THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (March 21st) my mom's BRAND NEW MOVIE about her friendship with serial killer Ted Bundy will air on the USA network at 8 p.m. In THE STRANGER BESIDE ME, Barbara Hershey is playing my mom and there is even an actress playing ME!!!!"

I hope you will join me in watching this movie. Ann Rule, a former police officer, is a friend to all crime victims and is a frequent visitor to this web site.

On a personal level, Ann did a great kindness to me by reviewing my book, Who Killed My Daughter?, and endorsing it as follows: "This book will break your heart ... No book equals this one for credibility, bleak truth and mind-chilling horror. You will both weep and cheer for the feisty mother who seeks answers at any cost. I have read 2,000 homicide case files. Not one gripped me as this book did." That was the point when police had dropped off Kait's unsolved case and were running us down to everybody as grief-befuddled troublemakers. When I read Ann's statement on the book jacket, "this feisty mother" burst into tears.

Barb,
We are all excited, waiting for this new evidence,We will all be praying that it comes soon
God Bless
Your friend's in LEWIS COUNTY,
and all over the world

The parents at Toledo School Dist. need to get organized and put them self on the school board agenda and ask why the murder (whoops) is still employed. They also need to bring along all this evidence that is connected to this website so they can read for themselves. Barb also needs to let them know on the same night what she has as evidence. It has to be done united. This reminds me of OJ Simpson case. Didn't convict the murderer but got him in civil court and won.
Need I say more.

HOW can he still be employed at the school???? Please tell me. You go Barb!

This waiting is hard! Barb still with you and daily prayers going your way!

Barb waiting and watching for more news from you. You are great!!
I love the calm before the storm statement. Go Get'm!! Ron did you hear that? I know for a fact you are watching this sight closely. Keep reading Ron because we are coming to get YOU!!!! Make sure you keep up that fake smile at all the school activities, oh yes we are watching you..feel good? You always wanted attention.....every corner you turn we are there.

I am watching closely for new news on the message board....and if I am this anxious, I KNOW it must be hard for you , Barb! I have been following closely some other cases ..and see that many are solved after a lot of years...because the parents and family did not give up. So hang in there...we are rooting for you. God Bless you.
A friend...

Thank you for your words Barb. I wish you the best in your new evidence and am right there in prayer with you.Very frustrating for me an outsider I cant begin to know your frustration and torment. All I can say is you go girl!

Hard to believe he is still employed with the schools.Is there something new in this case? Supposed to be an update coming? Did everyone give up on this case? I hope the answers come out soon.

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

Don't ever think for one minute that we have given up. More like the calm before the storm.

Detective Jerry Berry and myself, along with others who have joined in our investigation, have actually acquired a substantial amount of new evidence despite the refusal of the Lewis County Sheriff's office to cooperate. We hope we will soon be able to post what we believe is startling news.

I guess for the time being our supporters just need to have faith that we are moving forward and as soon as we can we will post more information about what we are doing. Please keep checking and more important please continue to post or email privately any information you have or think might be important to our investigation. Thank you again for your support and your prayers.

BARB THOMPSON

what do you meaN settled war? is there some thing new? update us please. yes God bless!

Hello out there,
Well it looks like the war maybe getting more settled, but let us not forget that the WAR ON CRIME IS NEVER OVER please keep the letters coming in with more information.....The person of interest needs to be repromended NOW.......So Barb and her family can get on with there lives.
Barb, if you are reading this, I and everyone out there are pulling for you.We will all be praying for you and your loved ones.
GOD BLESS YOU

The Devil's brother is stilled employed by Toledo Stupid District.

Anyone know if there is anything new in this case? What about the school meeting? Is this guy out or what?

What happened at the school boaed meeting? Wish I could have gone but am in NY.Would like to know when sherriff comes uo for reelection? It will happen you all are doing great! sent e-mails to all the shows, hope it helps. Wish I could do more. Barb your awesome! sue

Dear Barb,
I would like to start out by conveying my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Nobody can even imagine all you have gone through. My continued prayers are with you. I have followed this story and website since the beginning. I am a resident of the Toledo area, and found it amazing, to say the least, that Ron's new wife purchased him a GUN for Christmas!!! I would hope she was a little brighter that that!!! I would also hope that he would still be having a hard time with the very thought of having a gun in his home??? It sure is not adding up in my book!!
Sincerely,
Another Friend

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

Thank you very much for your information. Nothing that is happening in this case is adding up but we are slowly moving ahead with bits and pieces of new evidence. I do have great concern for the new wife but like the old saying goes "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". All anyone can do is pray she remains safe and hopefully, by posting our concerns, that in itself will insure her safety. Everyone, please, any information you have, please post or send to myself or Jerry Berry at our private emails: barbswash@aol.com westcoastinvest@aol.com

You may not think what you know is important or you may think it is just trivial. Believe me, it is not - Everything -- every little piece of information is important! The individual responsible for my daughter's death can be brought to justice but it takes time and it takes individuals with the courage to step forward with what they know. I know more information and evidence is out there and I know in time it will all come out and I am here for the long haul.

Today is Feb. 18th and the Toledo School board meeting is tonight. Please take time to attend and voice your opinion. It is you, the citizens of Toledo and Lewis County who can make a difference in this case. TAKE THE TIME!

Please keep checking back to this message board because we are getting ready to post some interesting and very important information that you won't want to miss.

I thank everyone for your concern, your help, your involvement and your prayers.

BARB THOMPSON

MESSAGE FROM BARB THOMPSON - RONDA REYNOLDS'S MOTHER

In a message posted by "Shannon" some interesting things came to light. Shannon, if you are reading would you please contact me at my personal Email barbswash@aol.com so I can go over some of those things with you? You may have some very important information that we need without really realizing it. I will certainly guarantee your right to remain anonymous.

Citizens: You have an opportunity on February 18th to voice your concerns about the individuals employed by the Toledo School District who are in positions to be a strong influence on your children and your community. Please, for your children, for your community, for Ronda, take time to go to the Toledo School Board meeting and take a stand. Get involved and voice your feelings and your opinions. You can change what is going on in your community.

Anyone who knows anything surrounding the death of my daughter, the individuals who were present in the house at the time of her death (Ron Reynolds, Jonathan Reynolds, David Reynolds or Josh Reynolds) or Kathy Hutalla (ex-wife) or the investigation itself, please, please contact me, Barb Thompson at barbswash@aol.com or Detective Jerry Berry at westcoastinvest@aol.com
We will honor your requests to remain anonymous.

Thank you, everyone, for your continued support and help in our efforts to uncover the truth. We are still moving forward as new evidence comes to light.

New reader here. John McCroskey after reading all these statements and reports I have one question? How do you live with yourself? No don't answer that. You were the man in charge here ultimately. The responsibility was yours. Do not try to shift the blame to some incompetent people you have hired. Shame on you.
Signed: Nor

Hi Shannon,
I just read your email, and want you to know that there is a school board meeing on the 18th of Feb. at 7pm at the Toledo school district. Let's stand together to get this murderer out of the school district and away from innocent children.
He won't get away with this forever!! Justice will find him. God already has!
Together we will make a differance.
Citizen of Lewis County.

I have more of a comment than a question. First of all I am very sorry for your loss... I live in Lewis county and am very familiar with the Murderer who is acting as Principal of my nieces and nephews at Toledo Elementary. I can't understand how the parents have allowed him to continue as a role model for their children. I find him disgusting and can't stand the sight of him. A few years back myself my husband and my brother seen Mr. Reynolds in a gun store in Chehalis. I was so disturbed by this. Only in Lewis County can you Murder someone, have the Police botch the whole investigation and still have all your rights to purchase firearms, ammo ETC... I don't even know where to begin to get him out of the school system but as a town it needs to be done. I recently heard Mr. Reynolds has remarried and I wonder who in there right mind??? I hope she doesn't have life insurance. Take Care. God Bless. Shannon

The message board seems kind of quiet right now, but it is wonderful to know that a lot of people are praying for the truth to come out in this case. All of the coverups that Lewis County can pull will not cover up the will of God!! And He answers the prayers of His children! So keep praying all of you..do not give up! We are praying for your strength and endurance , too , Barb. I can only hope I could be as strong and intelligent about these things, as you have been and still are. I hold you in awesome regard.
Sincerely,
Your Friend

Dear Barb,

Word has it he is running to California....Go ahead and run Ron. We will find you!!!!! You have no friends Ron!!!!!!

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

This is very interesting news! I am not sure what he will accomplish by that. Hopefully, if that does occur, the children in Toledo will be much more settled and the parents more comfortable and we will see the results of individuals who have stepped up to say "I can make a difference". People in Toledo and all over Lewis County really have helped to make a difference. But my concern will not stop with him leaving Toledo because when you take a rotten apple out of one barrel and put it in another -- you have saved the first barrel, but have spread the contamination and beginning of deterioration of a fresh barrel of good apples. His moving anywhere will only expand my own reach for protection of our children, wherever they are.

Hello Barb,
I have never contacted you before, but, I feel the need to let you know you have been in my prayers. I have kept myself updated on this case. I have heard through the grapevine that this "matter" is going to be brought up at the next school board meeting. Maybe then Ron will melt under the pressure and resign. Let's hope so. I for one don't like the idea of him being around my children!! Keep up the good work Barb! The clock is ticking!
Signed--On your side!

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

My strength in maintained by the many prayers from everyone and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I haven't quit. There is a lot in the works right now and the school board is just one. It is going to be a controversial subject at best for the School Board. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But, in my opinion, by his own admission in taped statements to the Lewis County Sheriff's Department, Ron's personal conduct itself is questionable for a Principal. I am a firm believer that Children learn what they live and again, in my opinion, under the circumstances I feel Ron Reynolds is a very, very poor example for your children.

I do hope you keep me posted on the results of the next School Board Meeting. Thank you for your concern and to the many, many supportive citizens in Toledo -- Keep up the good work. You can make a difference.

Hello out there,
Where on Gods earth is there any justice, Does anyone have that answer??
Barb, we have not forgottton you and your family, we have sent to some of the addresses, but have not heard back as yet.We will keep you posted if we hear anything.
Our Prayers are with you.
Your eternal Friend's

Dearest Barb and Family,
And to all of our prayer warriors all over the world,
Lets get to it!Please write those letters to the TV sites lised on the last posting.
All of you out there that have lost loved ones, we can use your help too. God Bless you all we all are devistated to think that a case such as this can just set on the back burner, we need to fight for BARB and ourselves, YES, this could have happened to us too.So Please Please help in anyway you can, again, our hearts go out to you Barb and your loved ones.
With the help of our friends and GOD, we will PREVAIL.
Keep you chin up BARB.
WE here in Lewis county, love you
GOD SPEED

Thanks to whoever posted the information about how to contact investigative TV shows.

If all of us write to every single show, both by e-mail and snail mail, somebody sorting through the mail might take notice. And, if they don't respond, we can all do it again next week. And the week after that. Until they realize that there are people out here who care about justice.

Let's go for it and see if it's true that good people can make a difference.

Shannon

Contact information for investigative TV shows:

New Story Ideas
Unsolved Mysteries
P.O. Box 11449
Burbank, CA 91510-1449

Catherine Crier show
Courtroom Television Network LLC
Story Proposals
600 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Peggy Holter
Dateline NBC
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Time and Again with Jane Pauley
TimeandAgain@msnbc.com

Kudos to person with the idea to notify Dateline. There are so many T.V. programs that would LOVE to expose this person that each day has care of our children. Somebody, please, take the time to locate these crime finder programs and lets BREAK THE CODE that Ron and his boys have!!

Dear Barb, Let us gently remind everyone we are not here to sling mud, but to help solve this grizzly murder. We need to direct our anger and frustration in a more positive manner, i.e. Writing our Govenor, asking our Attorny General to help Barb. Going to Dateline and other positive avenues. Lets keep this going in the right direction...Foward. Your friends in Elma

Dear Rhondas Mother,
We would like to express to all of the people who have responded to Rhondas web page, All Right! It is great to see that these people have the guts to tell it like it is, Keep those messages coming.
Barb,
Hang in there, Something is going to break this case wide open.
God bless you.
From all of your friends in Lewis County
and all over the world.

Ronda Reynolds Case

Attn: Jerry Berry and Marty Hayes....you are great...don't let some disgruntled deputy's wife get you. We all know what's going on here. Sheriff McCroskey had stated several times he knows that his department made several errors in the investigation of the Reynolds case. (for example: no swabbing of the hands for gun powder until 3 days later on the Reynolds family) Berry and Hayes have never stated to be perfect, but they are trying to clear up the mistakes. No fault of S.O. is a pretty strong statement to make. The other statement made by the disgruntled wife was she hopes the case gets re-opened. I think not after her last note. What a laugh. What I want to point out is lets not make this a pointing of fingers. Lets keep on task to bring this animal to justice and let the jury decide. I have one question for Mr. Reynolds why so many inconsistencies if telling the truth??? When telling the truth normally the puzzle fits. No more questions period. Again a real disturbing fact is that Mr. Reynolds called his boss (FIRST)instead of 911.(That is a fact)(Just ask him)Disturbing to know this. Lets see call my boss because my wife is in the closet not breathing. Why doesn't the Sheriff's office supply the public with the rest of the answers to our questions? (since the case is closed) Maybe we will question S.O. and ask why? Mr. Reynolds you think this is going to go away, not so fast. Keep up that fake smile because you are not fooling anyone. We all know!
Signed: Concerned Group Of Lewis County Citizens.

Barb,
We just wanted to let you know, that we have not forgotton about you or Rhonda,God Bless
Your Friend's
In Lewis County

Mr. Marty Hayes,

I choose not to disclose my name because I am not going to be drug into this messed up situation. But I know for a fact that you have claimed to be an expert, or certified in certain areas, and are not. I do not know your life story, but do know you well enough to know you have not been honest in the past. And besides, my whole point to writing to this in the first place was to let peolpe know there is another side to this case. And peolple need to know that there were reasons why this was closed as a suicide, like the statement taken from Rondas best friend, you involved with the case know what statement that is. People just need to realize that the S.O. is not all at fault here. So if it makes you feel better to prove yourself, go right ahead. But some of us know the truth!

Marty Hayes responds to the last message:

This is in response to the person who chooses to cower behind the cloak of anonymity, but yet slander others without the guts to identify themselves.

First off, you say I am not in law enforcement, but this is false. I am a current, active, certified police officer here in Lewis County at this time. It is no wonder you choose to hide your identity, when you make false statements such as this in a public forum.

I have never claimed to be an expert in homicide investigation, but do have some advanced training and experience in that area. What I do claim to be though, is an expert in crime scene re-construction as it relates to shooting scenes. In fact, I have been certified by the King County Superior Court in 1996 as an expert in a 1st degree manslaughter case, by Island County Superior Court in 1995 as an expert in a 1st degree assault case, and in 1994/1995, I was appointed as an expert three additional times by the King County Superior Court in two 1st degree murder cases and another 1st degree assault case. In each case, my investigation or testimony led to a clearer picture of what happened at that scene, which is why I was hired in the first place.

Five separate Superior Court Judges here in the State of Washington have reviewed my credentials and have determined that I meet the requirements to testify as an EXPERT in their courtrooms. I am writing this and signing my name, just to set the record straight.

Marty Hayes, Director
The Firearms Academy of Seattle, Inc.

First of all, I am very sorry for your lose, Barb, I strongly agree things aren't adding up. But, I do have to say I personally know alot of the deputies in Lewis COunty and you cannot judge the entire dept based on the mistakes in this case. Through this whole ordeal, Jerry Berry and Marty Hayes have been praised up and down for their work. There are more reasons then this case Mr. Berry is not with the dept. and neither one of them are even in law enforcement. Anybody think of that?? MArty claims to be an expert in all these areas, he's not! And for Jerry, well you can't be taken seriously when you are so revengeful that you don't think before your actions, ie, the ballot ordeal and such harsh statements made publically. There are also rumors of Mr. Berry getting "involved" with victims. I understand, if this was my son or daughter I would want to do everything I could to find out the truth, but quit accusing the S.O. to not have any knowledge, of lying, and always screwing up. There are many deputies who are good, honest, caring, hard working people who live in this county and want to do their jobs the best they can. They take time out of their life and their families, to work on cases and investigate crimes beyond their shifts. Yes there have been many controversies concerning Sheriff Mccrosky, but he keeps being re-elected, right, so he must be doing something right. Nobody wants to run against him, that says something. Yes there have been many sayings to the effect of, drop your bodies off in Lewis County, well were do you think people are getting those ideas, from you, the people who are so outspoken to put the S.O. down. Maybe you should put all your energy into supporting the deputies and yes, the Sheriff and be more positive, because the minute one of you making these false and negative comments will need help, and you know were that help is going to come from, you will want their best effort put towards whatever it is that you need. And none of the deputies expect anything from any of you when they do come to help. They are only doing their jobs!!! Anybody who know a cop, will know that it is a very stessful career, and everyday they go out not knowing what will happen, not knowing if they will get to come home. Now I know I make mistakes and I challenge any one of you to tell me that you haven't. With all this said I am not putting down the efforts of you Barb to get this case re-opened, I hope you do. All I want to do is encourage everybody to support the men and women who protect us.

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

I appreciate your respect and support of Law Enforcement and, please, don't misunderstand me -- I do believe there are numerous dedicated, honest, hard working deputies in Lewis County. But I also know that at least 50 good deputies have left Lewis County because they could no longer work, with good conscience, for the Lewis County Sheriff's Department. And there are deputies still working in Lewis County who had to make an agonizing choice between standing up for truth and justice and feeding their families.

Yes, there are some very good, outstanding, hard working, dedicated deputies in Lewis County, and they are paying the ultimate price for a cause that they fiercely believe in.

I do not get any gratification from the harsh judgment I have passed on Sheriff McCroskey and get no enjoyment from revealing the inadequacies of his department. But facts are facts, and when elected officials fail to perform their duties and choose to let a homicide case "fall thru the cracks" rather than admit their mistakes or because it is cheaper and politically to their advantage, I am going to stand up and be heard. That is my constitutional right, and I will not stand by and let them dismiss my child's life as if it were a mere morsel of stale bread cast aside with no value, no worth, no meaning.

Truth is seldom gracefully told and rarely graciously accepted. You read and hear the harsh words Jerry Berry writes and speaks, and see an angry man filled with revenge. What I see is a man who speaks the truth. A man who believes in justice. And, even more important, a man who believes in doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.

You see a man trying to get attention. I see a man desperately trying to make people realize what is really happening in their county and frustrated because nobody can (or maybe wants to) see the forest for the trees. I have the greatest respect for Jerry Berry and trust him without reservation. I have no doubts whatsoever about his integrity, his honesty or his morals.

I also have done my homework on Marty Hayes. His credentials are exactly as he states. I have no reason to doubt his expertise or ability to accurately perform the firearms tests that we requested of him. I feel honored to have had the privilege of working with Mr. Hayes.

I can be reached by email at barbswash@aol.com

Ronda Reynolds Case

Question #1
Very interesting the "time line" on the morning of the murder, oops, I mean suicide. What kinds of answers did Ron's boys come up with when questioned?? What about burning the candle? Sounds VERY fishy!

Question #2
Has anyone approached the Toledo School Board and DEMANDED Mr. Reynolds turn in this resignation?

Question #3
Is Rons new wife still alive?

Response:Barb Thompson responds:

Question 1: No one ever questioned the incense burning. The only connection it has is that it seems very strange that in the short amount of time the boys had to wake up, get dressed, deal with the traumatic death of their stepmother and be out the door within 10 - 15 minutes, that the oldest had time to even think about lighting a candle, much less do so. Strange too that the candle, in that short period of time, could omit a strong enough odor to be detected by first arriving deputies. This is not evidence. Merely the first of over 100 red flags.

The 3 boys present in the house at the time of Ronda's death were finally questioned a little over 2 months after her death, with Ron's attorney present. Their answers were, in my opinion, evasive, rehearsed, calculated and contradictory. One stated that their father had told them what questions they would be asked. Jon, the oldest boy, (the one who had once threatened to kill Ronda), relied on "I can't remember" and "I don't know." A taped statement was not taken from the youngest.

Question 2: To my knowledge no one has approached the school board, and my request would only be viewed as the distraught mother who isn't even a citizen of Lewis County, much less Toledo. That request or demand has to come from the parents of the children Ron is responsible for. It could definitely be done, but citizens would have to step up to the plate and take a stand. I can stand with them and behind them, but I cannot do it for them.

Question 3: To the best of my knowledge the new wife is doing fine and I would hope, with all the comments printed about concern for her safety, that nothing "strange" will happen to her. I believe that thru this website, which I know Ron Reynolds monitors daily, it has been made clear that any harm to her will not be tolerated in the manner Ronda's death was and she will be kept safe from harm.

Fri Jan 3 13:14:33 PST 2003

My husband and I are very concerned about this county...seems that the Sheriff cares ONLY about a new jail..and his political agenda...and the investigations of death is an "unnecessary expense."! We feel that Ronda Reynolds was murdered, and we also think that an inquest should have been held..and then a prosecution! That all costs money..so it is not high on McCroskey's list...it isn't for the jail! So please, all of you folks that are reading this..some of us are going to set up an account to help Ronda's mother with all of the expenses involved in having this investigated. It has just been a burden that she does not need. It has been terrible enough to lose Ronda, but now to have to come up with all the expense money is nearly an impossible feat. We will let you know when and where. Watch the ads in our local "paper",( I use the term lightly.)

Sun Dec 29 22:48:11 PST 2002

Dear Mother of Ronda,
I must start my expressing my sympathy to you and your family. What a terrible thing to have happen. Please find strength in knowing there are MANY of us that strongly believe you are on the right track! Without going into great detail, I assure you that Mr. Reynolds has LOST all respect from the faculty at the Toledo School District. There may "possibly" be 2-3 staff that are undecided on the verdict--but the overwhelming majority says "HANG HIM"!! Be patient--these kind of people can only go so long living a lie!! It will catch up with him!! And justice will be served!! Good Luck !!
From: TSD

Fri Dec 27 15:28:18 PST 2002

In regard to the suggestions in recent posts -- please, somebody, educate me about what "people helper" is. I've never heard of that organization. Is it set up to help crime victims obtain justice? Is it national or regional? What do people have to do to qualify to receive assistance?

Fri Dec 27 12:58:11 PST 2002

How much more evidence needs to come to light (after reading all this information posted by so many people) before John McCroskey stands big and tall and admits to his horrendous horrible mistake by not continuing this investigation to all is satisfied. Oh no wait....it is the all mighty dollar...whoops again...Is that why I hear continuously that if you want to commit a murder come to LEWIS COUNTY.
Come on John smell the coffee...you are in trouble here..you have a chance to look good. If you stand up now and do the right thing..I know you attend church John and you know as well as I money is the root of all evil. Think about it. Be a man....Speaking of man I have known Glade Austin for many many years and I once had total respect for him. Not after reading the last couple of posts. No respect for you Glade and I am glad you retired. Lewis County is better off. I know excuses, excuses!!!!!! Go get'em Barb..I know money is coming your way.

Fri Dec 27 10:11:01 PST 2002

In this case of Ronda's, why can't we , citizens of this wonderful Lewis County, all band together and call people helper, to help Barb with the finances she so needs for this case, She really needs a dedicated criminal lawyer, that cares to get this case resolved. Barb,
we are all praying that justice will prevail, We live in Lewis County, and to think we have this stuff going on, is totaling appalling. We definitely need a big shake up here..
We want to stress to everyone, please, ask God for guidance for Barb in this manor.
Everyone!! let us all band together and Call People Helper...
God luck Barb
God Bless
We love you
Your friends in Lewis County, and all over the world

Thu Dec 26 17:31:48 PST 2002

I find it interesting that a major Seattle newspaper has run a series on death investigations which exposes a chronic problem in Lewis County with inadequate death investigations and incorrect cause of death rulings.

Yet, the local paper doesn't seem interested. Nor does the sheriff. Unless residents of Lewis County have a reason to get the out of town newspaper, they may not even realize this is happening.

Now the latest is the negligent investigation into the death of a child. The prosecuting attorney has even distanced himself from the sheriff on this one.

It seems like a whole lot of things are being covered up in that county, and it all points back to those responsible for the poor investigation of the Reynolds case.

Mon Dec 23 04:23:23 PST 2002

Someone, please see this crime for what it is, murder.

I am personally acquainted with the persons involved in this tragedy. Not for one second did I feel Ronda killed herself, the facts do not fit. We (myself and my husband) feel Ron or his son Jonathan are involved. The problem with the Lewis County Sheriff Dept. goes much deeper than the public can imagine.

I was interviewed by Glade Austin in early 2001, kind of late in the process -- why I do not know. But I do know that following my appointment with Austin, he had interviews with Ron and Jonathon at Ron's attorney’s office in Elma, WA. I have received copies of both my interview and the one that followed with Ron and his son. Mr. Austin felt free to share the information he learned from my interview with the people I stated I felt were the suspects in Ronda's death! Why in the world would a trained officer do that? My statement was a private meeting between law enforcement and myself, I was under the impression the S.O. was trying to get enough evidence to re-open the case. Mr. Austin was very candid in revealing information to me and my husband. We were surprised to say the least, especially since my husband is a Police Lt. with 25 years of experience behind him.

Our family knew and loved Ronda for what she was, a wonderful friend, loving and fun, the kind you would trust with anything, ( kids, cats, dogs, secrets). We have had a very hard time with her loss, we pray everyday for justice, and I know in the end Ron has to face God ,as do each of us. He better pray hard ! Friends in Elma

Response:Barb Thompson replies: Thank you for posting this. Ronda was lucky to have friends like you and your husband.

Sat Dec 21 17:31:49 PST 2002

I am confused. It was my understanding that the policy that Ron Reynolds collected on on Ronda's life insurance was only in effect beginning in December of 1998 and that he, Ron Reynolds paid the only premium that was ever paid on that particular policy. Ronda was no longer employed at Wal Mart if I understand correctly and was working at the Bon Marche in Security when she was murdered. Wasn't the policy that was paid to Ron Reynolds a conversion policy?

If so, who signed the request for conversion coverage if the premium wasn't paid until after her death and then paid by Mr. Reynolds? Who named Mr. Reynolds as her beneficiary?

A Concerned Citizen

Response:Barb Thompson responds: That's exactly what WE would like to know -- who DID sign the request for conversion coverage and who DID name Ron Reynolds as beneficiary? There's no way for us to determine that without checking the signature. The Sheriff's Department won't allow us to see that signature, and the insurance company can't release it to us, because I'm not the executor of Ronda's estate.

Sat Dec 21 09:53:00 PST 2002

Why do you think the sheriff’s department blew the case so badly? Why weren’t they willing to listen to the lead detective, Jerry Berry? Why would Sheriff McCroskey not go back and reinvestigate once the mistakes were pointed out to him?

Response:Barb Thompson responds: As was mentioned by a previous poster, John McCroskey is a proud man and it’s hard for a man like that to admit to being wrong. I would like to believe that John McCroskey was not aware of all of the mistakes and cover ups until it was too late to graciously admit errors. It costs money to investigate and attempt to prosecute homicides, and Lewis County is not a wealthy county. Somewhere along the line it apparently became an accepted practice to shrug off suspicious deaths as suicides. A suicide is not covered by the news media. It is quietly listed in the obituaries as "died at their home" or "died on such and such a date," but never identified as suicide, so citizens have no idea how many deaths are attributed to suicide, much less how many of those deaths were actually possible homicides. When law enforcement classifies a death as a suicide, no money needs to be spent to investigate, much less attempt to prosecute, so valuable tax money is saved. Consequently, the Sheriff looks good, because records show fewer unsolved homicides in his county. Even so, I believe there are over 30 unsolved homicides on record in Lewis County. An even bigger and more important factor is lack of training. When you rotate deputies in and out of detective positions without proper training, embarrassing mistakes are going to be made which cannot be corrected. Not one of the law enforcement personnel that responded to Ronda's death had enough, if any, training in death investigation. The citizens of Lewis County can change this. They can let their sheriff know that they don't like the rotation program and that they want their law enforcement personnel well trained and held accountable for their actions.

Fri Dec 20 22:44:02 PST 2002

I have been keeping myself informed on this most interesting case.
I was wondering if anyone knew why Ron's previous relationship ended so abruptly? Has anyone ever talked with her?? Maybe she saw the light and ran for cover??? Do you, or anyone else, know this woman?? Would you be able to contact her?? I bet she has a story to tell!!
Would appreciate you input. Thanks!

Response:Barb Thompson responds: All I know about that ladyfriend is that she was a paralegal who worked at a prominent law firm in Lewis County. I don't feel it's appropriate for me to pry into her life, as she is neither a witness nor a suspect, and I feel she has a right to her privacy during what must be a difficult time for her. However, if she chooses to contact either me or Jerry Berry, we would be very glad to hear from her. Detective Berry can be contacted at West Coast Investigative Services: westcoastinvest@aol.com, and I can be contacted at barbswash@aol.com.

Wed Dec 18 16:39:32 PST 2002

Dear Barb,
First, my condolences on death of your daughter. I can't imagine how you feel, my prayers are with you. One, (of many) questions that several concerned parents have in the Toledo School District: I have never know life insurance to pay off when suicide was cause of death?? Can you please explain? Be patient Barb--Somebody knows something--and "somebody" is going to tell. Ron will see his day in court--and the unemployment line!!! Bless you--

Response:Barb Thompson responds: It is my understanding that many life insurance policies will cover suicide after the policy has been in effect for a certain length of time, and this time period may vary from policy to policy. Ronda signed up for her life insurance policy when she began working in Security at WalMart in 1995.

Tue Dec 17 21:28:48 PST 2002

Dear Barb:
Did you know on the morning of your daughter’s untimely mysterious death that Ron Reynolds called the superintendent first and not 911? That is a fact.....I guess if I found my spouse in a closet not breathing I would've called 911 and not my boss. Hard to understand Ron's reasoning for that action! (Ron can you jump in here and answer some of these questions because we know you are following this site closely?)

I would like to respond to the post below this one. John McCroskey (Sheriff of Lewis County) is a very proud man. He is extremely embarrassed byf all the mistakes made by his department. He is covering for himself and his department, NOT for Ron Reynolds. You have to remember this was an election year for Mr. McCroskey but no one ran against him.

Keep up the good work Barb... Concerned in Toledo

Response:Barb Thompson responds: In response to the question of whether Ron Reynolds called the Superintendent of Schools before he called 911 -- let’s look at the time line: 6:20 a.m.: Ron Reynolds makes a 10 minute phone call to 911. Approx. 6:42 a.m.: The first deputy, Deputy Holt, arrives at the Reynolds home, to find both the superintendent and the principal of another school already there. From that, I have to conclude that Ron must have called the superintendent and principal before he called 911. But I have no proof of that. If anyone following Ronda's case, has any information or evidence that will help us uncover the truth, I urge you to contact me at barbswash@aol.com or West Coast Investigative Services at westcoastinvest@aol.com. We guarantee that, if you request it, we will keep your identity confidential. In preparing a time line of events, I also find it very questionable how Ron could have made all the calls he did, (911, superintendent, principal of another school, his ex-wife); waked up his three sons; provided time for them to get dressed, (one of them even took time to light and burn scented candles); and have them walking out the door – (the ex-wife hadn’t arrived to pick them up yet, so Ron sent them off in one of his own cars) – calm as cucumbers, speaking to nobody, by the time the first deputy (Holt) arrived at the house, approximately 12 minutes after the end of the 9-1-1 call. I believe there is enough evidence to place Ronda's time of death much earlier than the alleged time of 5 a.m., thus giving her killer a lot more time to get everything in the proper place.

Tue Dec 17 11:19:15 PST 2002

Where is Ron now? Does he still work for the school district, is he with his ex-wife?
Also, I agree that this case should be looked at again, stories, facts don't add up, but my question is.. why would the Sheriffs office cover up for a Toledo principal? What would be the motive to accuse a former State trooper of committing suicide and protect Ron.
Have you asked for a outside agency to investigate the sheriffs dept's reports, or can you. I know that there has been outside involvement but an actual investigation into the sheriffs dept.' actions.?

Response:Barb Thompson responds: Ron Reynolds is still the principal of the elementary school in Toledo, Washington. He is married for the fourth time, but not to his ex-wife. I do not believe the Sheriff's Office is covering up for Ron Reynolds. I believe they made major mistakes at the crime scene that were significant enough to make it next to impossible to make an arrest and get an easy conviction of homicide. I have been told by somebody in the know that they were in the habit of going to crime scenes and automatically classifying them as suicides because it was less work and cost less money. They had done it before on several occasions and gotten away with it and had no reason to believe they couldn't get away with it again. They thought they could just call it suicide as they had done with so many cases in the past and get away with it, covering up their mistakes. When I didn't buy it, they covered up and lied just a little bit more to make me go away. I didn't go away and by then they were in so deep and had lied and covered up so much they couldn't turn back. And then also arrogance came into play. I believe the Sheriff is so arrogant he truly believes that he cannot be proven wrong. He believes he is untouchable. All he has to do is keep lying and everyone will believe him, because he is "Sheriff John McCroskey". Who investigates the Sheriff's Office? We asked the State Attorney General's Office to do that, and the HITS Unit did review the case. But they did not and will not do an independent investigation of the case or investigate the Sheriff's Department. Will the FBI? I have made numerous calls to different offices in the FBI but they are deep into terrorism and they too have limited funds. So, to date, I have not gotten any help there, but I do still keep trying. I'm convinced that Ronda's case was not the first homicide to be ruled a suicide by the Lewis County Sheriff's Office and the Lewis County Coroner's office. And I believe her case was not the last either. In time, someone will screw up, it is inevitable. And when they do, we will be right there to catch it. The bottom line is: We can no longer simply take any law enforcement agency at their word. We, as citizens, need to be aware of what is going on in our own communities and take the time and have the courage to question situations that do not appear to be what the particular agency in questions says it is. We have the right to ask questions. We have the right to have answers. And we do have the power to make changes. We have the right to do all of these things without fear of reprimand, That is our constitutional right. And we need to exercise those rights or one day they will no longer exist.

Fri Dec 6 12:51:51 PST 2002

Barbara,

I have a couple of questions.... First of all did detectives ever think to do tests on the electric blanket to determine if it was there when the gun was fired OR placed there after the fact???? (showing intent to cover up time of death) That seems an obvious thing to do, to me anyhow. Of course I'm not a trained dective, so what do I know.

Secondly, Did the insurance company do its own investigation? It seems to me they would. Certainly they would have checked Rhonda's signature with her signature on the card that changed her beneficiary. I'm assuming he signed her name and claimed she had previously and he only mailed it the day she died. I would think they would check on that, before cutting him a check.

~Another Citizen for Justice

Response:Barb Thompson responds: The crime scene photos I received show the blanket and show blood on the blanket. To my knowledge no test were done on the blanket and I wasn't told if the plug was tested for prints. We do know that an electric blanket changes the process of Rigor and Lividity but to what degree is a variable that has evaded forensic scientists. Yes, there is a possibility that the electric blanket was turned on to attempt to cover up the actual time of death -- and that is one of the things we are investigating. To my knowledge the insurance Company did not do their own investigation and when I talked to them, although they were sympathetic, they could not give me any confidential information because I was not the executor. The enrollment card along with the signature can be obtained with a suponia, but because I am not her executor I cannot do that. When Detective Berry finally forced the Sheriff's Dept. to request the information from the insurance company, they did, but all that they released to us with the case file was the fact that indeed Ron Reynolds did make the one and only payment on the converted life insurance policy and that it was received by the insurance company on 12-23-98. They did not release copies of the enrollment card signature naming a beneficiary change. And, of course, the Sheriff's department (if they still have it) are not going to accommodate us and give us a copy. Ron Reynolds in his statements admitted that he made the payment after her death. I do find it strange that if he awoke at 6 a.m., called 911 and was busy with the detectives until well after noon time, he found time to find the insurance information make out a check and get it postmarked before 3:30 the afternoon of Ronda's death. When I questioned the insurance company investigation department, although he found it strange, he finally told me that because they had already paid the policy that it wasn't financially feasible for the meager sum of $50,000.00 to investigate it. So, what he is telling us is that you can phony up an insurance beneficiary card and as long as it is $50,000.00 or less if they pay it, they won't go back and investigate it because it costs them to much money. -- Doesn't matter about right or wrong, murder or anything else. It is the almighty dollar. So the crooks and murders for insurance appear safe if they stay under the $50,000.00 amount. Ronda's Mom, Barb Thompson

Tue Nov 26 22:07:19 PST 2002

Dear Barb:

Thank you for your response to my last statement. Very interesting to say the least. Oh and by the way, Mr. Reynolds moved from getting married at the Lewis County Courthouse today to an unknown destination at the last minute. I don't understand why the need to hide. I guess Mr. Reynolds wanted to secure that the marriage would take place and he would secure his next victim before she figures it out. One day soon all his secrets will be revealed whether he likes it or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[your interested friend in Toledo]

Response:Barb Thompson responds: Does it really surprise you that Ron moved the place of his wedding? It sure doesn't surprise me. I don't think he is very popular around there these days. Maybe his conscience is starting to bother him --- no, he has no conscience. It is interesting though and I do seriously worry about the welfare of his new wife and pray that she stays safe. Please feel free to contact me direct at barbswash@aol.com.

Tue Nov 26 11:28:34 PST 2002

Dear Barb,

I’d first like to tell you how sorry I am you lost your beautiful daughter. As a mother, your scenario is simply unimaginable. Secondly, I’d like to say that this incident has never set well with the people in this community. I think most everyone has been highly suspicious from day one. Probably the biggest factor for me is the gun shot. I’ve discussed this with a person who is an expert on guns in general, and it was explained to me the gun that was used, is so loud that there is absolutely NO WAY that entire household slept through a noise of that magnitude. Even if Ron had too much to drink, or was extremely tired, his kids would have heard the sound. Also, did the investigators ever bother to check with the neighbors? I just can’t imagine it not being heard by anyone. And of course the electric blanket makes no sense unless it was put there by Ron. Also don’t most people who commit suicide leave a suicide note? Well, nothing adds up for anyone in this community.

Another major fag is raised when Ron is seen with his ex-wife and he is celebrating with his family over her death. The whole family was glad she was dead? I have a family member who was killed during the time of separation with her spouse. Although he may have been angry with her, he was devastated and deeply hurt by her death. For someone to not show any regard for a human life, especially since he had shared his life with her and even made love to her hours earlier, just doesn’t make sense. I can’t even think of what kind of person could behave as such, perhaps only a person who is capable of murder.

I think many of us wish there was something we could do to help. All we can do is hope and pray that justice will prevail and you will find your answers. I also agree with your earlier post regarding better training for our public officials. Perhaps her death with ultimately bring about positive changes in local law enforcement. I commend your efforts. Hang in there and know that others care.

Another citizen for justice.

Response:Barb Thompson responds: It has been and continues to be very comforting to me to see and realize the support that is surfacing in Lewis County. You are absolutely correct. There is no way ANYONE could sleep thru that particular gunshot. But even though that is very strong and very compelling evidence, sadly, it is not enough. Detective Berry, along with many others including, of course, myself, continue to search, research and re-evaluate the case file and in time -- things will come together with enough evidence to go forward. Sadly though, it is time consuming and very, very expensive. You are also correct about Ron Reynolds, his total lack of remorse and his immediate relationship with he ex-wife. By his own admission, documented in the case file, his ex-wife was living with him in Ronda's house beginning the night of December 16, 1998, but I need to clarify one point. Not every member of Ron's family celebrated Ronda's death. Ron Reynolds's mother, a very wonderful, kind, loving lady was devastated by Ronda's death. She and Ronda had become very close during the short year of their friendship and I truly believed she loved Ronda dearly. Ron Reynolds has a sister and brother-in-law who were also shocked and devastated and although they didn't know Ronda well, have mourned her passing with compassion. I am continually being asked what people can do to help. When the time comes for experts and legal services we may have to ask. Until then the best and most important thing anyone can do is talk about Ronda's case -- talk about all of the cases on this website -- to anyone -- to everyone and please take time to voice your opinion on important matters in your community. Don't be embarrassed and don't be afraid to stand up and speak for what you believe in and please believe that you, one person, can make a difference -- you just have to put forth a little extra worthwhile effort. I will not let her tragic death be for nothing. I will continue to work for positive changes in law enforcement and will continue to urge people everywhere to take a stand for what they believe in and not leave the decisions up to someone else who might or might not be looking out for the best interest of our country. Thank you for your kind words. It is nice to know that the cries of all of the victims in the cases featured here on Real Crimes are not going unheard.

Sun Nov 24 18:48:46 PST 2002

Dear Barb:
Again a friend in Toledo. Ron Reynolds has now picked his next victim
Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lewis County Courthouse he will be marrying Linda Pratt. Marriage license was in the Chronicle last week. Public knowledge. He has dated Linda for 2 1/2 months only. He will be receiving her monthly income of being employed and now they have rented out her house. (more income for Ron)Money is a great motivator isn't it! How long before the life insurance policy is purchased? (Tax free money) I will be watching!!!!
[Interested Party]

Response:Barb Thompson responds: Thank you for the information. I understand that the lady he was involved with previous to this lady didn't even see it coming -- may have been involved still with Ron while he was courting the new lady. However, I understand Linda Pratt works with Ron at the school and is very much aware of what is going on. However, Ron is a very persuasive, manipulating individual and my prayers are with her that she remains safe. I have not given up my battle and prior missing pieces to the puzzle are appearing from the strangest places. Thank you for your vigilence and rest assured I will find justice for Ronda.

Sun Nov 17 14:36:35 PST 2002

Ms.Thompson,I have read your story with extreme interest.My own daughter did commit suicide,August 1998, in Lewis County. When I first read newspaper articles about your daughter's death, I wondered if she had killed herself and you were simply unable to accept it. I just read your website story, however, and am now absolutely convinced that she was murdered.
One newspaper article quoted a person involved as saying something like,to continue with this case was "like beating a dead horse." I cringed when I read that. It was graphically insensitive. This case is profoundly unjust. I wish I could help.[MD]

Response:Barb Thompson responds: I asked the Chronicle to tell Ronda's story, not just because I believe she was murdered, but because I also believe people have a right to know what is happening in their community and because I believe the Lewis County Sheriff and a large percentage of his department are corrupt, lazy, uncaring and unethical and along with the balance of caring, dedicated individuals grossly under trained. I believe, with the exception of Detective Berry, almost everyone involved with the investigation of Ronda's death lied, destroyed evidence and ignored procedure in an attempt to cover up their mistakes. I wanted the truth. I asked for the truth --Whatever that ended up being. Instead I was lied to, ignored and ridiculed by the very individuals we, the citizens pay the salaries of and look to for protection and truth. I would and still will, accept suicide as an honest proven determination if anyone can show me any evidence to back that conclusion. If something was so wrong, so horrible, so painful in my daughter's life that she had nothing to live for and was so emotionally tortured that she saw no other way but to take her own life then that was her choice. I don't have to like it -- I don't have to agree with her choice, but I would accept it. Obviously, you have read, and because of your own experience, have maybe more closely than most, and rightfully so, questioned my allegations and even you cannot conclude suicide. You know better than anyone that no one knows or feels the horrific pain and loss a mother feels and carries with her forever when she loses a child to suicide. But a mother's love is so pure, so strong, so forgiving that if their child's way out of their pain was suicide, we as their mother, because of our unmeasurable love, should accept their decision and forgive them. I think you understand how and why I could accept suicide. Your courage to share your loss and your concern for me give me extra strength to continue and I hope you know and believe your daughter has found the peace that so viciously evaded her during her life. I would very much like to talk with you about your own loss and the ways you have learned to cope with it. Please feel free to contact me at barbswash@aol.com.

Thu Nov 14 21:30:43 PST 2002

(From a friend in Winlock)
This entire event was unbelievable. Ronda was a very accomplished and determined young woman. How many women make it into the state patrol? How many are dedicated, accomplished athletes? Ron Reynolds, 4 or 5 children, divorced from his wife, educated during his first marriage--both were strong-willed and decisive type people.
Do I think this was a suicide? No!
I was amazed at the voting count for the coroner's office. Wilson, the man who says, "we need a medical back-ground for this position" (I think they check out dead people). He won by a large majority. Jerry Berry would have opened this one up wide and full. Naturally, most of the eligible voters just --couldn't find the time--figured someone else will do the job--just didn't bother to vote. Who knows why???
How can any of us help you? Unfortunately we depend on imperfect people, some have personal problems they try to deal with, to solve this sort of situation. Most of us work for a living and don't take the time to think any more. We glance at a newspaper, turn on the TV, go to bed--get up and do it all over again. It may be part of the plan to keep us all dumbed-down. Barbara..... May God grant you and your family peace and if this is a murder, may you have full knowledge in your lifetime. The Memoriam to Ronda is a wonderful idea. Consider checking out the local Nickel ads and run it there also.

Response:Barb Thompson responds: Thank you for your kind words. How can you help? Talk about Ronda's case to everyone you know and those you don't know. Hopefully in a couple of days I will post a letter on Real Crimes covering the sexual misconduct of the re-elected Coroner, Terry Wilson with young girls during sports physicals. It seems Mr. Wilson is now changing his story but I have to gather more specific details before I can put everything in print, but watch for it, it will be coming. What, to me is also very important, because Ronda lived by her strong belief that "One person can make a difference", is for people to remember to stand up for what they believe and take time to try to make a difference. If everyone who reads Ronda's case takes that one step I will feel I too have made a difference.

Thu Nov 14 17:59:49 PST 2002

To Ronda's Mom:

I have followed this case closely. I live in the Toledo area. From the beginning this case has not set right with me. I understand your plight and I am watching.

I do have a couple of questions I wonder if you can answer. First, when was the policy taken out on Ronda's life and who purchased the policy? Second, what is Ron Reynold's ex-wife's alibi on Ronda's date of death?

Finally, my prayers are with you in your struggle to get to the truth. There are many people who also seek the truth in Toledo.
It is just a matter of time before you find your answers. Be patient my friend.

(From a Friend in Toledo)

Response:Barb Thompson responds: Your question on the Life Ins. Policy: Ronda worked in Security at Wal Mart when married Ron Reynolds. Her job had been to travel to different stores training the security personnel. When she left in Aug. of 98 and went to work at the Bon Marche, as part of her separation package she was offered the option to carry a $50,000.00 life Ins. policy. She had a certain time frame (ending sometime in Dec.) to convert by sending in her acceptance card and premium. That payment and conversion card was received by the Insurance company 12-23-98. Ron Reynolds, by his own admission sent the payment in on 12-16-98, just hours after Ronda's death. I am assuming that along with that 1st and only payment ever made on the conversion policy was the conversion agreement changing the beneficiary to -- you guessed it -- Ron Reynolds. The Sheriff's dept. has released the proof to me that only one payment was made, that it was in fact made by Ron Reynolds and rec. 12-23-98. But strangely enough they did not give me a copy of the conversion card with whoever's handwriting is on it signing Ronda's name, dating it and making Ron Reynolds the beneficiary. This can only be gotten from the Ins. Co. with a suponia and only by the executor which I was not allowed to be. I believe Ron himself completed that card making himself the beneficiary and signing Ronda's name. The ex-wife's alibi: We know from phone records she was in Olympia at approx. 12:30 a.m. on 12-16-98. After that, to my knowledge, there is no proof of her whereabouts. Do I think she was involved in the murder? No. do I think she knows what happened? Yes. She is dealing with a lot of problems at this point and I know Ronda's death is weighing heavily on her conscience. The possible involvement of one or more of her sons is also taking it's toll on her. I am praying she will come forward with what she knows for her 3 boys sake and for her own. She too, has been going thru hell and in a sense is a victim also. Yes, I will find the answers, and I am learning patience. I am learning about faith, God, friendship and the power of prayer. And most important, I have learnt that one person can make a difference.

Wed Nov 13 20:11:04 PST 2002

I just saw your "In Loving Memory" in the Chronicle and my heart goes out to you. I live in Chehalis and am aware that we do not have "professions" here. It was just God's will that this was not where my daughter was parentally abducted by her absent-dad. If we had been here my little girl would never have been found. But the law inforcement/special departments in Kern County CA found her one year later near Jerome ID. I tried and tried to get help from here and was treated like I was a crazy woman. No one from any legal agency, especially the detectives office, would do anything to help me trace this guy who had left from here, kidnapped my 4 yr old child in CA and had no intention of ever bringing her home again. I will never forget it and from then on he became the victim and I was in court for about 10 years fighting for mine and my daughter's rights. He just finally gave up this past year and my daughter is finally a relaxed young lady who already had a daddy she loves very much.
If there is ANYTHING I can do to help you (that I missed here), please let me know!! And God bless you! I know one thing---no one gets away with anything in this life.

Sheri A. Taylor
email: sheriandtess@webtv.net

Response:Barb Thompson responds: As you stated -- the Law enforcement agencies in Lewis Co. are definitely not on the top ten list -- More like the bottom ten list. As I am sure you are aware, some public officials, because they have been able to, -- excuse me, -- allowed to, -- run their offices in any manner they choose, have come to believe they can do whatever they want, make any determinations they choose and not be questioned. I can only imagine the hell you went thru. But you were lucky -- you lived in an area where there were good individuals in law enforcement. I still believe there are more "good cops" than "bad cops", but if we, as citizens, don't take the time and make the effort to show our support by pushing for better initial screening of potential "officers" and better pay, better working conditions and more respect, I fear what has happened and is happening in Lewis County will continue and spread across the United States and that, to me, is unacceptable. In Ronda's case, horrible, unacceptable mistakes were made at the crime scene. Everyone but Detective. Berry tried to cover them up. The thought they could portray my daughter to me as a depressed, suicidal, low-life and I would hang my head in shame and walk away. I didn't. They attempted further pressure and cover-up and further humiliation. I still would not go away. I am entitled to and deserve the truth and Ronda deserves justice -- And I will not quit until this accomplished. Thank you for your prayers.

Mon Nov 11 16:48:50 PST 2002

To Ronda's mom,

I read the Chronicle today and saw your classified message in the Memorium column. I wanted everyone else to see it too:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DAUGHTER, Ronda Reynolds 9-16-65 - 12-16-98

You are loved, remembered and missed by many. Ronda died 12-16-98 from a single gunshot to her head. Her case -- still highly controversial, is now featured on the national website: www.realcrimes.com

Please, go to the website, scroll down to Ronda Reynolds case, Lewis County and click on all links. Learn about the 9-1-1- call, inconsistencies, lies and lack of fingerprints. Read nationally recognized Homicide Investigator, Vernon Geberth's report concluding homicide along with other homicide investigators.

Mon Nov 11 16:46:37 PST 2002

I live very close to the Ronda Reynolds case. The area where Ronda lived is corupt. From The corner (who was re-elected) to the sheriff of the podunk towns. If Ronda's mom is reading this, I belong to a forum of true crimes. I think they would love to look at this case. E-mail me at heinie_99@hotmail.com for anymore info. They are very thorough and know alot. Consider it.

Tue Oct 15 14:15:08 PDT 2002

This message is for Ronda Reynolds mother.
After reading about your daughter's death I wanted to send you a message to say that I'm so sorry you've had to go through this horrible loss. There's no loss like losing your child. but to have to go through what you've had to go through on top of losing your precious daughter should not happen here in our country. The very least we expect, and should get, is for law enforcement to do their job with honesty and to up hold the law as they are trained and paid to do. I don't understand, do they think a mother is going to let something like this just slide by? Who's looking out for the general public? The cover-up of such a crime should be on the front page and the officers should be fired, charges filed against them and a prison term for not less than five years. I will keep praying that someone will wake up and expose all of this corruption going on so we can let go and move on.
(From: A mother who's lost a child to murder)

Response:From Barb Thompson, Ronda's mother: Thank you for your kind words. In response to your question, "Who's looking out for the general public?" -- if we, as parents, don't take a stand, I am sorry to say that no one will. But we also need to realize that our Law Enforcement individuals need to be better screened, better trained and better compensated and definitely given more respect. True, they do need to earn and deserve those upgrades, but we, as citizens, have to power through law and legislation to help improve the type of protection we have and, just as important, protect the good individuals in Law Enforcement, (such as the lead detective in our daughter's case, who sacrificed his career rather than participate in the cover up of a botched investigation). We need to take the time to pay attention to the basket of apples and pick out and separate the ones that are starting to rot and stand up for and protect the ones who are truly trying to do their job, solve crimes, and protect the public. If we cannot find answers to Ronda's death (murder), we will have no closure, that is true, but I have found some comfort in writing about what I have experienced in my attempt to investigate my own child's death and about my inner battles with my belief in God and justice. Time will heal, I do believe that. I have to, or I couldn't go on. I hope that you, also, can come to believe, as I have, that God will give us a far greater and truer justice.

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