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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 e