Barb Thompson is held by a friend in the courthouse after the inquest jurors' decision about her daughter's death was announced. / Courtesy photo by Bradd Reynolds
This was updated at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – An arrest warrant will be issued within the next 24 hours for Toledo Elementary School Principal Ronald A. Reynolds and his son, Jonathan A. Reynolds, the coroner said late this afternoon.
The pair were named today as responsible for the homicide of former trooper Ronda Elizabeth Reynolds in the family’s Toledo home almost 13 years ago.
The announcement came at the end of a coroner’s inquest that began a week ago Monday in the courthouse in Chehalis.
Ronda Reynolds
Barb Thompson, who has been working since the end of 1998 to uncover the truth about her daughter’s death, was overwhelmed with the decision.
“What more could I ask for?” Thompson said. “It’s beyond any hope I had.”
The inquest jury of four women and one man were unanimous in their conclusions.
Thompson’s attorney shared a similar sentiment.
“Way back when, Barb said it’s a homicide, Marty (Hayes) said it’s homicide and it sounded convincing, but there were always these kinds of obstacles,” Royce Ferguson said. “I think the bungling of the sheriff’s office and their efforts to save face muddied the waters.”
Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer is at his office tonight, reviewing not only the sheriff’s office case file, but the evidence the inquest jurors saw and heard.
Meyer said he will be making a decision as soon as possible as to what action his office takes, meaning what, if any, criminal charges might be filed.
He has to be ready whenever the two are brought before a judge, he said.
“(I’ve talked with) all necessary parties and discussed all possible steps that could be taken from here,” he said.
What Meyer does know for sure, he said, is Lewis County Coroner Warren McLeod must issue an arrest warrant and the accused must be brought before a magistrate, or judge, in Lewis County.
Calls for comment to Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield and his public information officer have not been returned tonight.
But Mansfield wrote on the sheriff’s office website the day the inquest began that the inquest’s outcome would not cause him to reopen their case or change its disposition in his office – suicide – unless clear and compelling new information arose.
Lewis County sheriff’s detective Sgt. Dusty Breen testified yesterday he felt the best determination the inquest jurors could make was an “undetermined” manner of death.
Breen also said although he leaned toward suicide, he was taking notes on items to follow up on.
Ronda Reynolds, 33, died with a bullet in her head in the home she shared with husband of less than a year, Ron Reynolds. She was found dead on the floor of a small walk-in closet, covered up by a turned-on electric blanket.
Ron Reynolds called 911 about 6:20 a.m. on Dec. 16, 1998 to say his wife committed suicide. His three young sons – including teenager Jonathan Reynolds – were allowed to leave as deputies arrived without being interviewed.
The sheriff’s office admitted to some mistakes, including the .32 caliber Rossi handgun being moved at the scene before photos were taken, although some testimony suggested they were lost. Jurors heard about evidence being destroyed or returned too soon.
Over the years, Ronda Reynolds manner of death was changed repeatedly by then-Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson back and forth between suicide and undetermined as it was reinvestigated and then more recently underwent a judicial review.
Lewis County Coroner McLeod, elected last November, wanted to settle the matter on the controversial death by holding an inquest, something he doesn’t think has happened in Lewis County in the last 50 years.
Prosecutor Meyer, sat through the six and a half days of testimony, as did representatives from the sheriff’s office.
They were joined by even more of their co-workers when the verdict was read just after 4 p.m. by McLeod.
The inquest jurors findings noted Ronda Reynolds died of a contact gunshot wound to her right temple in the home at 114 Twin Peaks Drive on Dec. 16, 1998 between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., of homicide.
Less than a half hour later, the jurors returned with the conclusion she died at the hands of Ron Reynolds and his teenage son.
The outcome was exactly as it should be, said Sharon Mitchell of Morton who sat in on the proceedings.
“It should have happened years ago,” Mitchell said.
It wasn’t long before Thompson was surrounded by news cameras and reporters outside the courthouse doors.
The Spokane woman alternately teared up and smiled.
She said she was satisfied enough with the death certificate getting changed to homicide. She hopes the sheriff’s office follows through, although she has continued to be disappointed by them, except for Breen, she said.
“I don’t think that’s my job, and I have to move on with my life,” Thompson said. “That’s what you do.”
Asked about a motive, Thompson asked: “How much time do you have?”
She testified last week she believed Jonathan had a deep hatred for his step-mother, after an incident in which she was told he peeked at Ronda Reynolds in the shower, and she jumped out and tackled him.
Thompson said her faith in the system has been restored.
“It’s our peers, that’s why we have the jury system,” she said.
Ron Reynolds did not return a phone call made to his home for comment. Neither his or his son’s attorneys could be reached this evening.
Members of the news media swarm around Barb Thompson as she exits the courthouse. / Courtesy photo by Bradd Reynolds
•••
For background, read the following:
Intro to Ronda Reynolds coroners inquest
“Coroners inquest into Ronda Reynolds death: Selection of jurors starts Monday”, here
Day one, Monday Oct. 10, 2011
“Coroners inquest into Ronda Reynolds death: Responders ponder, suicide or homicide”, here
Day two, Tuesday Oct. 11, 2011
“Coroners inquest: Detective reveals staged “suicide” statement from Ronda Reynolds”, here
Day three, Wednesday Oct. 12, 2011
“Coroners inquest: New investigation points to murder”, here
Day four, Thursday Oct. 13, 2011
“Coroners inquest: What the forensic experts say”, here
“Coroners inquest: Homicide experts disagree about Ronda Reynolds’ death”, here
Day five, Friday Oct. 14, 2011
Coroners inquest: Lie detector examiners testify”, here
“Coroners inquest: Mother of former trooper says it was murder”, here
“Coroners inquest: Crime scene reconstruction expert saw “earmarks” of suicide”, here
Day six, Monday Oct. 17, 2011
“Coroners inquest: What the sheriff’s office believes today”, here
Day seven, Tuesday Oct. 18, 2011
“Coroner’s inquest: Images inside the courtroom”, here
“Coroner’s inquest: Clues still coming in”, here
Day eight, Wednesday Oct. 19, 2011
“Breaking news: Decision reached in coroners inquest”, here
Background, Appeals Court on the judicial review
“Coroner’s appeal in Ronda Reynolds’ case heard by three-judge panel” from Friday June 17, 2011 at 7:53 a.m., here
“Breaking news: Coroner’s inquest for Ronda Reynolds’ death to move forward” posted Thursday July 7 2011 at 8:22 a.m., here
Background, the 2009 judicial review
“Jury finds coroner erred in ruling former trooper’s death a suicide”, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
ROYCE:
Based on your comment, it sounds as though you have special knowledge of this case or at least have had access to all the evidence and have formed your opinion accordingly.
Have you made your services available to the prosecutor to ensure that the “existing evidence is presented carefully and properly”? If so, what was the response?
The last 13 years of mistakes made by Lewis County officials have given plenty of reasons for the general public to not place full faith in their abilites to find the truth. Now that the wheels of justice are finally moving in the right direction, what will be done to make sure the current momentum is sustained?
Does the old saying “He that lieth down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas” apply in this instance? Does it make any difference or mean anything at all that Jonathan Meyer and Steve Mansfield shared a booth during election time in 2010 at the SWW Fair or that they shared the back room of Kit Carson for their election results party?
Does Jonathan Meyer need a little dose of “Advantage” to rid himself of fleas before we can be certain he doesn’t share the same opinions as the Sheriff’s office? ROYCE: Might you be able to provide that “Advantage”?
Thank you so much for the great coverage of this case on the Lewis County Sirens page. Sharyn Decker would get my vote for a job well done.
I seems it took 13 years for Ronda’s death to begin to receive justice. Now the case is in the hands of the Lewis County Prosecuter and the quest for evidence to convict those responsible for taking her life. I need to believe that people who know the details of that night need to confess and free their souls from the secrets kept there. Lewis County needs to feel confident in their elected official’s level of professionalism in the handling of their jobs and dedication to the service of the people who elected them.
While “new evidence” is always welcome, there is more than enough evidence now to prosecute and convict Ron Reynolds of murder– if the existing evidence is presented carefully and properly. The evidence has always existed, but the sheriff’s office was wearing blinders. TWO Lewis County juries have now heard the evidence and both rendered unanimous verdicts. That the evidence must show criminal guilt by 100%, rather than 51%, should not be an excuse not to prosecute.
Katie says how did they get away with it for 13 years. This is Lewis county. If you want to commit murder, there is no better place to do it.
Wow! I would never thought there would be this out come. She was killed. Unfortunately there’s not going to be a strong enough case to get a conviction. Great reporting Sharyn. It was a big deal on the seattle news.
Great news! Thanks Sharyn Decker for your continuous coverage of this story, it has kept me informed and following with intrigue.
Thank you Sharyn Decker and the Lewis County Sirens for your top-notch reporting on this story. Your coverage has been thorough, timely, relevant and respectful. Excellent work and I sincerely thank you for keeping the community informed!
“AND WE HAVE JUSTICE IN LEWIS COUNTY!” – from Janet
Barb Thompson was quoted in the Longview Daily News as saying, “I always said I had faith in our justice system.”
While this jury’s decision is certainly a step in the right direction, true justice for Ronda is still a long ways off.
The law is supposed to apply to everyone equally and everyone is protected under that same law by our Constitution. I feel it’s important to remember that in the United States, all suspects of a crime are innocent until proven guilty in court. An arrest warrant is not the same as a conviction. At this point in time, both Ron and Jonathan Reynolds are innocent.
The same justice system that Barb has faith in needs to keep its current momentum if true justice for Ronda is to be had. The backbone of our justice system is the idea of “due process” – that everyone gets their day in court. Today’s jury verdict is a victory in that the coroner’s inquest finally gave Barb and Ronda their due process, albeit 13 years late.
While I celebrate today’s victory, I must remind myself that justice applies to all. I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t afford Ron and Jonathan their opportunity for due process before convicting them of murdering Ronda.
What happens from here is uncharted legal territory. Just because an arrest warrant is issued is no guarantee that charges will be filed or that a conviction will be won. The burden of proof this inquest jury needed to arrive at a decision was equivalent to 51% certainty, but the jury in a criminal case must be certain beyond a reasonable doubt to convict. Will the prosecutor be able to provide enough evidence to convince a 12 person jury beyond a reasonable doubt? He only gets 1 chance to try. Double Jeopardy is another one of those Constitutional protections that apply equally.
Like Barb, I have faith in the justice system – it’s the people who operate the system we have to worry about. Will the mistakes made early on by the sheriff’s office hinder the prosecutor from winning a conviction? Will Ronda’s killer(s) ever be held accountable in our criminal justice system for their crimes? What does “justice for Ronda” really mean? I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I think this is awesome I bought this book for my girlfriend and it was obvious who killed her, I mean come on who can sleep through a gun shot 12 feet away then wake up to a alarm clock a few hours later… and hmmm gun in left hand under blankets and bullet through the right side of the head… first shoot yourself in the head then switch hands with the gun and wipe the prints off and don’t forget to cover up cuz your cold…. my son attends Toledo elementary and this is a relief to hear! my prayers go out to Ronda and her mother and rest of her family and for the Reynolds’ it’s time to pay for your heartless actions!
*RIP RONDA*
My question is why did they do it? How did they get away with it for 13 year? And how on earth have they lived with them selves? I am glad this poor family with finally get the answers they have been looking for so long!! Shame on lewis county!!!!!!!! But hey I guess I must remember which county and state I am talking about. God bless and I hope this helps heal all those wounds!
Janet, I could not agree with you more in that if Ron Reynolds gets released on bail that he flies the coop and leaves the kid hanging in the breeze.
I’m willing to bet that the two of them are really wishing they had testified at that inquest to try and spew some more lies to the people to cover up their actions… now they will have to testify in front of a court of law and a jury. Hopefully, the prosecutors will go after the Death Penalty…
ABOUT DANG TIME! CONGRATS TO BARB IN HER UNENDING QUEST FOR THE TRUTH! THE STORY IS NOW NATIONAL AND LET THE PEOPLE OF LEWIS COUNTY BRING JUSTICE FOR RONDA!
Amen Amen
Im wondering now if there will be a bail set on these two? I bet if there is, Ron Reynolds is gonna fly, and leave his son behind! If one, or both of them dont actually commit suicide themselves! Sad, but possible I think.
and maybe while they are at it, they can round up all the sick minds who in some form helped cover up for Reynolds and his son in this crime. The law enforcement AND the friends of the now accused ,who withheld, lost or lied about the evidence. Come on Lewis County government, nows your chance, show us your stuff! you got the ball rolling McLeod! Good Job!
Hopefully Finally Ronda can rest in Peace. Lets hope The Reynolds Men pay for their Crimes !
AND WE HAVE JUSTICE IN LEWIS COUNTY!