'I wanted the truth, regardless of what that was'
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CHEHALIS, Wash. -- For the first time since her daughter's death 13 years ago, Barb Thompson is a woman with peace in her soul.
An inquest jury on Wednesday ruled her daughter Ronda Reynolds' manner of death was homicide and not suicide as initially determined. The jury ruled
Reynold's husband, Ron Reynolds, and stepson, Jonathan Reynolds, are responsible for her death. The coroner said he would issue arrest warrants for the two men, and a charging decision is expected Friday.
Much of the evidence that convinced the coroner's jury was the result of nearly 13 years of persistent digging by Thompson.
"No regrets," she said.
For years, Thompson has said she has been searching for just one thing: "I wanted the truth, regardless of what that was," she said.
That search for truth led to what two separate juries have now decided is overwhelming evidence that Reynolds was murdered.
A KOMO News investigation brought much of that evidence to light four years ago. The investigation included statements from experts, including forensic pathologist Jeffery Reynolds.
"It's not a suicide that I can say; this is a homicide," he said.
With ballistics and decibel tests conducted by firearms expert Marty Hayes, KOMO News even went back to the scene of Reynolds' death and measured the closet to see if the evidence matched the investigation.
It's all evidence Thompson and her dream team of experts dug up over 13 years of searching for the truth.
"I'm not sure how I did it," she said. "We just put little things together and start building a case."
Whatever happens to Ron Reynolds and Jonathan Reynolds, Thompson says she is now at peace.
"I've done my part," he said. "My job is done."
Thompson is looking forward to true crime author Ann Rule's paperback version of her book about Reynolds. The book, which is due out in December, will include the new ending provided by the inquest jury.
An inquest jury on Wednesday ruled her daughter Ronda Reynolds' manner of death was homicide and not suicide as initially determined. The jury ruled
Reynold's husband, Ron Reynolds, and stepson, Jonathan Reynolds, are responsible for her death. The coroner said he would issue arrest warrants for the two men, and a charging decision is expected Friday.
Much of the evidence that convinced the coroner's jury was the result of nearly 13 years of persistent digging by Thompson.
"No regrets," she said.
For years, Thompson has said she has been searching for just one thing: "I wanted the truth, regardless of what that was," she said.
That search for truth led to what two separate juries have now decided is overwhelming evidence that Reynolds was murdered.
A KOMO News investigation brought much of that evidence to light four years ago. The investigation included statements from experts, including forensic pathologist Jeffery Reynolds.
"It's not a suicide that I can say; this is a homicide," he said.
With ballistics and decibel tests conducted by firearms expert Marty Hayes, KOMO News even went back to the scene of Reynolds' death and measured the closet to see if the evidence matched the investigation.
It's all evidence Thompson and her dream team of experts dug up over 13 years of searching for the truth.
"I'm not sure how I did it," she said. "We just put little things together and start building a case."
Whatever happens to Ron Reynolds and Jonathan Reynolds, Thompson says she is now at peace.
"I've done my part," he said. "My job is done."
Thompson is looking forward to true crime author Ann Rule's paperback version of her book about Reynolds. The book, which is due out in December, will include the new ending provided by the inquest jury.
