A civil trial began in Lewis County Superior Court Monday to determine whether a coroner’s determination that Ronda Reynolds committed suicide 11 years ago is accurate.
Ronda Reynolds’ mother, Barbara Thompson, maintains the death in Toledo was a homicide. She filed a lawsuit contesting results filed by Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson.
Both were present in court Monday.
Ronda Reynolds, a former state trooper, was found shot dead in her home by her husband, Ron, on Dec. 16, 1998.
A jury made up of eight women and four men first heard opening statements from Thompson’s attorney, Royce Ferguson.
“Barb first questioned (the suicide) after talking to witnesses, and red flags started popping up,” Ferguson told the jury. “We’re not here to say Ron Reynolds killed her, but we’re going to see that he is a super excellent suspect.”
Wilson’s attorney, John Justice of Olympia, said there’s no physical evidence tying anyone else to Reynolds’ death.
Though Wilson changed his determination three times between 1998 and 2002 — to suicide from undetermined, then back to undetermined, and finally suicide — Justice said the coroner followed the Lewis County Sheriff’s investigation results with his rulings, results which had negative influences from Thompson.
“This is one of the most unusual cases you’ll see,” Justice said. “It was tragic, there’s no debate there. But coroner Wilson had to make a determination, and he stands by that determination.”
In May, attorneys decided not to require that Ron Reynolds give a deposition in the lawsuit, because he is not a suspect in the case.
Barbara Reynolds’ voice quivered as she testified Monday. She touched on the “red flags” her attorney noted, saying the body positioning, Ron Reynolds’ demeanor after the death and an extra-marital affair led her to believe suicide is out of the question.
“I do believe if my daughter’s life was so troubled and she did take her own life, I could accept it,” she said through tears. “I wouldn’t like it, but I could accept it. I’m asking the jury to look at whether his determination was right.”
Justice said the lawsuit is an unusual one, and said it’s unclear what will happen when the judge and jury come to a conclusion.
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks said the case, after deliberations, should wrap up around next Tuesday.
Queenie Bee
We are all saddened by this story. You know I feel sorry for Barb, she has not had a chance to go through the grief process. I also think that it is unnecessary to have peoples lives and careers drug through the mug. It is obvious that many people have their own option about this case. I think that you should also ask yourself why these supposed expert witness's are all "former" law enforcement, a ballistic expert who has very little experience, and a pathologist who does not know the facts of the case. If the ruling is that the manner of death change, so be it....but look at the facts, not the options.
Rosebud
I imagin it will be buried/covered up. The person who murdered her will never be brought to trial. We need someone to chew on this till justice is done.
MamaLadyBug
Lewis County residents can only hope that the jury sees this case for what it is and it leads to a real investigation into this womans death. It's time for the truth to come out and those responsible are finally held accountable .
Rosebud
If you read everything and look at the scene photo's it is obvious it's murder. And we keep re-electing Wilson. Doesn't say much for us.