She was the youngest female state trooper in Washington history. Her death was ruled a suicide, but some called it foul play. Join world-famous crime writer Ann Rule as she searches for truth in the death of Ronda Reynolds. 48 Hours Mystery investigates. Watch Saturday at 10 p.m. on KIRO 7.
Ronda Reynolds’ life, while not quite charmed, was happier than most.
Raised by single mom Barb Thompson, she displayed an interest, early on, in law enforcement – and followed through by making history and becoming the youngest female trooper ever hired by the state of Washington.
In her personal life, Ronda always wanted to be a wife and mother, and quickly took to both roles when she married Ron Reynolds, who already had five sons of his own… But in December 1998, just eleven months after her wedding day, Ronda was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
In line with reports from Ron and others, that Ronda had been struggling with depression, her death was ruled a suicide and her case closed.
Barb Thompson wasn’t buying it, though. She swore there was no way her daughter – strong, accomplished and resilient – could ever have taken her own life.
Barb launched an investigation of her own, even enlisting the help of one very well-known sleuth: best-selling true crime author, Ann Rule.
After a thirteen-year battle, Lewis County, Washington agreed to open an official coroner’s inquest to determine the manner of Ronda’s death.
Peter Van Sant reports on the findings of this latest examination. If Ronda didn’t kill herself, who did?
KIRO
