Getting Closer to the Truth

The release of The Forsaken is drawing nearer, and although we initially hoped for a Fall launch, we’re now looking ahead to an early 2026 release. Recent updates and behind-the-scenes happenings have moved the timeline, but they’ve also brought new energy and community excitement.

Pre-Launch Book Gatherings

If you’ve visited our Facebook group (The Forsaken: Justice For Rhonda and Donnie), you know our incredible team member Flo Trapani, who I lovingly call our Public Relations Person. She shares updates so faithfully, pouring her heart into keeping this story alive through videos that connect with so many. Flo has gone even further—opening her home in Simi Valley to host Pre-Launch Book gatherings where people come to hear Rhonda and Donnie’s story and ask real, heartfelt questions. The most recent gathering on September 20^th was very meaningful to me. Though I could only join via video, having Alicia Doyle, our author, there, along with a local newspaper reporter from The Acorn and so many caring people, felt like a step toward healing.

The truest joy, however, came from having the original investigator (OI) there, answering questions and shining a light on the truth and details of the original investigation from 1978. Having him by our side and part of our team fills me with hope.

A Wake-Up Call for Simi Valley

Most surprising to me is these gatherings have shown just how much remains unknown about Rhonda and Donnie’s 1978 murder, even among long-time Simi Valley residents—some knew Rhonda or our family, yet there are still surprising gaps in public understanding.

This increased visibility from Facebook, Book Clubs, and word of mouth has led people to step forward with new information. As of this writing, we have two pending interviews: one about the renewed 2016 investigation, and another with someone referred to in my blog as XCV (see acronyms below). Despite multiple attempts—via mail, email, and Facebook messenger—to contact RDK, we’ve only received a response from his page administrator, who said they’d pass on our request but couldn’t guarantee a reply. To date, RDK himself has never responded.

Once these interviews are complete (unless more sources emerge), we’ll be far closer to submitting the manuscript for publication. Photography lovers will appreciate what’s inside—plenty of pictures, including actual documents, to leave no doubt about the details. I’m also thrilled to announce that I’ll soon be opening a dedicated website for The Forsaken, giving you another place to access more information as we move toward the release.

The Book’s Heart: The Truth

Alicia and I are committed to sharing the full story, so every reader can understand the truth and decide what it means to them. I know true crime often stirs strong feelings, but for me, this isn’t about debate or controversy—it’s about honoring Rhonda and Donnie as the beautiful, loving people they were. This book is my way of opening a window into who they were, so their story lives on with all who read it.

Remembering Rhonda and Donnie

The most important thing to my family and me is that people get to know Rhonda and Donnie and see how precious they were. Since RDK’s release in 2017 not one media outlet has asked him to share memories of Rhonda and Donnie. He has said he loved them but he has never elaborated. He said he never got to properly mourn them, but has never expressed his loss. We gave him that opportunity when we reached out for an interview but he chose not to respond. He didn’t reject it, he just didn’t even respond. Make of that what you will.

For me, this journey has been about love, loss, and the enduring hope that telling their story will finally bring some peace. I’m pouring everything I have into making sure Rhonda and Donnie are never forgotten — or forsaken.