I’m Writing a Book!
I’m thrilled to share that I’m currently writing a book with the help of an incredibly talented author.
The title is still in the works (I promise to share it when the time comes!), but I couldn’t wait any longer to share the exciting news.
Since the so-called “reopening” of Rhonda and Donnie’s murder case in 2016—once closed and solved for nearly four decades—it has attracted more attention for its legal drama and headline-grabbing twists than for any real pursuit of justice—justice that was already achieved long ago. To me, it feels like a confusing maze of deception and confusion. Amid the media circus and lack of meaningful investigative reporting, the two people who truly matter—Rhonda and Donnie—have been completely forgotten.
That’s why I’m writing this book.
This won’t be just a chronological retelling—it is going to be a tribute to the lives of Rhonda and Donnie and a careful examination of how the original investigation, in my view, reached the correct conclusion. That conclusion was later called into question by an active-duty police officer who took it upon himself to begin re-investigating a closed murder case. Identified as XCV in my blog (see acronyms below), this officer eventually left the Simi Valley Police Department—but not before, in my opinion, launching a personal campaign of revenge against his former superior (identified as OI in my blog). As the readers of my blog know, XCV played a minor role in helping to secure a pardon for RDK, who, in my opinion, was rightfully convicted.
Above all, this book is about remembrance, accountability, and giving voice to two lives stolen far too soon.
Alicia Doyle is a woman of many talents—an award-winning journalist, acclaimed author, and boxing champion. You can learn more about her at aliciadoyle.com. I’m incredibly excited that she’s taking on the task of writing the story of Rhonda and Donnie. What makes this even more meaningful is that Alicia isn’t just lending her expertise—she’s truly enjoying the process. Knowing that someone so accomplished is both invested in and passionate about telling this story means the world to me.
Alicia’s most recent book, The Oath, tells the story of Flo Trapani, a former police officer who recounts her experiences of harassment as one of the first female officers in the Simi Valley Police Department. Notably, this is the same department that not only investigated the 1978 murders of Rhonda and Donnie but also reopened and reinvestigated the case in 2016. Here is an excerpt from the description of the book: …soon after she started the job, she learned she wasn’t welcome in this male-dominated profession. Her fellow officers and superiors conspired to remove her from their ranks—to the extent that she feared her life was in jeopardy—which forced her to take an early retirement. Now, nearly four decades later, Flo is ready to share this story of deceit, betrayal and heartache—and the acceptance and forgiveness that helped her move on.
Flo’s story contains unsettling parallels to the investigation into Rhonda and Donnie’s murders, even though her story took place years later. Notably, RDK, XCV, and OI all appear in her book—albeit under alias names. Ironically, her ex-husband is XCV, and her only ally within the police department at the time was OI. In The Oath, XCV is identified as Jack Smith, RDK is revealed to be Ray Jones, and OI is lieutenant. We may retain these names in the book, though final decisions are still pending, as the project remains in its early stages.
I’ve read The Oath and highly recommend it. The writing is excellent, and the subtle links to Rhonda and Donnie’s story are truly captivating. I’m confident the story will come full circle once my book is complete.
If you’re interested in getting updates about the book, please provide your email to join the mailing list.
Or, if you prefer, subscribe to my blog for access to an update page where I’ll post the latest news as it happens.
Justice for Rhonda and Donnie 