Episode 97 Rhonda and Donald Wicht
In November 1978, Simi Valley, in Ventura County, CA was shocked to learn of the cold-blooded double murder of 24-year-old Rhonda Wicht, and her 4-Year-old son Donald in their 2-bedroom apartment.
Rhonda was found dead in her bed and had been beaten, strangled, and possibly sexually assaulted. Donald, or Donnie as he was affectionately called, was found suffocated in his bed, possibly murdered so that he could not identify his mother’s killer.
It didn’t take police long to zero in on a suspect; Craig Coley, Rhonda’s ex-boyfriend. Rhonda had recently broken things off with him, and he was reportedly not taking the breakup well.
He was arrested, tried and convicted for the double murder. Decades later, confusing DNA evidence that seemed to point away from Coley being the killer, led to him being released from prison a free man.
43 years later, whoever killed Rhonda and Donnie, is not in prison, leaving Rhonda’s family frustrated and desperate for answers. Rhonda’s sister, Shelly discusses this tragic and confusing case in this episode.
If you have information about the murders of Rhonda and Donald Wicht, please contact Detective Christoper Lam with the Simi Valley Police Department at 805-583-6957.
This episode is sponsored by Better Help.
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