A Childhood Torn Apart

Reginald Reed Jr., referred to as Reggie, was just six years old when his mother, Selonia Reed, vanished. The trauma of losing her at a young age left an indelible mark on his life. Selonia, a 26-year-old bank teller, was discovered murdered in her vehicle in Hammond, Louisiana, leaving Reggie with only fragmented memories of a day that began innocently at a mall with a chocolate chip cookie.

The Discovery of a Crime

On a sweltering August day in 1987, Selonia’s body was unearthed in her blue Chevy Sprint, approximately one-and-a-half miles from their family home. Authorities reported that she had been brutally attacked, suffering multiple stab wounds and signs of sexual assault.

Her husband, Reginald Reed Sr., reported her missing shortly before the discovery. He claimed she had gone out with a friend the night prior, a statement that was soon contradicted by the friend who said they had no plans to meet. Police quickly began to scrutinize Reginald Sr. as evidence of his abusive behavior towards Selonia came to light.

Police Investigation and Family Dynamics

As the investigation progressed, suspicion fell on Reginald Reed Sr. due to witness accounts and Selonia’s comments about wanting a divorce. Despite this, the young Reggie, who was too innocent to understand the darker implications, supported his father’s innocence during a police interview, where he provided an alibi for Reginald Sr.

Truth Revealed After Decades

It wasn’t until 2012, when Reggie was 31 and thriving in his professional life, that he learned the unsettling truth about his father’s role in the tragedy. A Texas Ranger visited him to discuss new developments in the cold case. As Reggie digested this revelation, he grappled with a mix of emotions and began to uncover the darker aspects of a family secret that had been buried for years.

Modern Investigation and Legal Outcomes

Under the leadership of Lt. Barry Ward from the Louisiana State Police, new evidence emerged that led to charges against Reginald Reed Sr. and his associate, Jimmy Ray Barnes. In November 2022, Reginald Reed Sr. was convicted of second-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence.

Barnes testified against Reginald as part of a plea bargain, detailing his presence at the crime scene and movement of Selonia’s body. Police believe that Selonia was killed while Reggie slept nearby, highlighting the tragic nature of the case.

A Son’s Conflict Between Love and Justice

Despite the conviction, Reggie finds himself at a crossroads, questioning his father’s guilt while simultaneously reflecting on the love and care he received from him growing up. “Do I think my dad had some involvement? Maybe. I don’t know,” he expressed. This internal conflict reveals the deeply personal and emotional journey of coping with grief and betrayal.

Reggie authored a memoir, The Day My Mother Never Came Home, to share his experiences and ongoing quest for resolution. He hopes to shed light on the effects of violent crime on families and the complex nature of familial relationships.