When testimony betrays the truth
In the pursuit of justice, truth is paramount. Yet, in Rhonda Lee's case, the integrity of witness testimony was compromised by personal vendettas and outright perjury. This page exposes how the state's witnesses, driven by their own motives, fabricated stories that distorted the truth and painted a false picture of Rhonda Lee.
Patty Swenson's deceptive narrative
Patty Swenson, JC's USA Gymnastics Coach, presented herself as a close friend of Rhonda's, a claim Rhonda disputes. Patty testified that she met Rhonda and JC at Lakeway Inn, then accompanied them to Mulligan's Restaurant and Sports Bar, a family-friendly establishment. However, Rhonda asserts that Patty followed them uninvited, overhearing a private conversation about Joste's erratic behavior and drug use. Patty's response? Playing "Earl's Gotta Die" on the jukebox, ironically attempting to show solidarity, only to be immediately corrected by Rhonda who wanted Joste imprisoned, not dead. Patty's most damning fabrication was her claim that she saw Victoria's Secret bags and dog stakes in Rhonda's car, leading her to concoct a horrifying tale: that Rhonda planned to "handcuff Joste to the bed, cut off his penis, and set him on fire." This bizarre story, a clear amalgamation of famous crime cases like Lorena Bobbitt and The Burning Bed, was eagerly seized upon by the prosecution despite its absurdity. Crucially, Mr. Sawyer failed to impeach or cross-examine her on this critical, unchallenged testimony.
The real reason behind Patty's lies
Consider the illogical nature of Patty's accusations: why would Rhonda, the homeowner and insurance policyholder, deliberately burn down her own home? This would mean destroying invaluable personal items like photos of JC's achievements, her extensive wardrobe, her recruiting business documents, and cherished art, antiques, and a historic Bose Antique Piano with ivory keys – a family heirloom played by Tommy Dorsey. Such an act would not only lead to murder charges but also arson, for which Rhonda, as the insured, would be directly liable. The truth behind Patty's testimony lies in her own vulnerability. Rhonda had previously confronted Patty at the Jr. Olympics for yelling at JC over his shoes, reminding her not to ever yell at her son again. Ultimately, Rhonda removed JC from Patty's team, enrolling him in a competitor's gym. Furthermore, Rhonda had threatened to report Patty to CPS for child abuse, an action that would have led to Patty losing her gym. Rhonda, feeling obligated to protect other children, sought to expose Patty's abusive behavior, with JC's support. It became clear that Patty's testimony was a desperate attempt to protect herself and exact revenge, rather than relaying any truth about Rhonda's intentions. Her entire narrative about Rhonda wanting to "get rid" of Joste was a distortion; Rhonda wanted to "get away from him"—a stark and crucial difference.
The enduring impact of false witness
Patty Swenson's testimony stands as a prime example of how witnesses, driven by personal motives, fabricated or embellished stories to paint Rhonda Lee in a negative light. The claim that Rhonda intended to destroy everything she owned and commit heinous acts is not only outlandish but completely contradicts her character and love for her son. Jackie Smith, owner of Jackie's Private School where JC later enrolled, even wrote to Rhonda in prison, expressing regret for not reporting Patty for child abuse herself when Patty was fired for shaking a child. This reinforces Rhonda's protective nature and her deep love for JC. This page aims to reveal these critical deceptions, demonstrating that Rhonda's conviction was built on a foundation of perjury and misrepresentation. It is imperative that visitors understand these witnesses lied, not because Rhonda was a bad person, but because they had ulterior motives to undermine her credibility and secure her conviction. Rhonda's innocence must prevail against such deceit.
Clarifying the Truth About Rhonda's Pregnancy
It's important to set the record straight regarding the claims made by the Dillons. They assert that they were present in Rhonda's life during her pregnancy, but this is simply not true. Rhonda spent the majority of her pregnancy living alone in Austin, where she resided in an apartment. It was only in the final month that she moved to Houston, and even at that time, her circumstances were quite serious; she was ordered to stay bedridden. The narrative put forth by the Dillons does not accurately reflect the reality of Rhonda's situation. It's crucial to understand the facts and not take misleading claims at face value. Rhonda was ordered bedridden the last month right before Joste pushed her down the stairs and her placenta ruptured. She had to drive herself to the ER before the baby was born on the floor. She barely made it. She should have told them he did this, and she should have never spoken to him again. Hindsight is 20/20. He was after the cordless phone in her hands because she was on the line with Medicare trying to move his mother from the nursing home to their home. He did not want her to come out of that nursing home. He wanted Barbara to die so he would get her money. When she would not hang up, he pushed her down three steps on the stairs and she hit the floor on her belly. Placenta Abruptio is caused by a fatal blow to the belly. Rhonda lost half of her blood, and the baby was always able to breathe on his own. So, JC was brought out and somehow, Danny Davis' first comment was about how big the baby's scrotum was. He, too, must be a child molester. Who looks at a newborns scrotum and penis and comments, rather than his face? All of these friends of Joste's are such shady, seedy characters. But the State and DA's have hung on every word. We ask you now to choose your perspective again. Tell us what you think now that you have heard and seen this case and its real evidence. Please help us Free Rhonda Lee. Reach out to Rhonda; she's very sad and lonely and feels abandoned.