Rod's friend Larry

  My name is Larry S. Gilkerson and I am writing this letter on behalf of Rodney Rollness, the ex-Hells Angel who was recently sentenced to life in prison for murder and various other crimes.
  I will tell you a little about myself before I go on. I am 41 years old, grew up in a small town in Washington State, graduated High School there, served four years active duty in the U.S. Navy and am currently employed with BNSF RailRoad since 1992. I am in a relationship with Mr. Rollness' sister, Cynthia Wilson, and have been since 1998.
  I've known Rodney for about 8 years. During that time this is what what I have observed about Rodney: He cares very much for, and is very protective of, his wife Kim and their five children. Rodney is a very large, bearded man who might resemble Paul Bunyan. Yes, he is, as the prosecution and the newspapers have described him, a big bear of a man who is rough around the edges. However, this does not make him guilty of the crimes he was accused, and in my opinion, wrongfully convicted of.
  I say this because I spent many days in court during his trial. Cindy, his sister, I believe spent every day in court during his trial.
  I admit that my knowledge of the Justice System is limited, but I do believe that Mr. Rollness did not receive a fair trial.
  I believe that he is innocent for several reasons. The prosecution claims that Mr. Rollness killed Mr. Michael [Santa] Walsh while he was with the Hells Angels in order to receive a patch called "The Filthy Few". This patch, according to the prosecution, is given to members who have killed for the club.
  Now I believe there was a security camera at a convenience store showing Rodney wearing his Hells Angels jacket with the "Filthy Few" patch already sewn on the night that Mr. Walsh was murdered. I don't know if this was presented to the jury. This fact should eliminate this as being a motive.
  I did a little research on this patch and found through reading that this "Filthy Few" patch is given to members who are last to leave a party. It said nothing about murder.
  I saw little or no evidence in the courtroom to convict Rodney of the crimes that he was accused of. No eyewitnesses, no fingerprints, no murder weapon, no DNA linking Mr. Rollness to the murder. They took carpet samples, among other things, from Rodney's home and found nothing. They went through Mr. Rollness' pick-up truck looking for DNA and found none belonging to the victim, Mr. Walsh. Yet the prosecution continued to claim that this truck was used to transport the victim's body.
Surely if this was true their experts would have found something. Also, Mr. Rollness was not allowed to testify on his own behalf until after the verdict had been decided. IS THIS JUSTICE?
  The prosecution called many witnesses. A lot of the witnesses were people who were at the party that Mr. Walsh had attended the night that he was murdered. Yes, Mr. Rollness was there, along with about a hundred other guests. A lot of the witnesses  remembered seeing Mr. Rollness at the party. However, none of them saw him being confrontational with anybody, including the victim, Mr. Walsh.
  Some witnesses saw another man at the party who may have had a confrontation with Mr. Walsh. They later saw this man leave abruptly on his motorcycle. I do not know if this man was ever questioned by the police. Most of the witnesses saw nothing,
  Then there were other so-called witnesses [paid], who were convicted felons and drug abusers, and at least one of them had been kicked out of the Hells Angels. Their testimony was purely here say and I would say very questionable credibility. None of these witnesses saw Mr. Rollness' commit these crimes that he was accused of.
  As far as the jury is concerned; I believe that they were swayed by Rodney's appearance, which can be intimidating, and by their blind faith in the Government.
  I heard that when the Judge asked the jury how they had reached their verdict, they answered "The prosecutors wouldn't lie". This does not give me a lot of faith in our Justice System. I believe that if the jury could have heard Mr. Rollness speak on his own behalf they might have changed their verdict to not guilty.
  When Rodney was finally given the chance to speak [although after the verdict] he told the court that he was innocent and did not receive a fair trial, that he had been harassed and then railroaded in a biased court room. He also addressed the victim's family, telling them that he was sorry for their loss, but that he did not kill Mr. Walsh. I too am sorry for the victim and his family, but at the same time, how can anyone be sure beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Rollness is guilty.
  Now I know that the Snohomish County Police Dept. has had a vendetta against Mr. Rollness for years and has been harassing him and his family and anyone with the Rollness name. I believe they wanted Mr. Rollness whether he was guilty or not. Also, I would like to add that on the morning of his arrest, [Valentines Day 2006], they drove two tanks onto his lawn over his drain field and harassed his two teen-aged sons while they were arresting Rodney. They also took many of his personal belongings never returning them, I suppose for evidence, although I do not believe most of it was of any use as evidence. They also dumped onto the floor of his house the ashes from the remains of their baby who had passed years before. The family was forced to leave their home while the Police conducted their investigation, while helping themselves to food and drinks from the fridge, and using continuous electrical power running the generator out of fuel. Unfortunately, after building his home himself many years ago, Mr. Rollness had been financially unable to get running water or electricity to his home.
  In closing, Mr. Rollness  is a good family man who has provided for his family as best as he can. He and his wife Kim have raised and are raising five very respectful children and young adults of varying ages 10 to 20 years old. It would be a real tragedy for Mr. Rollness to spend the rest of his life in prison for crimes  that he did not commit. I hope that this can be reversed and that he can be reunited soon with his family who needs and loves him very much. Thank you fpr taking the time to read this.

                                                                            Sincerely
                                                                            Larry S. Gilkersom
 

Christy's husband Andrew agrees with her about Rod

  To whom it may concern:

  It is with sound benefaction, that I write this letter regarding the character and disposition of Mr. Rodney L. Rollness. My children are dear friends with Irene and Sonny, Mr. Rollness' younger children. They all attended Machias Elementary School, in Snohomish, Washington. Irene and Sonny often played at our home. Our children played at their home as well. At no time, did my wife or I, feel any reservations when our children were at the Rollness home.
  Mr. Rollness is a very protective father, and his children are extremely polite, gracious, and respectful of adults. His teenage sons, Rafe and Vernon, have worked at our home doing yard work, caring for our children, ect. I was extremely impressed when Mr. Rollness stayed to watch over, and supervise his boys while they completed their tasks. He made sure that they did their job properly, and that they were safe. He or Mrs. Rollness frequently checked in when their daughter, Kari, cared for our children. Many parents just drop their children in our driveway without meeting us, or even walking them to the front door.
  Mr. Rollness would occasionally come over and visit with me in the evenings. The children often came with him. I always enjoyed our conversations, and felt comfortable around him. He never brought, or drank any alcohol, at my home. My children never saw him drink alcohol while at his home. From my perspective, Mr. Rollness is a good father, and a good husband.

                                                 Very Truly,
                                                 Andrew L. Furuness

Christy's complete trust in Rod

  To whom it may concern:

  A child's manners are a strong reflection on how they are parented. My children are dear friends with Irene and Sonny, Mr. Rodney L. Rollness' younger children. They all attended Machias Elementary School in Snohomish, Washington. Often, the children get together to play at each others houses.
  Mr. Rollness and his wife are extremely cautious and protective of their children, as are my husband and I. Their initial carefulness, in regards to their children coming to our home, was a strong indicator to me that that they were loving, caring parents. As a result, I did not worry about my children when they were at the Rollness home. I knew that they were safe and well cared for.
  Mr. Rollness has a quiet, gentle nature. He is a good father, who loves his family. My oldest child often commented how Mr. Rollness read the Bible. When the children were curious about his artwork, he drew pictures for them. They never felt uncomfortable in his presence. As a general rule, I make sure that there is a mother at home when my children visit with their friends. Mr. Rollness is one of the few fathers that I allowed my children to stay with.
  Mr. Rollness is the father of five of the most genuinely polite and honest children ever to come to my home. Kari, Rafe, Vernon, Irene, and Sonny all display impeccable manners, and are truly grateful for anything I serve or give to them. Mrs. Rollness is a very kind and loving wife and mother. the Rollness family share strong values, and faith in God.

                                                                             Very Truly,
                                                                             Christy J. Furuness

Sheila Borges

  To whom it may concern:

  I have known Rod Rollness for 10 years. He has always been, in my opinion, a decent man. Whenever I would see Rod he was always doing things for his family, which in my view means everything to him.
  I have over the years needed help from time to time around my place and if he could he was always nice enough to help.
  I have also seen, as I've known his entire family as well, how much his children look up to their father. These children are some of the most polite, well behaved children I have been around.
  Knowing not only Rod, but his whole family has been my pleasure. I know them all to be great people.

                                                                        Sheila Borges
                                                                        Snohomish, Washington

Michele Hall

 
  To whom it may concern:

  I have known Rod Rollness for about 15 years or so. They say, "don't judge a book by it's cover", this is true with Rod. I have had friend tell me that he looks mean, when I asked why all they can say is he's a big guy.
  He has helped me out with home repairs and car maintenance. I am able to trust Rod to be around my kids in my home  or to have my car doing repairs.
  He was also willing to lend my grandmother a hand when she needed help. He has always been fair, honest and respectful with me. I know him to be very devoted to his family and involved in his kids' lives.
  Rod is a good, loyal friend, one you can count on to lend a hand when you need it.

                                                          Michele Hall

Annette on Rod's loyalty

  To whom it may concern:

  I'm writing to you in regards to Rodney "Rod" Rollness.
  I've known Rod for approx. 23 years, I met him when I was 17 years old, I am now 40 years old.
  Rod is a good friend, he has been like a surrogate father to me. When I need help, like my toilet was backed-up, he came and dug up my sewer.
  When I needed help moving into my house, he was there.
  He's worked on many of my cars over the years.
  On Feb.9th, 2004, I joined N.A., and now have been clean and sober for over 2 years. Rod has supported and encouraged me, every step of the way.
  I have watched his kids grow up, and how he is with his kids, and he is a great father. He has come with his kids to my house for clean and sober functions.
  I trust Rod with my kids, my home, and my life. He has always been honest with me.
  I love Rod like a father/big brother .

                                                                 Sincerely
                                                                 Annette Billesbach

Rita on Rod's Honesty

     To whom it may concern:

     I have known Rodney Rollness as a customer of A1 Loans & Pawn for the past 20 years. He has always paid his debts. He has done odd jobs for us and has been reliable and honest in our dealings. We have known his wife and children and believe them to be honest and a normal family unit.
     He has been kind and respectful through the years. He has been a man of his word.

                                                                             Respectfully,
                                                                             Rita M. Harrison RN
                                                                             Unit Supervisor CCU

Rod's Friend Annette

     To whom it may concern:

     I am writing this letter in regards to Rodney Rollness.

     I have known Rod for over 20 years; his family is like my extended family.
     He has helped me with cars, kids, moving and any other problem that I have needed help with. I've watched his his children grow and I believe that they are great children, mostly because they have been raised with great moral values instilled by great parenting.
     Rod has been more than just a friend to me he's been almost like a second father figure. Helping out when my own father wasn't able to. Rod's helped fix septic tank problems, or just simple things like vaccinating my family pets.
     Our families have spent 4th of Julys together and I watched Rod build a secure home for his family. Rod is a protective dad that doesn't tolerate drinking or drugs.
     I believe that Rod is honest,  caring, and respectful of others. I support him and his family.

                                                                                         Sincerely
                                                                                         Annette Billesbach

more from Kimberlee

    To whom it may concern:

      I confirm that I have known Rodney Rollness for over 20 years.

      Rod has helped with labor jobs at our family business, making a lasting relationship throughout the years.
      Rod has always shown honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. I have known Rod's wife and kids and know that Rod has always put his family first.
      I believe that Rod is a wonderful, compassionate, and caring man and I am proud to call him my friend.

                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                            Kimberlee M. Sanford

From Kimberee Sanford

To whom it may concern:
   
    My name is Kimberlee Sanford
    I have known Rod Rollness for over 20 years.

    I was witness to the day detectives came into our family loan & pawn business to speak with my cousin Annette Billesbach about the party she had attended with Rod in Granite Falls, WA.
    Three detectives took Annette to the front corner of our store to ask her questions. After several minutes I could hear Annette telling the detectives that she didn't know anything about a fight between Rod and anyone and that basically Rod was a stand up guy.
    I could hear the detectives laughing and mumbling amongst each other. By the time they left Annette was flustered and a bit upset.
    She told me that she felt that Rod was getting railroaded and that the officers had already made a decision about him.
    By the attitude exuded by the officers, I would have to agree with her.
    I am basing it on the fact that before these detectives; Officer Steve Levere, from the Everett police dept. came into the store to do a check on the guns that Rod had brought to the store. I asked what the police were looking for and Officer Steve told me that he couldn't tell me.
    I told him that my family has known Rod for a long time and that he and his family were great people.
    Steve told me that "All Hells Angels are criminals."
                                                        Respectfully
                                                        Kimberlee Sanford

From Annette Billesbach

  To whom it may may concern                                                                                                                       My name is Annette Billesbach, I have known Rod Rollness for over 25 years; and was present at the party [BBQ] that Rod was said to have been involved in a murder.                                                         Detectives came to my work to ask me questions about the party and what I have observed Rod and his friends doing. I tried to answer the questions the best that I could but, I felt intimidated and ridiculed  by the responses to my answers. I told them that I went to a party with friends and that it was a very mellow atmosphere. And that everyone, including Ros, was in a great mood.                             The officers asked about the hells angels involvement? I told them that it wasn't a "HELLS ANGELS" event it was a BBQ. They again didn't seem to like my answer and asked if Rod had been doing drugs and or drinking? I told them for one Rod does not do drugs or drink alcohol and second of all if it had been a hells angels party my friends and I would not have gone.                                             I let them know that Rod has been a great dad and husband and wouldn't do anything to jeapordize his family, and he has been someone that i respect just like he was part of my own family. Rod would be the first one to let me know if I was messing up.                                                                   The officers all laughed at my statement and told me that the "Rod" they knew of was just the opposite. The implications and innuendoes said by the detectives made me feel very uncomfortable.        I told them that we all hung out and never heard or saw anything unusual. I never met a guy named Walsh, and we were only at the party for about 2 or 3 hours. Rod had left about the same time or before.
                                                                                Sincerely
                                                                                Annette Billesbach

Another from Rick and Liz

    This letter is in regards to Rod Rollness. We, [Rick and Liz Snyder] have known Rod for about 24 years now. We have always known him to be a good person with positive attributes for his family and friends. You rarely ever saw Rod without at least one or two of his kids, he is always doing something with them. They have grown up with strong family beliefs and big smiles on their faces.          The times we have seen Rod alone, he always mentioned what was going on with his family. We can always trust Rod for his honesty and open opinions. We have never had any reason to doubt him, and have always believed what he says to be true.                                                                                        Rod has always been a true friend and a good person to be around.                                                                                                                                          Thank you for your time                                                                                                                                     Liz

to whom it may concern

   This letter is written on behalf of Rod Rollness.                                                                                            We, [Rick and Elizabeth Snyder] have known Rod for about 16 years. he has been at our boys birthday parties when they were younger. we've always known Rod to be a true friend and a good father. He's always put his family first, you never saw Rod out and about without one of his kids, either going to the YMCA , school functions, or visiting friends.                                                                   If ever you needed help or a question answered, Rod was usually there. Whenever we saw him out, he would be talking about his family or about work he was doing on his home.                                      His kids have all pretty much grown up now. The oldest are great kids with strong family values. I think that says alot about Rod.                                                                                                                                                                    Thank you                                                                                                                                                   Elizabeth