Hello,

I am Terry Jewell's sister. The background between Terry and Rodney goes back a few years when Rodney's wife Pat was still living. They were good friends and my brother would visit them often. After Rodney's wife, Pat, passed away from Covid, Rodney's grief turned into depression. My brother was living in Alabama when Pat passed. After my brother heard about Pat's death, he called Rodney to give his condolences and asked Rodney if he needed anything. It was at that time, Rodney asked my brother if he could come help him with the farm so he could get back on his feet. Terry readily agreed and Rodney sent him a bus ticket to Portsmouth. Terry didn't know that Rodney was drinking daily until he arrived there. Terry stayed for about year and left in June 2020. Rodney got angry with Terry, pulled a gun on him and told him to get out of his house. What they argued about, I don't know but Terry left and moved in with his girlfriend at the time. He called me that night so I would know where he was and what happened. A few months later, Terry and his girlfriend broke up and he called Rodney and asked if he could come back just long enough to get his own place. Rodney apologized for the argument and pointing a gun at him and said yes Terry could come back.

What happened the night Rodney died is still a mystery. What I do know, without a doubt, is my brother woke up on the living room floor with a knot on the back of his head. He thought someone had broken into the house and hit him. He looked for Rodney and couldn't find him. When he found Rodney, he called 911 to get help. To this day, the only memories that have come to him are few and he has no memory what happened or how Rodney got shot.

With all that said, my brother is no angel. He's had his run-ins with the law most of his life. He drank alot and when he drinks, he's looking for a fight, man to man, not with any weapons. He believed if a man couldn't fight with his fists, he wasn't a man at all. I have read the court papers, seen the pictures from the scene, and even I can't put anything together to say what happened that night. I do know Terry has never owned a gun in his life, never had any desire for any weapon. None of this makes any sense to me at all.

My heart is shattered for Rodney's family. Rodney was a good friend to me. We spoke about psychology, computers, Pat, and his farm. I could hear in his voice how he grieved for Pat. Just heartbreaking to know how he missed her. I wish none of this ever happened. I can't imagine the suffering and grief Rodney's family endures to this day. I know there's nothing I can do or say that would give them comfort because I am Terry's sister. I do ask God to be their comfort, to love on them every day, and let them know He is there. My family lives in shock over all this. I pray daily that Terry will remember what happened and the truth is known, whether Terry did shoot Rodney or did something happen and the gun went off or whatever happened. That would be the truest justice in all of this, the truth.

Please remember there are two families who suffer and please pray for all of us involved.

Thank you for taking the time to share your heart and the history between Terry and Rodney. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to write those words, especially with the weight of loss, confusion, and unanswered questions still pressing heavily on everyone involved.

It's clear that you carry deep love and concern for both Rodney and Terry, and your words reflect a sincere desire for truth, justice, and healing. This tragedy has touched many lives and left behind layers of pain that cannot easily be resolved.

Rodney was deeply loved by his family and friends. His passion for life, his grief after losing Pat, and his longing to find purpose again after her passing are things many can relate to — and mourn alongside. Your memories of him — talking about psychology, his farm, and how much he missed Pat — help paint a fuller picture of who he was in quieter moments.

At the same time, I hear the pain in your voice when you talk about your brother. It’s not easy to hold the tension of loving someone with a troubled past while facing something so serious and painful. Acknowledging Terry’s flaws while still hoping for clarity shows your courage and your deep desire to be honest — not to excuse, but to understand.

I believe you're right: there are two families suffering. Both are carrying sorrow, questions, and a longing for answers. In moments like this, there are no perfect words, only the hope that in time, truth will come forward and bring some measure of peace to all who are grieving.

Thank you again for your openness. Please know that your request for prayers is not falling on deaf ears. May both families be surrounded with strength, comfort, and, above all, the truth.