Reporter doggedly seeks the truth

Recognizing the retirement of Jim Haley no doubt brings out many memories to those who worked with him at The Herald, but also for those of us who depended on his skills as a journalist for information critical to a news story that was of a personal nature.

Jim Haley’s coverage of my uncle’s murder in Mexico in 1974 was a demonstration of commitment to a news story that has become sadly infrequent in much of today’s news coverage, newspaper or otherwise. (I’m the nephew of former Snohomish County Sheriiff Don Jennings.)

While other media quickly discarded the story, Jim’s relentless coverage of the investigation soon became the only link our family had to a tragic event. I’ve met and spoken with Jim in recent years to discuss the murders and the subsequent investigations by Snohomish County and other agencies involved in the case at the time. It was evident to me that this is an unsolved Snohomish County mystery that still remains very fresh in his mind. I, too, agree with others that, although Jim has “retired,” I doubt he has put his pad and pen away for good. I hope not, anyway.

If any information on the Jennings’ murders that still has yet to be uncovered should see the light of day, I have no doubt that The Herald will be printing another byline or two with Jim’s name on it.

Rex Jennings