Honoring Ryan & His Children–Seeking Justice 13 Years Later

On February 23, 2012, our lives were shattered. 

Ryan Roth—a father, son, brother, and friend—was what we view as brutally murdered—in an act of violence so horrific it left a hole in our family that can never be filled. He suffered over 18 stab wounds focused on his face, head and torso. His lung was punctured, his ear severed, and his cervical spine was hit. He died slowly, struggling to survive for up to 30 minutes. Ryan was confirmed to be sober at the time of his death, while Branden was heavily intoxicated on drugs and alcohol. 

The justice system failed Ryan. Failed his sons. Failed all of us. 

Branden Riddle Terrell, the man responsible for Ryan’s death, had a violent past: assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, domestic violence. After murdering Ryan, he fled the scene, attempted to strangle a witness, and led police on a chase through multiple counties. When arrested, he admitted to being intoxicated, saying, “I knew I was in deep sh*t.” He was fully aware of what he had done. 

Despite this, the Nevada County District Attorney’s office gave him a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter. He served just 10 years. 

We now know this deal was offered under duress to Ryan’s family. The prosecutor failed to present the DA’s own medical expert. She panicked over a weak insanity defense, then told the family they couldn’t leave the room without accepting that this was the deal. There was no trial. No voice for Ryan. No justice for his sons.  

Thirteen years later, Ryan’s son Rafe is our last hope. Under California law, he has until his 20th birthday—May 23, 2025—to file a wrongful death suit. Time is running out. 

We’ve found an attorney who believes in our case. But this type of lawsuit cannot be done on contingency—it requires a $20,000 retainer to begin. Without it, our window closes. Forever. 

This case is about more than legal action. It’s about reclaiming Ryan’s story. Branden is now out of prison, building a platform, telling his version of events to podcast audiences. He’s changed his story over and over—self-defense, intoxication, now redemption. This is not accountability. He speaks of second chances. But what about Ryan’s? 

What about his children, who grew up with no father? What about the trauma that still haunts us every single day? Panic attacks. Sleepless nights. Hypervigilance. Every holiday, every birthday, every Father’s Day—a reminder of what was taken. 

When Ryan was killed, there was no GoFundMe. No community fundraisers. We never asked. But now, we must. 

If you’ve ever said, “Let me know if you need anything”—this is that moment. Please help us meet our goal. Share Ryan’s story. Give whatever you can. Your donation brings us one step closer to finally holding Branden accountable—not just for our family, but for every victim who has ever been denied justice. With gratitude and heartbreak, Heather, Chase & Rafe  

Disclaimer: The content shared here is based on publicly available records, law enforcement reports, court documents, and firsthand witness testimony. The views expressed are personal and should not be taken as legal or official findings. Branden Riddle-Terrell was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2012 killing of Ryan Roth. While the criminal court accepted a plea deal that avoided a full murder trial, In our eyes, this was a brutal and unjustified murder.

Court Transcript (Prelim Hearing): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1phxuGtNLPEcu_sx8WtOIVTS-BPNfI23-/view?usp=drivesdk