The Burning Question: The Murder of Marlon Lee

On the night of November 18, 2008, Marlon Lee, a 41-year-old resident of Aberdeen, Washington, was brutally beaten and set on fire after leaving the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino in Ocean Shores. This episode of Only Murders on the Harbor examines the chilling events of that night, the investigation that followed, and the broader questions raised by the suspect’s extensive criminal history.Roderick T. Reed, 31 at the time, was identified as the last person seen with Marlon. While in custody, Reed’s erratic behavior included a 2010 attack on a deputy prosecutor during court proceedings, highlighting both his violent tendencies and systemic challenges in managing repeat offenders. Reed’s record spans decades, including charges for assault, theft, drugs, and probation violations, as well as a lien for unpaid child support in 2008.This episode not only explores the tragic events surrounding Marlon Lee’s death but also asks difficult questions about public safety, criminal justice, and the consequences of repeated legal failures.Sources & References:Seattle PI – Arrest in case of man set on fire: https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/arrest-in-case-of-man-set-on-fire-1292292.phpThurston County Sheriff – Inmate Roster Search: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/cm/sheriff/bureau-corrections-roster-search.asp?mod=third&idnum=Z0050215The Jolt News – Police Blotter April 16, 2025: https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/police-blotter-for-wednesday-april-16-2025,19600Docket Alarm – Thurston County Superior Court: https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/Washington_State_Thurston_County_Superior_Court/25-1-00577-34/STATE_OF_WASHINGTON_vs_RODERICK_TERRY_REED_II/FindLaw – Court of Appeals, Washington State: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/wa-court-of-appeals/115506512.htmlOdyssey Portal – Washington State Courts: https://odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov/ODYPORTAL/Home/WorkspaceMode?p=1#Grays Harbor County & Mason County case references:Case No. 091001068 – Judgment Available (GHC)Case No. 241002006 – Mason CountyCase No. 061003821 – Judgment Available (GHC)Case No. 061000253