Victim’s Family Reacts To Rhoades’ Execution Date

Families of the victims of Paul Ezra Rhoades are digesting the news that his execution date has been set.

The headlines may be faded, but memories of Nolan Haddon’s murder are still vivid for his family.

“Having something taken away from you like that…” said Clay Haddon, sitting next to his brother, Wes Haddon.

The Haddons lost their younger brother almost 25 years ago. While working the night shift at Buck’s convenience store in Idaho Falls, 20-year-old Nolan Haddon was shot and killed.

“I was in the store that night. I was the last one to see him alive,” said Clay Haddon. “I left and got the phone call the next morning.”

Nolan Haddon was the second victim of Rhoades’ 1987 killing spree that terrified all of southeastern Idaho. They’re crimes Rhoades will pay for with his life. The execution date is set for next month.

“Probably the most evil-eyed person I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Clay Haddon. “I hate to say it, but I don’t know how else to describe him.”

Rhoades has been convicted of killing three people in three weeks: Stacy Baldwin in Blackfoot, Nolan Haddon, then Idaho Falls teacher Susan Michelbacher.

“Seeing evidence and some of the things he (did) to her is just beyond me,” said Clay Haddon of the Michelbacher trial.

The Haddons remember the younger brother they said enjoyed life and took it one day at a time. But the hardest part, they said, has been watching their parents suffer.

“Watching them try to pick up their son — it was hard,” said Clay Haddon.

If there are no roadblocks to the execution, Wes Haddon said it may bring relief to the community. But Clay Haddon added that there will never really be closure.

“Really, all you have is the memories,” said Clay Haddon. “How do you close the door? You don’t.”

Friday, Oct. 21 would have been Nolan Haddon’s 45th birthday.

Rhoades’ execution is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the Department of Corrections facility in Boise.