JonBenét Ramsey: A Cold Case Reopened

Netflix's new three-hour docuseries, "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?", delves into the 28-year-old mystery surrounding the death of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey. The documentary doesn't offer a definitive answer, but it powerfully challenges the long-held suspicions surrounding her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and her brother, Burke. The film uses interviews with investigative journalists, law enforcement officials, and the Ramsey family itself, offering a compelling and nuanced perspective on a case that has captivated and horrified the public for decades.

The Media Frenzy and Public Perception

From the outset, the case was plagued by media attention and speculation. John Ramsey recounts the relentless pursuit by journalists, describing how the family was constantly hounded, their homes besieged by cameras and reporters. This intense media scrutiny fueled public opinion, leading many to wrongly suspect the Ramseys. Paula Woodward, an investigative journalist who covered the case, highlights the dissemination of inaccurate information that shaped the negative public perception of the Ramsey family. A 1999 Scripps Howard News Service poll revealed that a staggering 25% of respondents believed Patsy Ramsey was responsible for her daughter's death, while 5% suspected Burke. This highlights the immense pressure and unfair scrutiny the family faced.

The Impact on Burke Ramsey

The impact of this false narrative on Burke Ramsey, who was only nine years old at the time of his sister's death, is particularly heartbreaking. John Andrew Ramsey, John Ramsey's son from a previous marriage, emphasizes the absurdity of suggesting a nine-year-old could be capable of such a violent crime. The docuseries underscores the devastating consequences of the media's rush to judgment, noting Burke's 2019 settlement with CBS after a defamation suit stemming from a 2016 special that wrongly implicated him.

Questioning the Investigation

The documentary scrutinizes the initial investigation, highlighting instances of police missteps and flawed conclusions. The docuseries recounts a particularly egregious example: a 1997 mock trial hosted by Geraldo Rivera, where a so-called child abuse expert grossly misrepresented video footage of JonBenét, falsely claiming it showed evidence of sexual abuse. This illustrates the irresponsible and damaging nature of speculation in the case. Patsy Ramsey's reaction to this blatant misrepresentation underscores the emotional toll inflicted on the family.

DNA Evidence and Police Handling

The discovery of unidentified male DNA under JonBenét's fingernails and in her underwear is a central focus of the documentary. The docuseries questions the handling of this crucial DNA evidence and suggests that it was intentionally withheld from the public and the District Attorney's office for months, as it conflicted with the police's theory of the Ramseys' guilt. John Ramsey alleges that police deliberately concealed the fact that the DNA excluded the Ramseys and Burke. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the potential for bias.

Alternative Theories and Potential Suspects

The documentary explores alternative theories, including the possibility of an intruder. A March 1997 article in the Rocky Mountain News suggested the lack of footprints in the snow as an early clue implicating the family. However, the docuseries clarifies that no snow existed in the area where footprints would have been preserved. Investigator Lou Smit, in an audio recording, expresses his frustration with the Boulder Police's refusal to consider the intruder theory, stating, "Clearly there’s evidence of an intruder. I say this over and over and over again. Nobody wants to listen." Smit, whose insights were critical in sending hundreds of murderers to prison, including the killer of actor Kelsey Grammer's sister, highlights a key point of contention in the case: the police’s refusal to consider other possibilities given their initial theory of parental culpability.

The Ransom Note and Key Evidence

The ransom note, another key piece of evidence, is also examined, with the docuseries suggesting that it was not written by Patsy Ramsey. Bob Whitson, a former police official, corroborates this claim, stating that at least four experts concluded she did not write it. The docuseries' attention to detail and the exploration of these different angles help paint a fuller picture of a deeply flawed investigation, one that prioritized a pre-conceived notion of guilt over methodical fact-finding.

John Mark Karr and Unsolved Questions

Episode 3 introduces John Mark Karr, a potential suspect who confessed to the murder, but whose DNA did not match the crime scene evidence. Mary Lacy, a former Boulder County District Attorney, notes that Karr's family cooperated in providing evidence that he had spent Christmas with them in Atlanta. The documentary presents Karr as one example of how the initial police focus on the Ramsey family may have overshadowed other potential suspects and leads in the investigation. The documentary ends without definitively solving the case, but leaves viewers with a renewed understanding of its complexity and the need for a thorough re-examination of the evidence.

The Unfinished Search for Justice

John Ramsey, understandably, calls for the retesting of the existing DNA samples using advanced technology and for additional items from the crime scene to be tested for the first time. He suggests these results be cross-referenced with available databases, a procedure that could potentially unlock the mystery surrounding his daughter's death. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn, in a statement, reaffirmed the department's commitment to pursuing every lead and to working with DNA experts across the country until the case is solved. The police, however, declined to comment further on specific aspects of the investigation, citing its ongoing nature. They encourage anyone with information to contact them via email or phone. The case of JonBenét Ramsey remains open, a poignant reminder of the ongoing search for justice and the enduring impact of a tragic unsolved mystery. The need for thorough re-examination, use of new technologies, and a reassessment of initial judgments underscores the continued investigation into the death of the child beauty queen.

This comprehensive investigation into one of the most infamous crimes in the history of America presents a much needed re-examination of available evidence. The case continues to be an active one, showing the need for continued scrutiny and the pursuit of justice.