In a new Netflix docuseries, "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?" that began streaming on November 25, John Ramsey, father of the tragically slain child pageant star JonBenét Ramsey, casts a renewed sense of hope that modern DNA technology might finally help solve the 1996 murder of his daughter.
Fox News reported that the unresolved murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey may find nearer resolution with recent advancements in DNA technology, featured prominently in a new Netflix docuseries.
JonBenét Ramsey's mysterious death on December 26, 1996, in Boulder, Colorado, has puzzled investigators and the public for nearly three decades.
Found bludgeoned and strangled in her family’s home, her killing was immediately deemed a homicide, sparking a media frenzy and a complex, long-running police investigation. Despite numerous leads and extensive media coverage, no suspect was ever charged with her murder.
The case saw a significant development in 2008 when new DNA tests revealed the presence of an unidentified third party, leading to the exoneration of the Ramsey family by then-district attorney Mary Lacy. This finding raised numerous questions about the conduct of the initial investigation and the possibility of other suspects.
Joe Berlinger, the filmmaker behind the docuseries, has expressed a robust conviction in the innocence of the Ramsey family. He critiques the initial police handling of the case, noting, "The police department refused outside help, had no real experience in homicide, and therefore, the DNA sampling at the time was compromised."
According to Berlinger, inadequate attention was given to the securing of the crime scene which was initially mistaken for a kidnapping case.
Berlinger’s docuseries touches on the critical potential of re-examining available DNA evidence with modern technology to uncover new leads.
This comes amid his concerns of inadequate efforts by authorities in recent years. "Why has it taken so long to retest? We still don’t know if the Colorado authorities have retested," Berlinger criticizes while pushing for more proactive measures.
John Ramsey, now 80 years old, is prominently featured in the series. He continuously advocates for using advanced DNA tests in the investigation. Together with his wife Patsy Ramsey, who died of cancer in 2006, the couple has endured years of public scrutiny and personal grief, compounded by not knowing who took their daughter’s life.
Patsy Ramsey, before her passing, held a deep belief, according to Berlinger, that she would meet JonBenét after her death and finally learn the truth. This sentiment is echoed by John Ramsey, who, despite his wife’s death, has not ceased in his quest for answers.
From the investigative side, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn has affirmed that JonBenét's case still holds a place of solemn significance in the community and remains a priority for the department. "The killing of JonBenét was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts. We are committed to following up on every lead, and we are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country," said Redfearn.
Joe Berlinger underscores the importance of holding authorities accountable and encourages public pressure for progress.
"It’s time to hold some feet to the fire and get new DNA testing and finally try to put a resolution to this case," he states, suggesting that perhaps the docuseries will galvanize enough public support to impact the ongoing investigation efforts.
The docuseries offers fresh angles on the ramifications of new DNA technologies and errors in past forensic processes, suggesting that reexamination of evidence could lead to the breakthrough needed.
With the Boulder Police and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation still actively checking new DNA samples against potential matches, the hopes for solving one of America’s most captivating murder cases remain alive.
It remains a poignant chapter in criminal history, symbolizing the devastating intersection of familial loss and the ceaseless quest for justice. The discussion generated by the documentary and continuous DNA testing could eventually lead to closing this long-standing case, bringing closure to the Ramsey family and a captivated public.