JonBenét Ramsey

JonBenét Patricia Ramsey (August 6, 1990 ? December 25, 1996) was an American child beauty pageant queen made famous by her murder and the subsequent media coverage. She was found dead in the basement of her parents' home in Boulder, Colorado, nearly eight hours after she was reported missing.

The case is notable in both its longevity and the media interest it has generated in the United States. After several grand jury hearings, the case is still unsolved. In February 2009, the Boulder Police Department took the case back from the district attorney and re-opened the investigation."Boulder police take back Ramsey case", Colorado Daily, February 2, 2009.

Source: Wikipedia

Born: August 6th, 1990
Died: 25 December, 1996. Buried wearing a beauty pageant dress and tiara, with a stuffed toy animal placed in her arms.

JonBenet Ramsey had been competing in Beauty Queen contests since she was four years old. Her mother, Patsy had been crowned Miss West Virginia in 1977 and had decided that JonBenet should follow in her footsteps. She became a veteran of the Beauty Queen circuit.

She attended dancing, singing and music lessons at the request of her mother, Patsy.

Patsy died of cancer in 2006 still considered a suspect by many.

First the Facts

A call to the police was made by Patsy to report that her daughter, JonBenet was missing, at 5.52am.

Patsy had found a ransom note found on the spiral staircase leading to the kitchen.

The ransom note had been written on two and a half pages of paper taken from a notepad found in the house.

The ransom was for $118, 000, the exact same amount that John Ramsey had received as a bonus.

JonBenet was found in the basement of her home in Boulder, Colorado on 26 December, 1996 by John Ramsey at 1pm.

JonBenet's body was wrapped in a white blanket. Her mouth was covered with duct tape and her arms bound at the wrist. Her skull was severely fractured and she had suffered sexual abuse. A garrotte was made with a paintbrush from Patsy's supplies and cord. She had been strangled.

Investigation reports and Resources:
JonBenet Ramsey autopsy report.

Facts:

140 suspects cleared through DNA testing.

1.6 million offenders' DNA profiles investigated.

Possible exhumation of JonBenet Ramsey's body likely.

DNA samples from JonBenet's underwear came from an unknown male.

The Ramsey's hired separate lawyers, a team of private eyes, a PR expert, a former FBI criminal profiler and handwriting experts.

John Mark Karr, a teacher, confessed to the crime in 2006. However forensic evidence (DNA) and a cast iron alibi ruled him out as a suspect.

1. Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and the politician, Sarah Palin all were former teen beauty queens.
2. Beauty pageants are more common in the USA although they are held in other countries like the UK.
3. Child beauty pageants generate an estimated $5 billion (£3 billion) every year.
4. Girls are given false tans, navel piercings and manicured nails.
5. Hundreds of pounds (dollars) are spent on dresses and beauty treatments.

John and Patsy Ramsey

JonBenet's parents were the main suspects in the murder of their child. Despite forensics ruling them out as the perpetrators many people still believe they are guilty of the crime. The police ruled them out as suspects in July 2008. John Ramsey still protests his innocence.

Bill McReynolds

Bill had played Santa at the Ramsey's home during their Christmas party. He knew the layout of the house. His wife Janet had written a play about a young girl who was molested, murdered and dumped in the basement of a house. Bill died in 2002. More information can be found here: Family Friends

Gary Oliva

Gary had served time in prison for raping a seven year old. He'd been seen outside the Ramsey's house. One of his friends said that he'd called them and confessed he'd done something terrible to a little girl.

Chris Wolf

Chris was a journalist who'd written about John Ramsey's company. He'd reportedly stormed out of his own house on Christmas Day. He returned home the next day with muddy clothes.

Although those listed here were or are considered suspects, we have to look at whether any or all of them had motive for the crime. Why would JonBenet's parents kill their little girl who they obviously cherished? Why would they commit a crime that would, without a doubt, point the finger of suspicion on themselves?

I believe this crime was undoubtedly committed by someone who knew the family very well which included the layout of the house, the parent's working life and the family's routine. It would need to be someone who JonBenet trusted as there doesn't seem to be any reports of screams or disturbances.

But, what do you think?

Say your piece in the debate: What do you think happened to JonBenet Ramsey? above!

When the police arrived at the scene of the crime, they failed to seal it off to the general public. This led to the crime scene being contaminated and possible vital clues destroyed.

No one thought to stop friends of the family from cleaning the house which included the kitchen. Vital clues was also destroyed when John Ramsey carried his daughter's body upstairs from the basement.

The coroner didn't arrive at the crime scene until 7 hours after JonBenet's body was found. He then only spent 10 minutes at the scene.

The Boulder police leaked inaccurate information to the press and failed to follow up vital leads.