The new documentary Netflixtitled Cold case: Who killed JonBenét Ramsey?brings back to the present the shocking case of JonBenét Ramseythe little six-year-old beauty queen whose murder shocked the world in 1996. This three-episode series, directed by Joe Berlingerreviews the evidence and theories surrounding one of the most questioned and media crimes in the recent history of the United States, once again revealing that the true crime genre It is fashionable and it seems that it is here to stay.
© MARIO TAMAWhat happened to JonBenét Ramsey?
In the early morning of December 26, 1996, JonBenét’s parents, John and Patsy Ramseythey woke up in their house in Boulder, Coloradoto discover that her daughter was not in her room. On the staircase they found a handwritten ransom note demanding $118,000 (111,864 euros). Hours later, John Ramsey found JonBenét’s body in the basement. She was covered by a white blanket with a nylon cord around her neck, her wrists tied above her head and her mouth covered with duct tape. There was no clear evidence of rape, but police did not rule out sexual assault. His death was ruled a homicide, but no one was ever charged with his murder.
© Helen H. RichardsonThe news shocked the country and the world. The images of JonBenét, known for participating in child beauty pageants, were tirelessly replicated by the media, unleashing a wave of speculation and theories about what happened.
Suspicions and failures in the investigation
From the beginning, the investigation was plagued by errors. Boulder police, inexperienced in homicides of this level, did not adequately secure the crime scene, which complicated evidence collection. The agents directed their suspicions towards the Ramsey family, a hypothesis that the media amplified, calling them murderers.
© Doug PensingerVarious theories suggested that the mother, Patsy, could have killed her daughter in a fit of rage. Others suggested that Burkethe nine-year-old brother, acted out of jealousy. The father was even accused of sexual abuse. However, none of these accusations were supported by conclusive evidence. In 2008, the family was officially exonerated after an unknown man’s DNA was discovered on the girl’s underwear, ruling out the involvement of any family member.
The role of the media
The media attention was brutal and often based on rumors and fake news. The Ramsey family faced overwhelming scrutiny that included televised mock trials and unfounded accusations, fueling their grief at losing their little girl and their frustration at not being able to defend themselves.
© Getty ImagesA notable example is a mock trial presented in The Geraldo Rivera Showwhere experts asserted disturbing theories about the girl’s behavior, increasing the stigma on the Ramseys. Patsy Ramsey recounted how these accusations affected her deeply, to the point of being bedridden for days. The mother died in 2006, due to ovarian cancer, without having resolved the terrible murder of her daughter.
New clues
The Netflix documentary also highlights evidence that was dismissed at the time. The inspector Lou Smithwho participated in the investigation, always maintained that there was clear evidence of the presence of an intruder, including a broken window and DNA foreign to the family. However, their findings were not a priority for local police.
© Getty ImagesToday, advances in DNA technology They offer a light of hope. John Ramsey, JonBenét’s father, has urged authorities to use reverse genealogy tools to identify the killer. Recent cases resolved using this technique reinforce her hope of achieving justice for her little girl.
To this day, the JonBenét Ramsey case remains one of the most mysterious and baffling crimes in American history. Through this documentary, Netflix seeks not only to keep the little girl’s memory alive, but also to call on the authorities to reopen the investigation and discover the truth.
© Chris RankThe opinion of the documentary’s director, Joe Berlinger
Joe Berlinger, director of this new Netflix documentary, has revealed why he believes JonBenét’s family is innocent and who could be behind the mystery. The American documentary filmmaker, who in his work attacks the detectives for ruining the investigation and some media outlets for presenting the girl’s family as the main suspects, has stated in statements to the New York Post: “I am firmly convinced that the Ramsey family is innocent. And I am also firmly convinced that this case can be solved if the Boulder Police Department finally does what it is supposed to do.”
© Noam GalaiHe added that he considers it essential to re-examine all suspects, since at the time many possible culprits were ruled out due to DNA analyzes that turned out to be faulty. Likewise, he pointed out that even the Ramsey family should undergo DNA testing again, highlighting that they would be willing to collaborate fully.
John Ramsey, JonBenét’s father, now 80, participated in the Netflix documentary in the hopes that it will help shed new answers about his daughter’s murder.