What really happened to the child beauty queen

Since 1996, society has been obsessed with the gruesome murder of 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey, and now the case is getting a second life as a documentary series in Netflix called Cold case: who killed JonBenét Ramsey? In Netflix’s vast catalog of films and TV shows, there are a significant number of true crime series and documentaries. Often, these projects look at some of the biggest and strangest crimes to date and offer interviews and theories about what really happened. JonBenét Ramsey’s case is just one of many that still makes people wonder.

There are a few reasons why the murder of JonBenét Ramsey became a captivating true crime story. Firstly, JonBenét’s age made her death even more upsetting. At just 6 years old, many wondered who would commit such a crime. Furthermore, JonBenét Wasn’t Just a Normal Kid, But a Beauty Queenwho won the hearts of many in the world of pageantry. Last but not least, JonBenét Ramsey’s case was especially unique because the main suspects were her own family members. The fact that this case still remains unsolved is frustrating and confusing.

JonBenét Ramsey was found dead at the age of six in December 1996

JonBenét Ramsey Murder Theories and Problems

On December 26, 1996, JonBenét Ramsey, 6, was found dead in the basement of her home in Boulder, Colorado. JonBenét had been reported missing seven hours earlier by her parents, Patsy and John. Police arrived at the scene on the night of December 25th, but only found JonBenét at 1 pm the following day. After the discovery, it was determined that JonBenét had a broken skull and died from asphyxiation using a tourniquet. The only known people in the Ramsey household at the time were Patsy, John and their 9-year-old son, Burke.

The initial theory about what happened to JonBenét was that she was kidnapped and killed by an unknown suspect. The main evidence behind this theory was a long ransom note found in the Ramsey home. However, a series of issues with the investigation have put this theory and the entire case in jeopardy. For example, the police only cordoned off JonBenét’s bedroom as a potential crime scene, which left the rest of the house stained by officials and visitors. Furthermore, when JonBenét was found, John Ramsey immediately picked her up and took her upstairs, contaminating the crime scene.

JonBenét Ramsey’s Ransom Note Explained

Why the kidnapping theory didn’t work

The biggest piece of evidence in the JonBenét Ramsey case was the ransom note the Ramseys found on the kitchen stairs. The note was quite long and was probably written at the scene of the crime, which is quite unusual. In the note, the “suspects” demanded $118,000 from the Ramseys for JonBenét’s safe return. Additionally, the writers claimed to be “a group of individuals representing a small foreign faction.” Authorities found no fingerprints on the note other than yours and Patsy Ramsey’s. Overall, the ransom note was considered strange.

Soon, the kidnapping theory began to be unraveled. Despite the appearance of a ransom note, authorities found no sign of forced entry into the Ramsey home. There was actually no evidence that JonBenét had been kidnapped as her parents claimed. Another suspicious detail was that $118,000 was the exact amount John Ramsey earned for his Christmas bonus, and no one came forward to try to claim that money. Many believed that Patsy herself had written the ransom notehowever, handwriting experts have claimed that her handwriting does not match that on the note.

Why JonBenét Ramsey’s Parents Were Initially Suspicious

How the Ramseys Were Ruled Out as JonBenét’s Killers

Considering the discrepancies with the ransom note and the kidnapping theory, Patsy and John Ramsey became prime suspects in JonBenét’s murder mystery. There was no evidence of a kidnapping, but there was certainly evidence of a crime scene being staged, particularly the ransom note. The Ramseys also stood out because, statistically, child homicides are typically committed by family members or caregivers. That didn’t help the Ramseys did not cooperate in solving their son’s death. However, due to a lack of evidence, the Ramseys were never charged with JonBenét’s murder.

Although authorities were unable to find strong evidence that JonBenét had been kidnapped, they also had difficulty finding evidence that Patsy and John had committed the murder. Some have postulated that Patsy accidentally killed JonBenét after a bedwetting incident, but there was no evidence to prove this, and also, Patsy had no history of violence or anger. More, Burke Ramsey’s testimony confirmed that the Ramseys appeared to be a loving family. Despite attempts to indict the Ramseys for child abuse, Patsy and John were ultimately cleared as suspects by the district attorney and a grand jury.

Who else was suspected in JonBenét Ramsey’s murder

DNA evidence explained

Another surprising theory related to the Ramseys was that 9-year-old Burke had committed the murder. Similar to the theory about Patsy, many have theorized that perhaps Burke accidentally killed JonBenét due to a fight over a bowl of pineapple. To protect their son, the Ramseys staged a kidnapping and crime scene. However, as with Patsy and John, authorities were unable to find evidence that Burke had committed the crime and he was never an official suspect. After several interviews with Burke, he appeared to be a normal child from a loving family.

The only other theory is that an unknown assailant murdered JonBenét. The most notable evidence to support this theory is the fact that DNA from an unidentified man turned up on JonBenét. Some of the prime suspects included Ramsey’s neighbor Chris Wolf, a local journalist whose girlfriend suspected him, and the family’s housekeeper. Police also theorized that JonBenét’s pompous past may have attracted child predators. Considering that several windows in the Ramsey home were open, many believe an intruder entered, killed JonBenét, and left, leaving only DNA and a boot print.

Is the JonBenét Ramsey case still open?

The future of the JonBenét Ramsey case

JonBenét Ramsey’s murder occurred nearly 30 years ago, but the case still remains open. In 2002, the case was taken over by the Public Ministry. During this period, the Ramseys were cleared of any wrongdoing due to DNA evidence. Boulder police took up the case once again in 2009, and it has remained open ever since, although it is considered a cold case. Based on the recent Netflix release Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey? It is clear that the public is still desperate to understand what happened to the 6 year old beauty queen.

There’s no telling if JonBenét Ramsey’s case will ever be solved. As time passes, the likelihood of a solid ending seems further and further away. However, with Netflix’s true crime projects like Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey? Interest in the case remains high and therefore solving the murder is still an option. Let’s hope this new Netflix The series could shine a light on the case and allow new evidence to make this cold case hot once again.