The Suspicious Murder of JonBenet Ramsey
Lauren Guzman
Ms. Levine
Hot Case Gone Cold
12 January 2015
The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey
On December 26th, 1996, Patsy Ramsey walks downstairs at 5:00 am to find a note at the bottom of the staircase stating that they had kidnapped her daughter and demanded a ransom of $118,000 or else the child would be killed. Not finding JonBenet in her room, Patsy and John Ramsey called the police at 5:25 am. The police arrived, but instead of following protocol, many mistakes were made in the investigation such as not roping off certain areas, keeping the house open to friends and family, and no moves were made to collect evidence.
Then, at 1:05 pm, John Ramsey found JonBenet’s body covered in a sheet in the basement.
The very little evidence found was the fact that JonBenet had died of strangulation and she had been a victim of sexual assault. The parents were always the main suspects in the case, and the public was widely convinced that they had committed the murder. For a long time,
John was accused of sexual assault of his daughter, however these charges were dropped.
DNA evidence was not used from the start but was used to eradicate the parents from the list of suspects. No one was ever convicted, and this case was an example of how investigative faults can ruin a case. 1) The investigators did not take the time to collect forensic evidence, nor did they tape off areas in the hous. The house was also not searched. The house of the Ramsey’s was considered the crime scene. Blood, a pubic hair, and a footprint were collected as evidence. None of these were matched to anyone.
2) DNA evidence, at least until the later years of the case.
3) Who had access to the house? Who was familiar with the house? Who could be seeking revenge against the ramseys?
4) The manner in which this case was handled was very sloppy and careless. The emotions of those involved in the case hindered the prosecution.
Ms. Levine
Hot Case Gone Cold
12 January 2015
The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey
On December 26th, 1996, Patsy Ramsey walks downstairs at 5:00 am to find a note at the bottom of the staircase stating that they had kidnapped her daughter and demanded a ransom of $118,000 or else the child would be killed. Not finding JonBenet in her room, Patsy and John Ramsey called the police at 5:25 am. The police arrived, but instead of following protocol, many mistakes were made in the investigation such as not roping off certain areas, keeping the house open to friends and family, and no moves were made to collect evidence.
Then, at 1:05 pm, John Ramsey found JonBenet’s body covered in a sheet in the basement.
The very little evidence found was the fact that JonBenet had died of strangulation and she had been a victim of sexual assault. The parents were always the main suspects in the case, and the public was widely convinced that they had committed the murder. For a long time,
John was accused of sexual assault of his daughter, however these charges were dropped.
DNA evidence was not used from the start but was used to eradicate the parents from the list of suspects. No one was ever convicted, and this case was an example of how investigative faults can ruin a case. 1) The investigators did not take the time to collect forensic evidence, nor did they tape off areas in the hous. The house was also not searched. The house of the Ramsey’s was considered the crime scene. Blood, a pubic hair, and a footprint were collected as evidence. None of these were matched to anyone.
2) DNA evidence, at least until the later years of the case.
3) Who had access to the house? Who was familiar with the house? Who could be seeking revenge against the ramseys?
4) The manner in which this case was handled was very sloppy and careless. The emotions of those involved in the case hindered the prosecution.