S.B.T.C sound that out loud to yourself

[Rain on my Parade]

Yes, this is said. But the studies on which that saying is based make differentiation between manual strangling (spontaneous, hands on the throat kind of strangling) and stranglings that involve nylons or belts...garrotes are a thing precisely because the executioner doesn't want to feel the life draining out of the victim. Manual strangulation is rage and intimacy (and even an unsuccessful one committed on a domestic partner is an indicator of further violence and the potential for homicide).

In this case the garrote was for show only. It serves no purpose (in regards to the strangulation) except to the perp. The bruise on JB lower left throat area shows that obviously someone grabbed her here and twisted. I have often thought the strangulation served two purposes: possibility to hide the the twisting of her skin and the second to end her life. This was a manual strangulation.

Who would be so full of rage here do you suppose since no one broke into the house?

 

[dcountmontecristo]

IMO, BPD got it right when they thought SBTC was linked to Subic regardless of the said acronyms' existence in the official listing of the US Bureau of Navy. Point is .. SBTC is known only by personnel who worked and assigned in the Subic Naval base (Phils) and logically John was the only person in the family who knew and recognized it very well. if only the BPD made a thorough investigation on this part of the ransom note, they would have proved their theory about the link was true. I mean they should have personally visited the place and asked people in the base or the villages near it , i m pretty sure they could find some clear understanding if "SBTC" could be a potential lead in uncovering the mystery of the ransom note

 

[TeaTime]

Sun Business Technology Company. John owned it in Atlanta. He had BIG letters on the side of a building SBTC although his office was not there. Sun Bank and Trust Corporation sued him over the sign as theirs was SBTC too. He had to spend a lot of money to have the letters made to spell out his business name.

 

[David Rogers]

Sun Business Technology Company. John owned it in Atlanta. He had BIG letters on the side of a building SBTC although his office was not there. Sun Bank and Trust Corporation sued him over the sign as theirs was SBTC too. He had to spend a lot of money to have the letters made to spell out his business name.

This is the first time I’ve heard this. I’m surprised this has not come out before.

 

[David Rogers]

Sun Business Technology Company. John owned it in Atlanta. He had BIG letters on the side of a building SBTC although his office was not there. Sun Bank and Trust Corporation sued him over the sign as theirs was SBTC too. He had to spend a lot of money to have the letters made to spell out his business name.

Is there any confirmation or date on this?

 

[Logic101]

Sun Business Technology Company. John owned it in Atlanta. He had BIG letters on the side of a building SBTC although his office was not there. Sun Bank and Trust Corporation sued him over the sign as theirs was SBTC too. He had to spend a lot of money to have the letters made to spell out his business name.

Actually, it is known as SunTrust Bank, not Sun Bank and Trust. In 1985, Trust Company of Georgia merged with SunBanks to become SunTrust Bank, Inc.

 

[Newbie97]

Not sure about SBTC = Patsy, but I do believe she may have been framed.

The handwriting doesn't match hers, but it looks like someone was trying to in spots. And they did use a pad from inside the house.

I think the person who killed JBR was trying to inflict maximum damage on the family: First by killing and sexually violating their daughter, and second by making them look culpable with the dubious ransom note.

We know it was most likely an outsider due to the strangulation (which actually caused the death) and the sexual violation. Few parents would finish off their daughter simply because she was accidentally injured. Even fewer would violate her in that way before doing so.

The only plausible scenario where that would occur is one where both parents were actively torturing and violently attacking their daughter for the sheer fun of it. Theoretically possible? Sure. But extremely unlikely.

 

[dgfred]

You are missing the prior damage due to violation.

 

[Newbie97]

You are missing the prior damage due to violation.

Some doctors believe there was additional sexual violation to JBR shortly before the murder, but no signs of long-term abuse.

In any event, with no indications of sexual deviancy from either parent, this would also point to an outsider.

 

[Newbie97]

In this case the garrote was for show only. It serves no purpose (in regards to the strangulation) except to the perp. The bruise on JB lower left throat area shows that obviously someone grabbed her here and twisted. I have often thought the strangulation served two purposes: possibility to hide the the twisting of her skin and the second to end her life. This was a manual strangulation.

Who would be so full of rage here do you suppose since no one broke into the house?

We don't know that no one broke into (or entered) the house. In fact, given what occurred, and the ransom note, which could not be conclusively linked to anyone in the house, it is highly likely that someone else entered the house. Either with one of the many keys floating around, or through a door that was left unlocked, or through the broken window. (The spiderweb could've been spun after the entry/departure.)

Who could've been so full of rage? Anyone with an axe to grind against the Ramseys. Or your typical psycho, angry due to childhood abuse or a chemical imbalance.

Finally, most forensic observers believe that JBR was strangled to death with the cord. Even if the assailant may also have choked her with his hands.

 

[David Rogers]

You are missing the prior damage due to violation.

Yes. It did not have to be someone in the house that night. They could have been covering for someone else who had access. Maybe someone whose blanket and an adult Dr Seuss book that was found in a suitcase?

 

[David Rogers]

Actually, it is known as SunTrust Bank, not Sun Bank and Trust. In 1985, Trust Company of Georgia merged with SunBanks to become SunTrust Bank, Inc.

Actually it was SBTC and they merged and changed it to SunTrust.

 

[Rain on my Parade]

We don't know that no one broke into (or entered) the house.

Boulder Police Warrant - January 31, 1997

On December 29, 1996, Your Affiant talked to Sergeant Bob Whitson of the Boulder Police Department. Seargeant Witson told Your Affiant that he responded to 755 15th Street, City and County of Boulder, State of Colorado at approximately 0930 hours on December 25, 1996 in response to the report of a kidnapping. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that when he arrived at the Ramsey residence, he entered through the rear exterior kitchen door. He told Your Affiant that as he entered the residence he saw what appeared to be a pry-mark in the door jam of this door. He told Your Affiant that the mark he observed was on the exterior of the house near the door knob and lock on the door, and that the damaged area appeared to have been less weathered than the surrounding surfaces on the door and door jam. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that he spoke to John Ramsey who identified himself as the owner of the residence and the father of JonBenet Ramsey who he reported was now missing. Seargeant Witson told Your Affiant that John Ramsey stated to him that all the doors to the residence were locked when he and his family went to bed on the previous evening of December 25, 1996. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that John Ramsey told him that the doors were still locked this morning when they discovered the child was missing.

The window well:
ITRMI 220
ST pointed out the murder happened on a frigid December night, when Colorado spiders are dormant. Experts were found to say that when it got warm enough the next afternoon for a spider to wake up and spin another web exactly at the point where the other had broken. Possible?
Maybe. Probable? No.

The keys to the house?
List who had keys: Fleet White, Jay Pettipeice (painter), Joe Barnhill (neighbor), John Andrew Ramsey, John Fernie, Linda Pugh (housekeeper), Linda Wilcox (housekeeper), Nedra Paugh (PR mom), Suzanne Savage (babysitter/nanny).

PMPT Page 179
"On December 26 John Ramsey had told the police there weren't any keys "hidden under rocks" in the yard and that only John Andrew, Nedra, and Linda had extra keys. But three weeks later, on January 21, Patsy's attorney told the police that the Whites, the Fernies, and Joe Barnhill also had keys. In April 1997, Ellis Armistead, an investigator hired by the Ramseys, would tell the police that there were twenty more extra keys outstanding. In the end, however, the detectives could find only nine people who said they had keys. Six of the keys were returned. Three were missing."
In so saying, you realize the detectives were on top of this, right? There may have been a guest that night; but no intruder. Sure it’s a big house, but once you see it in person it’s not so big. Besides, like my son said, “A intruder for Ransom in that neighborhood; no way!” Odd layout though for sure! You had to literally know where you were going in that house. Vendetta? Possibly. Probable? Highly unlikely. Although, someone may have entered as well as exited the house that night. Let’s say a family member or a friend.

Perhaps, I worded it wrong when I stated that JB had been manually strangulated in context. What I meant was IMO, JB was manually strangled first by the shirt collar, then hit on the head, assaulted and then strangled with the cord.

 

[Newbie97]

Boulder Police Warrant - January 31, 1997

On December 29, 1996, Your Affiant talked to Sergeant Bob Whitson of the Boulder Police Department. Seargeant Witson told Your Affiant that he responded to 755 15th Street, City and County of Boulder, State of Colorado at approximately 0930 hours on December 25, 1996 in response to the report of a kidnapping. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that when he arrived at the Ramsey residence, he entered through the rear exterior kitchen door. He told Your Affiant that as he entered the residence he saw what appeared to be a pry-mark in the door jam of this door. He told Your Affiant that the mark he observed was on the exterior of the house near the door knob and lock on the door, and that the damaged area appeared to have been less weathered than the surrounding surfaces on the door and door jam. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that he spoke to John Ramsey who identified himself as the owner of the residence and the father of JonBenet Ramsey who he reported was now missing. Seargeant Witson told Your Affiant that John Ramsey stated to him that all the doors to the residence were locked when he and his family went to bed on the previous evening of December 25, 1996. Seargeant Whitson told Your Affiant that John Ramsey told him that the doors were still locked this morning when they discovered the child was missing.

The window well:
ITRMI 220
ST pointed out the murder happened on a frigid December night, when Colorado spiders are dormant. Experts were found to say that when it got warm enough the next afternoon for a spider to wake up and spin another web exactly at the point where the other had broken. Possible?
Maybe. Probable? No.

The keys to the house?
List who had keys: Fleet White, Jay Pettipeice (painter), Joe Barnhill (neighbor), John Andrew Ramsey, John Fernie, Linda Pugh (housekeeper), Linda Wilcox (housekeeper), Nedra Paugh (PR mom), Suzanne Savage (babysitter/nanny).

PMPT Page 179
"On December 26 John Ramsey had told the police there weren't any keys "hidden under rocks" in the yard and that only John Andrew, Nedra, and Linda had extra keys. But three weeks later, on January 21, Patsy's attorney told the police that the Whites, the Fernies, and Joe Barnhill also had keys. In April 1997, Ellis Armistead, an investigator hired by the Ramseys, would tell the police that there were twenty more extra keys outstanding. In the end, however, the detectives could find only nine people who said they had keys. Six of the keys were returned. Three were missing."
In so saying, you realize the detectives were on top of this, right? There may have been a guest that night; but no intruder. Sure it’s a big house, but once you see it in person it’s not so big. Besides, like my son said, “A intruder for Ransom in that neighborhood; no way!” Odd layout though for sure! You had to literally know where you were going in that house. Vendetta? Possibly. Probable? Highly unlikely. Although, someone may have entered as well as exited the house that night. Let’s say a family member or a friend.

Perhaps, I worded it wrong when I stated that JB had been manually strangulated in context. What I meant was IMO, JB was manually strangled first by the shirt collar, then hit on the head, assaulted and then strangled with the cord.

1. The fact John Ramsey *believed* the doors were all locked when he went to bed doesn't mean they actually were. He may have overlooked one (or more), but probably wouldn't want to admit that to himself if it facilitated his daughter's abduction. It's also possible that someone in the family unlocked a door for some reason (looking outside?) after he went to bed. And any intruder could've easily locked an unlocked door behind him as he left, depending on the lock-type in question.

2. As you note, it's possible for a spider to weave another web over the basement window well.

3. You appear to acknowledge that at least three keys to the house were never recovered. With many other possibly floating around. Especially since any of the contractors/workers could've copied their key to enable someone else to break in later. Contractors do this sometimes.

In other words, there's clearly multiple ways an intruder could've entered the home.

"In so saying, you realize the detectives were on top of this, right?"

I really don't think the detectives in Boulder could've found their *advertiser censored* with an extra set of hands. They had very little experience with major crimes, and it showed here.

"There may have been a guest that night; but no intruder."

With respect, you've provided no firm basis to conclude this. You've actually provided evidence that an intruder could've entered the house, with or without a key. It's just an opinion, and it could potentially be correct, but it could just as easily be incorrect. We simply don't know at this point.

"Besides, like my son said, “A intruder for Ransom in that neighborhood; no way!”

Why not? If someone knew John had a ton of money, and had just received a major bonus, the neighborhood wouldn't really matter.

"Vendetta? Possibly. Probable? Highly unlikely."

Based on what? We simply don't know the likelihood of this being a Vendetta, as we don't know what kind of relationships the Ramseys may have had that may have led to such a vendetta. It may seem far-fetched, but so does strangling the life out of your living daughter and then sexually violating her simply to protect your son from a legally impossible assault charge.

"Although, someone may have entered as well as exited the house that night."

Which is all I'm saying. In contrast to those who assume, without basis, that there were definitely only three other people in the home that night.

"Let’s say a family member or a friend."

Certainly a possibility.

 

[Newbie97]

Wow! Look what one finds:
View attachment 241884
https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/03/02/dr-seuss-seven-lady-godivas/

If you're looking to JAR as a suspect, I think he's more likely than anyone known to be in the house.

He was reputed to be obsessed with JBR, and I could see a son from JR's first marriage having resentment against the two new children who get most of his father's attention.

Maybe he decided to fake an abduction of JBR and get money from his dad that way -- money he couldn't otherwise get for some reason. Maybe he set up his alibi with a friend, who had his ATM card. He knew the house layout, and had a key. He probably knew the family's schedule, and could've entered the house while they were away, and worked on the ransom note then. He could've hid under the bed, or downstairs, and then gotten JBR. She, knowing him, would probably not have screamed. He could've led her downstairs, and then decided to mess with her before leaving the house with her. Maybe he was high, not unusual for college kids over Christmas break. At some point, maybe she struggled, and he inflicted the head injury. He could've found the paintbrush and twine and used it on JBR after the head injury.

Maybe he was planning on taking the suitcase with him, and then decided against it when he realized he had killed JBR. Or maybe he intended to kill her all along.

Either way, it's possible that JR discovered he was there, after she was dead, and proceeded to cover up for him. Without ever telling PR. That would explain why both were willing to go on public interviews afterwards. I can't see two people guilty of murder, or even just finishing off their daughter, going on television to discuss the incident. I *can* see John being willing to do this as part of an effort to protect his wife from unfair accusations. Given that he wasn't really guilty himself either. And I can certainly see Patsy being willing to publicly deny her involvement on television if she wasn't actually involved.

This really fits better than any other theories I've seen.

 

[Rain on my Parade]

1. The fact John Ramsey *believed* the doors were all locked when he went to bed doesn't mean they actually were. He may have overlooked one (or more), but probably wouldn't want to admit that to himself if it facilitated his daughter's abduction. It's also possible that someone in the family unlocked a door for some reason (looking outside?) after he went to bed. And any intruder could've easily locked an unlocked door behind him as he left, depending on the lock-type in question.

Let’s assume for a minute that JR believed the RN. Do you honestly believe he would have made a statement to BPD that morning that all doors to the house were locked? I know if my doors are locked when I retire; do you? Besides they were leaving on an early flight the next morning to Michigan. Another reason to make sure the doors were locked the night b4. If you are suggesting that someone let themselves in; wouldn’t it be questionable that no one in the house was awakened by all the commotion?

2. As you note, it's possible for a spider to weave another web over the basement window well.

Possible? Maybe. Probable? No.

3. You appear to acknowledge that at least three keys to the house were never recovered. With many other possibly floating around. Especially since any of the contractors/workers could've copied their key to enable someone else to break in later. Contractors do this sometimes.

Your assuming the contractor/workers knew the exact amount of JR’s bonus that year. When you get a bonus would you tell you contractors/workers? How could they possible know the exact amount?

In other words, there's clearly multiple ways an intruder could've entered the home.

"In so saying, you realize the detectives were on top of this, right?"

I really don't think the detectives in Boulder could've found their *advertiser censored* with an extra set of hands. They had very little experience with major crimes, and it showed here.

That would leave 3 doors to enter by. Either side door or the front door. BR stated he got up to knock out his toy after everyone went to bed. He was awake. Why did JR state he didn’t mean to kill her the next morning? We didn’t mean for this to happen? If you want to play the somebody entered that house then I suggest you study the layout deeply. The only feasible person IMO could have been JAR/MR.
Have you considered the fact that the BPD were taking directives already by higher ups. Why do you suppose the phone records were never turned over from that night and the next morning?

Based on what? We simply don't know the likelihood of this being a Vendetta, as we don't know what kind of relationships the Ramseys may have had that may have led to such a vendetta. It may seem far-fetched, but so does strangling the life out of your living daughter and then sexually violating her simply to protect your son from a legally impossible assault charge.

There was no charge. BR was 9; barely a month away from turning 10. He could not be charged. You do not believe the parents were capable of sacrificing the one child for the other? They were indicted!
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Media/Opinion_Docs/PRamsey Grand Jury.pdf
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Media/Opinion_Docs/JRamsey Grand Jury.pdf

Which is all I'm saying. In contrast to those who assume, without basis, that there were definitely only three other people in the home that night.

"Let’s say a family member or a friend."

Certainly a possibility.

The only logical explanation to me would have been DS.

 

[Rain on my Parade]

If you're looking to JAR as a suspect, I think he's more likely than anyone known to be in the house.

He was reputed to be obsessed with JBR, and I could see a son from JR's first marriage having resentment against the two new children who get most of his father's attention.

Maybe he decided to fake an abduction of JBR and get money from his dad that way -- money he couldn't otherwise get for some reason. Maybe he set up his alibi with a friend, who had his ATM card. He knew the house layout, and had a key. He probably knew the family's schedule, and could've entered the house while they were away, and worked on the ransom note then. He could've hid under the bed, or downstairs, and then gotten JBR. She, knowing him, would probably not have screamed. He could've led her downstairs, and then decided to mess with her before leaving the house with her. Maybe he was high, not unusual for college kids over Christmas break. At some point, maybe she struggled, and he inflicted the head injury. He could've found the paintbrush and twine and used it on JBR after the head injury.

Maybe he was planning on taking the suitcase with him, and then decided against it when he realized he had killed JBR. Or maybe he intended to kill her all along.

Either way, it's possible that JR discovered he was there, after she was dead, and proceeded to cover up for him. Without ever telling PR. That would explain why both were willing to go on public interviews afterwards. I can't see two people guilty of murder, or even just finishing off their daughter, going on television to discuss the incident. I *can* see John being willing to do this as part of an effort to protect his wife from unfair accusations. Given that he wasn't really guilty himself either. And I can certainly see Patsy being willing to publicly deny her involvement on television if she wasn't actually involved.

This really fits better than any other theories I've seen.

What tangled webs we weave. My reply about the book was to DavidRogers. I searched and found the adult book. I had not seen it before.
I never suggested is was JAR in the post. Do I believe he and MR were already at the house for the next mornings trip? Possibly because of the palm print on the cellar door. LHP and family members weren’t found on the door (whom had moved all those Christmas trees) to all those rooms of the house. MR was seldom at the R home as she was busy with her nursing profession. So why was her palm print on the seldom used door?
And yes, I am aware of the fact that JAR had a creepy obsession with JB. Perhaps he/they slipped through the cracks (taking the evidence with them). There was a reason why the next morning after finding JB suddenly JR had to fly to Atlanta for a business trip he couldn’t miss. His plan b4 finding JB was to fly to Michigan. Oh, they all were involved IMO.
I do not actually agree with your entire theory but that is okay. We can allow to each his own.

 

[Tobiano8th]

i like interesting theories... and appreciate OP's theory.

but

1) where do you get an A from?

2) why make the S silent?

it's probably "Saved BT Cross" or less likely "subic bay"........... i don't mind the theory it's someone from john's past at subic bay. but SBTC being subic bay and it being play on patsy's name seems like far too much.

 

[elannia]

Actually it was SBTC and they merged and changed it to SunTrust.

Wow, that is news to me, was this ever questioned?

 

[Swirlz]

And yes, I am aware of the fact that JAR had a creepy obsession with JB. .

Does anyone have a source for this? I've heard this before but as far as I can tell, it seems to just be an internet rumor. I wonder where it originated.