What made investigators take John Karr so seriously?

[Beyond Belief]

Hi Pearl, welcome to WS.


That is mindboggling.

 

[Jolynna]

This reference to Skip Palenik and Microtrace (the company he is with) in a crime article gives an idea about what he does and therefore a clue about what kind of evidence he might have looked at regarding JonBenet:

Perform a microscopic forensic analysis to determine molecular trace elements deposited on Jovin's clothing, which could identify dirt and tire molecules, among other unique substances, which can be traced to a specific region or vehicle. A microscopic forensic test might show whether Jovin's clothing was in contact with the floor of a Dodge B250 van, the type police said was seen at the crime scene, or of some other van. Skip Palenik in Chicago, for instance, could perform such analysis (see: www.microtracescientific.com/). (Yale could easily afford Palenik's expertise.)

 

[Details]

One possible reason why they are sure this new information is that it came from the suspect. For example, if the secret crime scene info was a statement that if they test this basement object, they'll find a spot of blood on it, and it's his. Or he explained the position of some objects that seemed irrelevant to the crime scene, etc.

I don't think it's impossible that there is information that hasn't leaked - for example, let's say they've got some characters, but not too much of the ransom note first draft - if he knows what it says, and that fits with what they found - that's extremely good info.

 

[chiquita2]

Personally, I have a big feeling that the DA already has DNA back on Karr and that it is his. Just from things I heard today on reports and also because the attorney is trying to get that DNA stricken from the record. Of course, it is going to be retaken anyway whether the new attorney likes it or not but even tho at first I thought Karr was a big nut, and I still do, I also am beginning to think he may be responsible for JB's death and I think they have something big on him that has nothing to do with Tracey.

 

[Chanler]

but since you asked I´ll try to answer your question.

A Homeland Security agent was present when Karr was arrested. Federal agents escorted Karr from Thailand. The US government was involved with the arrest from the beginning.

All news from the US and the world was trumped or preempted by news of the arrest of Karr. For about a week Karr´s arrest seem to take precedence over Iraq, Lebanon, Hezbollah, terror plots, everything. Get the picture.

Federal presence and participation in international cases isn't an oddity; it's the norm. They are the guys there on watch. In fact, in a deportation case, federal participation would be a legal necessity.

 

[Texana]

It's pretty common for several people to confess to a high-profile murder, for various reasons.

John Karr was probably not the first to confess. So what makes him different?

 

[Shelayne]

It's pretty common for several people to confess to a high-profile murder, for various reasons.

John Karr was probably not the first to confess. So what makes him different?

Exactly. They must have something. Something pretty convincing. And they had it before they tracked him to Thailand and followed him for 21 days. To get the Feds and ICE involved, extradition, etc. They have something.

Now the BIG question is--is it Karr or does he hold the key to the actual perp?

WHAT IS IN THAT SEALED AFFADAVIT??? :doh:

 

[LovelyPigeon]

He's not the first to 'confess' in this case. What makes him different is the warrant issued for his arrest. And that warrant is sealed, under order of a judge, to protect the information about evidence in the case revealed in the affidavit for the warrant.

 

[SherriRN]

One possible reason why they are sure this new information is that it came from the suspect. For example, if the secret crime scene info was a statement that if they test this basement object, they'll find a spot of blood on it, and it's his. Or he explained the position of some objects that seemed irrelevant to the crime scene, etc.

I don't think it's impossible that there is information that hasn't leaked - for example, let's say they've got some characters, but not too much of the ransom note first draft - if he knows what it says, and that fits with what they found - that's extremely good info.

I agree that it is entirely possible that there are minute details that have never leaked. This would include things that may not have been considered a "detail" at the time, such as knowledge of something that was sitting on the kitchen counter or some piece of "junk" that was in the basement unrelated to the case but both could be identified by the killer and are possibly in photos that were taken at the time. Given the enormous attention this case has always drawn, it would be political suicide for the DA to charge this guy unless he actually came up with something that only someone who was there in the house that night could have known. And it could be something really trivial that none of us would even think about. Maybe there was a coffee cup sitting out, or something in JBR's room, like a toy, that caught his attention that we don't know about. Or what if he has the teddy bear or knows where it is? I recall that John's golf bag and clubs were in the basement. Anyone ever know what color the bag was or exactly how many clubs? Maybe this guy knows something like that. I think the only photo I ever saw was in black and white. Maybe he can describe specific xmas ornaments that we don't know about, or pictures on the walls, ect. I would think there is something to this guy's story, even as off the wall as he seems. Also, wouldn't it take someone that off the wall to commit such a terrible crime? Maybe the crime has taken it's tole on him and he's gone nuts as a result? Just thinking out loud. :doh:

 

[Holdontoyourhat]

If there have been others who have confessed falsely to this crime,
I'd love to know WHY law enforcement took JMK at his word that he
murdered Jonbenet.

If he told them something known only to a select few who have worked on
the case, I'm hoping that information will become known to the public.

I feel that Karr is a total obsessed kook who fantasized about Jonbenet....
but nothing more.

Remember Hooper, in Jaws?

"They caught a shark, not THE shark. Big difference."

 

[bulletgirl2002]

The only reason I can come up with is "they know something we don't"

 

[Show Me]

It's pretty common for several people to confess to a high-profile murder, for various reasons.

John Karr was probably not the first to confess. So what makes him different?

And to get so many of the basic facts wrong! Why screw up your confession?

I think John Karr is mentally ill and I would not want this man around any children...but I don't think he killed JonBenet.

 

[BBB167893]

I'm with Show Me. So far, all he knew EVERYONE knew.

 

[MysteryAddict]

I'm with Show Me. So far, all he knew EVERYONE knew.

If Karr's evidence is anything less than a DNA match to the
scene, I would still be suspicious that info may have been
leaked to him.

Did John know of this evidence and leaked it to clear his name?

Probably at least a dozen people (scientists, detectives,Le, etc.) knew of this secret evidence and should be required to take a polygraph to prove they never leaked it to anyone!

None of us want to believe the parents were involved.

If this pervert can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to have killed JonBenet --

That would truly be good news to all of us.

 

[LovelyPigeon]

Newsweek magazine's March 20, 2000 issue contains color crime scene photos including one with a shot of the golf clubs.

 

[tygre]

What was different about JMK? Well, he's the only guy to confess who regularly corresponded with an "expert" on the case...that, of course, being Michael Tracey.

Why is it so difficult to believe that Tracey didn't feed him information "only the cops would know"--or, in this case, "only the cops should have known"?

 

[wenchie]

Actually, they said he knew "gruesome" details about the condition of Jonbenet's body.

I think they way underestimate the amount of into that is out here, and that many of us have heard about.

 

[scandi]

Hi Wenchie,

If what the DA's office said was true {they said it right?} then it has to be something that would not be put in an autopsy report. Rita Cosby on MSNBC said she talked to the coroner and he told her every mark was mentioned and there was nothing left out of the report. Makes one wonder what in the world it could be!

You little Wench you! I've always wanted to say that, but I think your nic is great!

Scandi

 

[openminded1]

Hi Wenchie,

If what the DA's office said was true {they said it right?} then it has to be something that would not be put in an autopsy report. Rita Cosby on MSNBC said she talked to the coroner and he told her every mark was mentioned and there was nothing left out of the report. Makes one wonder what in the world it could be!

You little Wench you! I've always wanted to say that, but I think your nic is great!

Scandi

I think it was also Rita that said according to a source whatever it is is something the media "has not even speculated about"

It's even more unfathomable to me that there is something the media hasn't speculated about than it is that there is unleaked evidence in the case. :banghead:

 

[wenchie]

Hi Wenchie,

If what the DA's office said was true {they said it right?} then it has to be something that would not be put in an autopsy report. Rita Cosby on MSNBC said she talked to the coroner and he told her every mark was mentioned and there was nothing left out of the report. Makes one wonder what in the world it could be!

You little Wench you! I've always wanted to say that, but I think your nic is great!

Scandi

Heh, heh - thanks.

What I think is that the Boulder DA has been listening to people like Lin Wood and Lou Smit, and is totally out of touch with what really happened.

She's probably cringing right now - if she's smart enough to feel embarrassment.