Analysis of the Linguistics and Handwriting in the Ramsey Ransom Note - Forums For Justice
Analysis of the Linguistics and Handwriting in the Ramsey Ransom Note Copyright 2007 by Cherokee
He made a series of claims. In order to evaluate these claims, I make use of LLRN and BRN in order to see how well his claims hold up, and as an independent check to see the soundness of his conclusions. If I dont offer a counter-claim, it is likely I agree. I agree that the note contains movie references to Speed, Dirty Harry, Ransom among others.
Like the RN, I started out carefully formatting but then as I grew tired, I just started cut and pasting. Note, Cherokee owns the copyright to his statements, but I provided them as fair-use, in that I provided his statement, in context, and counterexamples, if I am aware of any. There might be some sloppiness on my part on the cut and pasting, I apologize in advance, but Cherokees analysis spans over 3 pages single spaced text.
Unless otherwise stated, the material comes from Cherokee, LLRN, BRN, and RN.
When I first read a copy of the Ramsey ransom note, I immediately knew it was a fake. The content was overly dramatic and much too wordy to be a real ransom note from real kidnappers.
Please see BRN. 970 words $500k paid out. LLRN almost so.
Also in line 2, the beginning phrase, Listen carefully! has been noted by others for its ironic use of the word listen even though the communication is written, not spoken.
Attention
I'm sorry this had to happen, but I am in bad need of money, & couldn't get it any other way Weinberger ranson note, attention not read carefully
Further analysis of the note showed that even though the author strove to present a threatening tone, a strange concern for the recipient of the ransom note was present. There was almost a motherly quality to the instructions given in phrases such as Make sure that you bring an adequate size attache, put the money in a brown paper bag, and I advise you to be rested, among others.
from BRN
"Loved one-please come home. We will pay all expenses
and meet you anywhere at anytime. Your Family."
Contemplate, if you will, the position into which this puts
you.
The money should be placed in a large cigar box, or if this is impossible, in a heavy cardboard box, securely closed and wrapped in white paper.
As you can see, you don't want to catch us for to do so would be condemning your lovely and intelligent daughter to death.
In addition, the parallel linguistic construction of the paragraph containing the sentences ending with she dies was almost poetic in nature, and certainly not believable.
parallel linguistic construction exist in other RNs of almost poetic in nature
this comes from BRN
Contemplate,
if you will, if you pay
the ransom prior to seven days,
Should you catch the messenger
we send to pick up the ransom
We will immediately know his fate.
Should you catch all, of us
we will never admit anything as to do
If you ask the police t
She is quite safe, if somewhat
uncomfortable.
Should you catch all, of us
we will never admit anything as to do
so would be suicide and again
-she will die.
As you can see, you don't want to catch We can see no way for you to secure the safe return o
The salutation only addresses one parent, not both parents of the allegedly kidnapped child. The ransom note author uses the formal Mr. Ramsey. What is interesting is why the author felt a salutation was necessary. A ransom note only has to state the amount of money demanded and the time of a call and/or where to make the drop. Finding the note in their home, and their daughter missing, the Ramseys would assume the note was addressed to them.
LLRN Dear Sir;
As you no doubt know by this time your son has been kidnapped.
BRN
Sir,
your daughter has been kidnapped by us and we now
hold her for ransom. She is quite safe, if somewhat
uncomfortable.
Also in line 2, the beginning phrase, Listen carefully! has been noted by others for its ironic use of the word listen even though the communication is written, not spoken.
You need fear no physical harm for him provided you live up carefully to the following instructions,
First of all, the faction would not be foreign to the writer if they were truly foreign. Secondly, a true terrorist or rebel faction never describes their organization as small. They want to appear powerful and able to inflict harm at will. They will boast of their large numbers and ability to do damage. By using the adjective small, the author is obviously trying to minimize their threat. But why?
William Hance 1978
We are an organization composed of seven members
(William acted alone in staged kidnapping of Gail Johnson)
Once again, the writer is somewhat redundant in saying JonBenet is safe and unharmed. To be safe is to assume to be unharmed and vice versa.
-agreed but has been noted before.
Allow me to ensure you that he is at present well and safe LLRN
The instruction to bring an adequate size attache is unnecessary and part of the authors need to tell the story. They are visualizing the scenario as though it was playing out in a movie, from where they probably got most of their ideas for the ransom note. Concern about the adequate size of a container for ransom is NOT in the mindset of most kidnappers.
3. The money should be placed in a large cigar box, or if this is impossible, in a heavy cardboard box, securely closed and wrapped in white paper.
3) The bills should occupy no more than 400 cubic inches and thusly fit into a standard large suitcase of inside dimensions 31.5" longx18.75" highx6.25" deep. Purchase such a suitcase and lock the bills inside.
The ransom note author is following the steps taught to all communications/journalism majors on how to write a story ... who, what, why, when, where, and how.
It should be noted that Patsy Ramsey was a journalism major, and very proud of that accomplishment. She even used the initials of her bachelors degree in an acronym with her name. Patsy knew how to write and tell a good story. Her talent portion for beauty pageants was dramatic speech.
Of course, Patsy is not the only journalism major in the world, just as she is not the only person who uses far right indentation in her letter closings and exclamation marks. But the fact is important because Patsy was one of four people in the house the night JonBenet died, and she had access to the ransom note pad and pen.
As we have seen, the ransom note authors main purpose was to establish the identity of who wrote the note, and therefore, who was ultimately responsible for the dead body in the home. Once that priority was taken care of, they turned to what and why, a kidnapping scenario somehow related to a foreign faction, and when, supposedly at the time of writing. With those details in order, the writer next concentrates on
LLRN & BRN accomplish this, neither were journalism majors.
The sentence reads, I will call you between 8 and 10 am tomorrow to instruct you on delivery.
Once again, the writer is concerned with instructions, not action. The authors true focus is subconsciously revealed because they know there has been no kidnapping, there will be no ransom and therefore, no real action will be taken or needed.
. Should you however, disobey any of our instructions even slightly, his death will be the penalty. LLRN
You will receive a future communication instruction you as to your future orders. :LLRN
. Here are the requirements you must meet in this matter BRN
The main thought of the sentence, The delivery will be exhausting is followed by a subordinate clause so I advise you to be rested. The author continues using the first person singular pronoun, but the most important factor in this sentence is the concern expressed for Johns welfare. No hardened criminal, vagrant or foreign faction would care if John was rested or not. The concern is a subconscious revelation of the authors personality, which is nurturing, and therefore, according to probability, female.
This is further confirmation of what we saw earlier in the paragraph. Linguistically, the ransom note author has now taken on a decidedly feminine voice in their overall tone and choice of words.
However, should you carefully follow out out instructions to the letter, we can assure you that your son will be safely returned from LLRN sounds feminie
She is quite safe, if somewhat
uncomfortable. We offer no proof of our possession of her
at this time. It will arrive by mail in a few days. Barbara is
presently alive inside a small capsule buried in a remote
piece of soil. She has enough food and water and air to
last seven days. At the end of the seven days the life supporting
batteries will be discharged and her air supply will be cut off.
As you can see, you don't want to catch us for to do so would be condemning your lovely and intelligent daughter to death.
When you have the money in readiness, call all the Miami
area major newspapers and place the following ad in the "personal" section of the classified advertisemsnts:
"Loved one-please come home. We will pay all expenses
and meet you anywhere at anytime. Your Family."
Within twelve hours after you deliver the money you will receive another call advising you of your daughter's whereabouts. A letter will be sent also to insure the findings of your daughter.
Most importantly, in this last paragraph, the writer sets the stage for the reason JonBenet will be found dead. They threaten that JonBenet she will be executed if there is any deviation from their instructions. They warn, among other things, that the Ramseys are not to call or contact anyone.
With this, the purpose of the ransom note is revealed. The ransom note author KNOWS the Ramseys will completely ignore their repeated warnings and contact not only the police, but also an address book full of friends. How does the writer know this? Because they are not a foreign faction, or even a criminal, but a member of the Ramsey family who knows JonBenet is already dead. For this Ramsey, ignoring the very warnings they have penned is part of the plan. It provides the reason for JonBenets death and why her body is found in the Ramseys basement where it was presumably taken after the kidnappers detect (with their omnipotence) the Ramseys non-compliance of their demands.
Any deviation from this outline will result in your death.
Should you however, disobey any of our instructions even slightly, his death will be the penalty.
They warn, among other things, that the Ramseys are not to call or contact anyone.
Don't tell anyone or go to the Police about this, because I am watching you closely. I am scared stiff, & will kill the baby, at your first wrong move. Peter Weinberger
Should you catch all, of us we will never admit anything as to do
so would be suicide and again-she will die.
1) Although we will always anticipate the involvement of the police in this situation, be assured that if your communication with them or their actual presence is detected, we will break off negotiations with you immediately. We have tied into several
of the possible means of communications that you have with the police and feel that you will be unable to contact them without our
knowledge.
The threatening tone of this paragraph continues with the sentence in lines 31 through 33. The sentence reads, You will also be denied her remains for a proper burial. This statement opens a window into the ransom note authors mind, as they try to top the execution threat with another punishment.
Why is this necessary? Wouldnt JonBenets DEATH be considered the ultimate punishment in the mind of the writer? The answer is because JonBenets death has already happened. It is a fact of reality and the only thing left is for her body to be found, thus the focus is on JonBenets BODY not her death.
The ransom note author is now having trouble suppressing their emotions about JonBenets death, and the accompanying images of her lifeless body. These images are starting to become a part of the ransom note as the writer struggles to maintain focus and concentration.
The use of the adjective proper in relation to the noun burial is interesting as it shows how important a proper burial is to the writer.
"As you can see, you don't want to catch us for to do so would be condemning your *lovely and intelligent daughter* to death."
The author is concerned with the care of JonBenets body just as they were concerned with John being rested. There is a nurturing, and feminine, component in the midst of the sentences threatening tone.
Before modern times and the advent of funeral homes, women were responsible for the care and proper preparation of a body for burial. They bathed the corpse and dressed it in the deceaseds favorite or best clothing. JonBenets body was treated in similar fashion. When it was found, it had been wiped clean and wrapped carefully in a blanket.
The parallel with the ransom note with JonBenets body cannot be dismissed. In both the staging of the ransom note and of JonBenets body, there are elements of the macabre and horrific, but underneath the harsh words and images there is a paradoxical thread of nurture and concern. This thread is part of the writers true identity that lies just below the false self-imposed mask.
. Barbara is
presently alive inside a small capsule buried in a remote
piece of soil.
The box is waterproof and very strong-fiberglass reinforced
plywood-she has little chance of escaping. The box is in an unusual and lonely place. She has no chance of being accidently stumbled upon.
Contemplate, if you will, the position into which this puts
you. . If you ask the police to advise you in this matter please be aware that
their very presence will scare us off. We can see no way for you to secure the safe return of your daughter other than to obey instructions explicitly.
Within twelve hours after you deliver the money you will receive another call advising you of your daughter's whereabouts. A letter will be sent also to insure the findings of your daughter.
The next section of the ransom note is a lengthy and overly dramatic warning about what will happen to JonBenet if the Ramseys speak to anyone about their situation, tamper with the ransom money, or wear any electronic devices during the money drop. The writer also claims they are familiar with law enforcement countermeasures and tactics, gives percentages on the Ramseys chances of getting JonBenet back or of killing her, and states the Ramseys are under constant scrutiny as well as the authorities.
The author takes great pains to stress what will happen to JonBenet if the Ramsey do not cooperate with their instructions. They also stress their omniscience in being able to monitor the Ramseys and the authorities which includes bank workers and law enforcement. Because the ransom note writer is working backward from an end results, the excessive threats and claims of omnipotent surveillance are necessary to explain events that have already happened in the Ramsey home.
. Should you however, disobey any of our instructions even slightly, his death will be the penalty.
1. For obvious reasons make absolutely no attempt to communicate with either police authorities or any private agency. Should you already have communicated with the police, allow them to continue their investigations, but do not mention this letter.
As a final word of warning - this is a strictly commercial proposition, and we are prepared to put our threat into execution should we have reasonable to believe that you committed an infraction of the above instructions
Contemplate, if you will, the position into which this puts
you. If you pay the ransom prior to seven days,
we will tell you of her whereabouts. Should you catch the
messenger we send to pick up the ransom, we will simply
not say anything to anyone and ergo Barbara will
suffocate. The messenger knows only one of us and he will report to us via radio from the pickup site. We will immediately know his fate.
Should you catch all, of us we will never admit anything as to do
so would be suicide and again-she will die. As you can see, you don't want to catch us for to do so would be condemning your lovely and intelligent daughter to death. The police may allow you to have a free hand prior to the return of your daughter
should you be so callous as to contact them. If you ask the police to advise you in this matter please be aware that
their very presence will scare us off. We can see no way for you to secure the safe return of your daughter other than to obey instructions explicitly.
With this, the purpose of the ransom note is revealed. The ransom note author KNOWS the Ramseys will completely ignore their repeated warnings and contact not only the police, but also an address book full of friends. How does the writer know this?
Should you already have communicated with the police, allow them to continue their investigations, but do not mention this letter.
1) Although we will always anticipate the involvement of the police in this situation, be assured that if your communication with them or their actual presence is detected, we will break off negotiations with you immediately. We have tied into several
of the possible means of communications that you have with the police and feel that you will be unable to contact them without our
knowledge.
The most important element of this section relates to the ransom note writers use of the personal pronoun you and their linguistic attempt to connect with the reader. This type of writing is indicative of a female author. Female writers favor personal words such as you, her and she, and relationship words such as for, with, in, and not. Mr. Shlomo Argamon, a linguist and computer scientist at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, states, Women have a more interactive style. They want to create a relationship between the writer and the reader. Men, on the other hand, use more numbers, adjectives and determiners - words such as the, this and that.
Allow me to ensure you that he is at present well and safe. You need fear no physical harm for him provided you live up carefully to the following instructions, and to such others as you will receive by future communications. Should you however, disobey any of our instructions even slightly, his death will be the penalty. You will receive a future communication instruction you as to your future orders.
As a final word of warning However, should you carefully follow out out instructions to the letter
Contemplate, if you will, the position into which this puts
you. If you pay the ransom prior to seven days,
we will tell you of her whereabouts. Should you catch
When you have the money in readiness, call all the Miami
In line 51, the author continues with their thought, and placement, of percentages with, Follow our instructions and you stand a 100% chance of getting her back. Once again, direct emphasis is put on the Ramseys following the writers instructions to ensure JonBenets survival. The repeated instructions and warnings are necessary in the authors mind even though their redundancy (and ridiculous language) is so evident to us. They want there to be no mistake that JonBenet WILL BE DEAD if the Ramsey dont comply with their demands.
She has enough food and water and air to
last seven days. At the end of the seven days the life supporting
batteries will be discharged and her air supply will be cut off.
As a final word of warning - this is a strictly commercial proposition, and we are prepared to put our threat into execution should we have reasonable to believe that you committed an infraction of the above instructionse
After performing my own analysis on the ransom note many years ago, I recently came across a web site which used a simplified version of the algorithm developed by Argamon and Koppel. I typed in the Ramsey ransom note text to obtain a gender analysis from the computer program. The result confirmed my earlier analysis, and that of many others. The Argamon and Koppel program said the ransom note author was female. In fact, the score was 1077 (female) to 464 (male).
--try using writings known to be male and female and see how well this program works.
Murdering pedophiles do not leave ransom notes, fake or otherwise, and they certainly dont take their time composing a three page letter in their victims home using pen and paper left on the kitchen counter.
He should read what happened to Susan Denegan and Marian Parker
Marian Parker (1927)
Case Details. Marian, age 12, "was snatched in 1927 by someone who sent ransom notes to the family. But kidnapping wasn't the motive; the "kidnapper" collected a ransom and delivered the girl back to her family -- she had been killed and her body desecrated in a classic case of Lustmord or lust murder. See an excellent summary by Mark Gribben." Source: Laura James at Clews The Historic True Crime Blog.
Susan Denegan
RN
Get $20,000 ready & waite (sic) for word. Do not notify FBI or police. Bills in $5's and $10's." On the backside was a warning: "Burn this for her safty
From a page on Richard Heirens:
"In a comfortable neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, James Degnan lived with his
wife, Helen, 9-year-old daughter, Betty, and 6-year-old daughter, Suzanne. In the early
morning hours of January 7, 1946, Suzanne Degnan was kidnapped from her home and a
ransom note was found on the bedroom floor. Before nightfall, police discovered her
dismembered body parts in the sewers of her north side neighborhood. The autopsy later
revealed that the child had been strangled."
Suzanne was sleeping in a room very close to her parents' room. Her mother heard some noise in the
night, called out to Suzanne and asked if everything was alright. The child answered yes and the mother
went back to sleep.
The next morning the child was gone, taken in the night, and a note was left.
The front of the ransom note:
Get $20,000 Ready + Waite
for Word. Do Not Notify
FBI or Police. Bills in 5's
and 10's.
Back of the note:
BURN THIS FOR HER SAFETY
The child was not safe. She had been taken to a nearby basement, strangled, dismembered. Her head
was the first part found.
17 year old Richard Heirens was caught burglarizing a house 6 months later. He was tried for three
murders, two elderly women who were killed during burglaries, and Suzanne Degnan.
L&L were alleged to have molestation given BF was naked and gagged, the brutality of the crime, selection of target, mutilation of corpse, and L&L were openly gay. - I cannot ad more as a single post I've reached the lmit.