Thank you,
gramcracker.
This isn't quite how I've interpreted the events leading up to the decision of inaction, but I understand how your opinion was formed. Steve Thomas attributed a statement to special agent John Lang of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that implied Alex Hunter was solely responsible for the final call. However, the entirety of Thomas' portrayal in IRMI causes me to doubt this was the case, p. 305-306:
"We came very close to exhuming the body of JonBenét Ramsey.
Throughout February we wrestled with that vexing question, because experts said the body might yield information on a wide range of points, from the vaginal trauma to settling the stun gun theory. The very idea was anathema to us all, and everyone agreed that before proceeding we needed assurances that vital questions would indeed be answered. Otherwise we would look like monsters.
The problem was psychological, not tactical or physical. The child had been laid to rest, and digging her up was almost unthinkable. This was one of the most shocking actions a government could take.
Commander Beckner said he was leaning toward doing it and assigned me to call once again upon the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for help. 'No problem,' said GBI special agent John Lang. He soon came back with the details from the GBI attorneys, who said the only thing they needed was a comprehensive search warrant, medically researched and specific, with the facts clearly delineated, stating why we needed an exhumation.
Legal and strategic details were worked out simultaneously. A tent would shield the site from any media or helicopters. A coroner and our forensic and medical experts would be standing by to work in a private GBI facility. Remove the body around 3 a.m., take her away in a secure convoy for the tests, return and rebury her the same day.
Lang said Georgia law would be researched to determine if advance parental notification was needed, because the GBI would do it strictly by the book. But they would not allow it to become entangled in back-and-forth negotiations with Team Ramsey lawyers. Notification, if required, would be given by a brief call from a cell phone at the grave site, with a backhoe already in place. When the call ended, they would dig.
In a matter of days, the GBI said Atlanta was ready to go.
But the operation was then canceled because the negatives were greater than the possibility of finding conclusive evidence. Once again Lang was astonished at Boulder-style justice. 'I may not be the most educated guy around, but hey, Mr. Prosecutor, let the chips fall where they may. Either place your bet or fold, because this case ain't going to get any better."
