JonBenét Ramsey Case: My Theory & Key Questions

[Onetruesaxon]

Hi all, I’ve just started diving into the JonBenét Ramsey case after watching the Netflix series, so please bear with me as I’m still piecing everything together. I’m hoping someone here can clarify a few points for me that are crucial to my theory

My Key Question:
Was it ever definitively proven whether JonBenét’s body had been taken outside and then brought back into the house? Or was it confirmed that she had been in the basement the entire time?

I feel this detail could be vital in understanding what actually happened.

My Theory:
I believe more than one person was involved—likely two, but possibly more. Here’s how I think it played out:

1. Background:
- The perpetrators were possibly known pedophiles who had observed JonBenét and other children at public events, like pageants.
- They might have been part of a network that bought and sold photos, possibly involving the shady photographer connected to the case.
- One or both of them could have abused JonBenét before, either in her home (without the family knowing) or somewhere else.

2. The Night of the Crime:
- The “kidnappers” were likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- One of them hid inside the Ramsey house while the family was out. During this time, they wrote the bizarre ransom note—perhaps while high—and explored the house.
- The ransom amount ($118,000) might have come from noticing John Ramsey’s work documents, or the intruders already knew about his bonus.

3. The Crime Itself:
- Once the family returned and went to bed, the intruder waited until everyone was asleep.
- Unable to resist his urges, he went to JonBenét’s room. While under the influence, he used the garrote during the assault, which may have caused her death unintentionally.
- he placed her in a suitcase, intending to carry her out through a pre-planned escape route where his accomplice was waiting.

4. Things Go Wrong:
- When they opened the suitcase outside, they realised she was dead. In a panic, they argued—one blaming the other for her death.
- At some point, her head struck a hard surface (or was struck), either because they dropped her or because of a mistaken attempt to ensure she was dead.
- Panicked, they abandoned the plan, leaving her body in the basement instead of removing it from the house.

Questions That I’m Still Stuck On:

1. If the parents hadn’t called the police right away, could the perpetrators have returned her alive?
- The ransom note threatened to kill her if law enforcement was contacted—could they have been serious about that?

2. Were the perpetrators really interested in the ransom money? The note feels like a diversion to me.

3. Is there any possibility the body was brought back into the house after the family called the police? This seems unlikely, but the note’s warning about law enforcement makes me wonder.

4. What do we know about the Ramseys’ alcohol supply? Could the intruder have consumed something while writing the note?


I’d love to hear your thoughts on this theory and whether the details I’ve questioned could change the narrative. This case has so many layers, and I’m eager to see what the community thinks?

EDIT: Another thought: the person or people involved might have come down from whatever drugs they were on and decided not to go through with taking her. They could have panicked and left her where she was or thrown her back down.

 

[Styngyn]

While I've been aware of the case since it happened, I never really paid that much attention to the finer details for no special reason. But like you, after watching the Netflix series, I've become a junkie in just a couple of days.

Personally the IDI (Intruder Did It) theories I just can't get into.

Every single theory here whether it’s RDI (Ramseys Did It) or IDI or some variation thereof has some kind of giant hole in it. There is no perfect angle, all things considered. Each lacks its own form of hard evidence. If I were forced to bet money on whodunnit right now I’d say Burke Did It (BDI). By accident. So many logical things point in that direction Incl’d a lot of the supposed coverup rationale by the parents (i.e. ransom note, body placement etc). Pineapple anybody? But no DNA match. And how do you explain the garrott? How do you explain the supposed SA? Etc etc. Don't know. Herein lies the giant hole for the BDI theory.

IDI theory - sure always plausible, but never has been any evidence to make you blink twice. There is some unknown DNA on the scene, I think, but then we got all the contamination that could nearly discount that. The IDI can rationally explain the garrot and maybe some SA. But how about the ransom note? Odd ransom demand of $118k, etc? Sure could be a knowledgeable family friend/work associate, but you really have to force some puzzle pieces to fit! A stretch

Whatever happened, it contains some very unique elements that even the best sleuth writers are having difficulty filling in the giant holes for each theory. Neatly.

 

[Angeline]

I asked the same question about whether JBR was removed and brought back after the police were called. They would've had to know the house extremely well to avoid detection. They also said in the note that they would kill JBR and not return her body if police were called.

Another critical question, I think, is who opened the door to the room where JBR was found? Apparently JR had a friend with him helping him search the house.

If the friend opened the door, then JR could have been avoiding that room. If JR opened the door, then it's possible he didn't know she was there.

People say JR walked straight to that room. Was it intuition, or was it all part of an act? He wouldn't have even gone searching down there unless police suggested it.

I think the police officer's words were, "why don't you do another search of the house?"

Maybe the house had already been searched and John realised that room hadn't been searched.

P.S. I agree that if IDI, they were high on something. So many things about the case seem erratic.

 

[FergusMcDuck]

People say JR walked straight to that room. Was it intuition, or was it all part of an act? He wouldn't have even gone searching down there unless police suggested it.

He didn't. When he and Fleet went down to the basement they first searched the train room. The boiler room (where the door to the wine cellar was) came next. You can basically go three ways when you go down into the basement, and the boiler room was the second of those that John and Fleet took.

 

[CloudedTruth]

I asked the same question about whether JBR was removed and brought back after the police were called. They would've had to know the house extremely well to avoid detection. They also said in the note that they would kill JBR and not return her body if police were called.

Another critical question, I think, is who opened the door to the room where JBR was found? Apparently JR had a friend with him helping him search the house.

If the friend opened the door, then JR could have been avoiding that room. If JR opened the door, then it's possible he didn't know she was there.

People say JR walked straight to that room. Was it intuition, or was it all part of an act? He wouldn't have even gone searching down there unless police suggested it.

I think the police officer's words were, "why don't you do another search of the house?"

Maybe the house had already been searched and John realised that room hadn't been searched.

P.S. I agree that if IDI, they were high on something. So many things about the case seem erratic.

Linda Arndt decided they needed to search the house again, “from top to bottom” were her words. John leaped up and he and Fleet went straight to the basement, straight to the wine cellar where he found her. John opened the door and in his own words, immediately knew he had found her. He apparently was able to see something before even turning on the light.

Fleet had gone down to the basement searching soon after he arrived that morning. He opened the door of the wine cellar, but could not find the light switch. That room had no windows, it was too dark to see anything so he closed the door.

John claimed he did not know that Fleet had gone down to the basement by himself. John never asked anyone if they had found and searched the wine cellar.

A police officer searching the basement earlier saw the door but saw that it was latched from the outside. In his mind, that meant no one was in there as they could not have latched the door. He was looking for entry / exit points.

 

[FergusMcDuck]

Linda Arndt decided they needed to search the house again, “from top to bottom” were her words. John leaped up and he and Fleet went straight to the basement, straight to the wine cellar where he found her.

Actually, when they went down into the cellar, they didn't go straight to the wine cellar, they went to the train room first.

 

[Galsmiley]

Hi all, I’ve just started diving into the JonBenét Ramsey case after watching the Netflix series, so please bear with me as I’m still piecing everything together. I’m hoping someone here can clarify a few points for me that are crucial to my theory

My Key Question:
Was it ever definitively proven whether JonBenét’s body had been taken outside and then brought back into the house? Or was it confirmed that she had been in the basement the entire time?

I feel this detail could be vital in understanding what actually happened.

My Theory:
I believe more than one person was involved—likely two, but possibly more. Here’s how I think it played out:

1. Background:
- The perpetrators were possibly known pedophiles who had observed JonBenét and other children at public events, like pageants.
- They might have been part of a network that bought and sold photos, possibly involving the shady photographer connected to the case.
- One or both of them could have abused JonBenét before, either in her home (without the family knowing) or somewhere else.

2. The Night of the Crime:
- The “kidnappers” were likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- One of them hid inside the Ramsey house while the family was out. During this time, they wrote the bizarre ransom note—perhaps while high—and explored the house.
- The ransom amount ($118,000) might have come from noticing John Ramsey’s work documents, or the intruders already knew about his bonus.

3. The Crime Itself:
- Once the family returned and went to bed, the intruder waited until everyone was asleep.
- Unable to resist his urges, he went to JonBenét’s room. While under the influence, he used the garrote during the assault, which may have caused her death unintentionally.
- he placed her in a suitcase, intending to carry her out through a pre-planned escape route where his accomplice was waiting.

4. Things Go Wrong:
- When they opened the suitcase outside, they realised she was dead. In a panic, they argued—one blaming the other for her death.
- At some point, her head struck a hard surface (or was struck), either because they dropped her or because of a mistaken attempt to ensure she was dead.
- Panicked, they abandoned the plan, leaving her body in the basement instead of removing it from the house.

Questions That I’m Still Stuck On:

1. If the parents hadn’t called the police right away, could the perpetrators have returned her alive?
- The ransom note threatened to kill her if law enforcement was contacted—could they have been serious about that?

2. Were the perpetrators really interested in the ransom money? The note feels like a diversion to me.

3. Is there any possibility the body was brought back into the house after the family called the police? This seems unlikely, but the note’s warning about law enforcement makes me wonder.

4. What do we know about the Ramseys’ alcohol supply? Could the intruder have consumed something while writing the note?


I’d love to hear your thoughts on this theory and whether the details I’ve questioned could change the narrative. This case has so many layers, and I’m eager to see what the community thinks?

EDIT: Another thought: the person or people involved might have come down from whatever drugs they were on and decided not to go through with taking her. They could have panicked and left her where she was or thrown her back down.

There was no kidnapping, no abduction. The definition of kidnapping - with use of a ' ransom note ' ( letter ) actually .... Is the removal of a person - taking to unknown destination - for the purpose of holding that person in attempts to exchange person for the money ( requested on ransom note ) This did not occur. Even IF your intruder theory began with an attempted kidnapping - why would a kidnapper rifle around in Ramsey's drawer to locate & use Patsy's pad of paper / pen - then sit down to pen a long rambling 3 page letter to leave for their ransom note. .. then.. .. what ? They changed their minds ? Decided instead to go hide in basement with the DEAD child .... Waiting....for ? waiting to escape - None of that makes any sense . Jon Benets body was never removed from that house . Evidence points to both the kids having a late night snack of pineapple / tea at kitchen table . A large silver serving spoon & a glass - not a mug - was used for the tea bag . This snack was not served by an adult . A child got their own snack . ( maybe 3 kids - Burke's best friend/ neighbor, Doug Stine - was allegedly - spending the night , Doug rode home from Christmas party with Ramsey's & had planned on accompanying Burke early the next morning on plane travel trip to Atlanta . Burke often brought D.S on family trips to alleviate his boredom . (He was the ignored child . Got no attention . Was not put high up on pedestal like his little sister. )
IF Doug S has been there that night - the 3 kids were running amok throughout the house staying up late - eating snacks, playing with new toys . While the Ramsey parents were either upstairs sleeping ? ( Not likely - since Patsy was wearing same exact outfit the next am/ day that she wore all evening at Xmas party). They might of left to go have a nightcap - somewhere - maybe returning to the party they just left .
The 3 kids - unattended. ( Although they may very well of been out to bed, tucked in - & were assumed to be asleep when John / Patsy left house for their nightcap at party . ). Thinking the kids will be fine for an hour or so . Locked doors, left for a half hour / or longer .? In the mean time the kids get up ( after faking they were asleep) & had a fun home alone time....until it wasn't fun anymore . Jon Benet could of angered Burke & Doug just doing annoying antagonizing little sister stuff. . They might of ran downstairs to basement to play with Burke's train set & Jon Benet followed the boys. Explains why the train tracks marks were found on her neck . Burke has a long time history of sibling abuse - he was known ( & yes, there are hospital records ) proving his progressive physical & mental abuse he unleashed upon his sis. He routinely smeared his own feces all over Jon Benets bedroom walls ! ( stated by housekeeper) The phycological aspect explaining mental abuse . Burke also habitually attached his sister - & that summer he chased her down across yard , caught up with her then whacked her upside her head with his baseball bat . ( as witnessed by next door.neighbor ) Jon Benets head was hit so hard she was bleeding - & rushed to hospital.
Burke was an ignored, sad, possibly undiagnosed autistic boy who harbored a lot of jealousy of his sister . She was very much favored by his parents, friends, teachers , judges at her beauty pageants . Over the top in popularity. A kid who suffers such extreme favoritism in their childhood carries a lot of pain , anger, rage - which manifests into destructive behavior - physically abusive behavior .
Something enraged Burke that night - maybe his own buddy Doug was paying more attention to Jon Benet that Burke was able to handle . I believe both the boys chased her away from them in train room - one of the boys hit her head with mag light . Which they would of have been using to sneak down into dark basement that night ... Then the boys played Doctor with her ( she was temporarily knocked out - just enough for them to have their way with her . Remember , these boys were pre- teens . Old enough to feel hormones at play - without understanding why they were turned on . ( Patsy allowing Jon Benet to prance around in high heels , provocative costumes - portraying a sexual being ( within her childlike body ) . This does affect pre- pubescent boys . Fact. The boys started playing Dr with her, doing kid like SA , & when she began to wake up & get feisty - they looped a lasso over her neck - created a garote to use to apply intermittent pressure . . They found Burke's swiss army knife down stairs & Burke & Doug were boy scouts who were knowledgeable on tying knots & Burke was well known to habitually whittle sticks of wood with his red knife - leaving wood shavings in his path ( that housekeeper had to clean up after him ). It's not a stretch to imagine this scenario.
* There was no penis penetration - paint brush was used instead . no sperm detected - no rape . An object ( broken piece of paint brush ( same one as garote handle -( Patsys paint brush broken in half & whittled to sharp point - by pocket knife ) This crime was done by youth , not an adult . & Likely 2 youth - not typical of an adult crime . * Neighbor heard a child's shrill scream at midnight -
I highly doubt that the boys intended to end Jon Benets life . They likely had a history of SA her on other occasions ( autopsy report indicates history of previous sexual abuse ) This time it ended badly . They tightened garote too tight for too long ( which ordinarily wouldn't of killed her - but with her head injury - yes. ) She stops flailing, fighting - then stops breathing . The boys panic , . Ramsey's return home - HITS THE FAN ! TURMOIL - CHAOS- SCREAMING - CRYING - blaming - frantic discord ... Ramsey's send Doug away - have him swear never to say one word about what happened tonight . It was an accident after all - things would only get worse - much worse if he told . They sent him home on Jon Benets new sting ray bike she got for Xmas - off he goes riding bike a block away to get home . ( Her bike was indeed found at Stines home ) Then they take Burke upstairs & grill him . Tell him not to speak one word - ever - to anyone .. & they prepare him to go to a friend's house that morning ( planning on that once police were called over ) in the mean time he is to remain in his room. The crime scene staging begins. Patsy is so freaked out sobbing in grief . John dictated to her what to write for a cover up ransom note . She gets out her pad of paper , begins to write , then has to start over - crumples paper - throws in trash ( as was found later by police ) also the pad showed the almost invisible writing pressed into the remaining sheet of paper that was directly under the note Patsy wrote. They ran around doing whatever - brought back up to kitchen ( from basement ) wiped it down of ANY fingerprints . Patsy re- dressed Jon Benet , & they wrapped her up in her favorite white blanket . . Possibly did apply duct tape only to her mouth - just to give the idea of an intruder type of assault . Spent a few hours trying to to calm down & wiping down anywhere fingerprints could be . Then we know the rest . The 911 phone call .
My theory - by researching the evidence & following time line - & looking at the history of behavior of Ramsey family members. As well as understanding human nature , using common sense , following my instincts ( there's many lies being told , much info not being told ). This is not a DNA case . So none of that ' unknown male DNA ' makes any difference. Even IF a male were to be identified - that would not discount any of the Ramsey's involvement . It would be normal for any of the Ramsey's DNA to be on Jon Benets body, clothes , blanket. That is why it is not a DNA case .
No intruder - no signs of breaking into house .
** NO footprints or any activity outside of any of the houses windows, doors, yard . There was a slight skiff of snow, as well as undisturbed frost .
* No kidnapping - occurred. Not at any point in this timeline .
* The Ramsey's didn't even treat the situation as a kidnapping ! The note specifically states DO NOT call police - or your daughter will DIE , etc..etc... the note warned what would happen to.their ( abducted) daughter is the Ramsey's spoke to ANYONE . NO attempts were made by John to get the ransom money together .
They immediately called the cops. Because that was how they planned to handle the aftermath of this horrific crime . The Ramsey's knew there was no danger in calling the cops - ( it was in their plan to do just that ) .. they knew she wouldn't be " be-headed" - if they called 911 - because they KNEW she had not been taken from the house . NOT kidnapped. They KNEW she was already dead .

 

[ilovewings]

20/20 right now about Jon Benet--

 

[Onetruesaxon]

There was no kidnapping, no abduction. The definition of kidnapping - with use of a ' ransom note ' ( letter ) actually .... Is the removal of a person - taking to unknown destination - for the purpose of holding that person in attempts to exchange person for the money ( requested on ransom note ) This did not occur. Even IF your intruder theory began with an attempted kidnapping - why would a kidnapper rifle around in Ramsey's drawer to locate & use Patsy's pad of paper / pen - then sit down to pen a long rambling 3 page letter to leave for their ransom note. .. then.. .. what ? They changed their minds ? Decided instead to go hide in basement with the DEAD child .... Waiting....for ? waiting to escape - None of that makes any sense . Jon Benets body was never removed from that house . Evidence points to both the kids having a late night snack of pineapple / tea at kitchen table . A large silver serving spoon & a glass - not a mug - was used for the tea bag . This snack was not served by an adult . A child got their own snack . ( maybe 3 kids - Burke's best friend/ neighbor, Doug Stine - was allegedly - spending the night , Doug rode home from Christmas party with Ramsey's & had planned on accompanying Burke early the next morning on plane travel trip to Atlanta . Burke often brought D.S on family trips to alleviate his boredom . (He was the ignored child . Got no attention . Was not put high up on pedestal like his little sister. )
IF Doug S has been there that night - the 3 kids were running amok throughout the house staying up late - eating snacks, playing with new toys . While the Ramsey parents were either upstairs sleeping ? ( Not likely - since Patsy was wearing same exact outfit the next am/ day that she wore all evening at Xmas party). They might of left to go have a nightcap - somewhere - maybe returning to the party they just left .
The 3 kids - unattended. ( Although they may very well of been out to bed, tucked in - & were assumed to be asleep when John / Patsy left house for their nightcap at party . ). Thinking the kids will be fine for an hour or so . Locked doors, left for a half hour / or longer .? In the mean time the kids get up ( after faking they were asleep) & had a fun home alone time....until it wasn't fun anymore . Jon Benet could of angered Burke & Doug just doing annoying antagonizing little sister stuff. . They might of ran downstairs to basement to play with Burke's train set & Jon Benet followed the boys. Explains why the train tracks marks were found on her neck . Burke has a long time history of sibling abuse - he was known ( & yes, there are hospital records ) proving his progressive physical & mental abuse he unleashed upon his sis. He routinely smeared his own feces all over Jon Benets bedroom walls ! ( stated by housekeeper) The phycological aspect explaining mental abuse . Burke also habitually attached his sister - & that summer he chased her down across yard , caught up with her then whacked her upside her head with his baseball bat . ( as witnessed by next door.neighbor ) Jon Benets head was hit so hard she was bleeding - & rushed to hospital.
Burke was an ignored, sad, possibly undiagnosed autistic boy who harbored a lot of jealousy of his sister . She was very much favored by his parents, friends, teachers , judges at her beauty pageants . Over the top in popularity. A kid who suffers such extreme favoritism in their childhood carries a lot of pain , anger, rage - which manifests into destructive behavior - physically abusive behavior .
Something enraged Burke that night - maybe his own buddy Doug was paying more attention to Jon Benet that Burke was able to handle . I believe both the boys chased her away from them in train room - one of the boys hit her head with mag light . Which they would of have been using to sneak down into dark basement that night ... Then the boys played Doctor with her ( she was temporarily knocked out - just enough for them to have their way with her . Remember , these boys were pre- teens . Old enough to feel hormones at play - without understanding why they were turned on . ( Patsy allowing Jon Benet to prance around in high heels , provocative costumes - portraying a sexual being ( within her childlike body ) . This does affect pre- pubescent boys . Fact. The boys started playing Dr with her, doing kid like SA , & when she began to wake up & get feisty - they looped a lasso over her neck - created a garote to use to apply intermittent pressure . . They found Burke's swiss army knife down stairs & Burke & Doug were boy scouts who were knowledgeable on tying knots & Burke was well known to habitually whittle sticks of wood with his red knife - leaving wood shavings in his path ( that housekeeper had to clean up after him ). It's not a stretch to imagine this scenario.
* There was no penis penetration - paint brush was used instead . no sperm detected - no rape . An object ( broken piece of paint brush ( same one as garote handle -( Patsys paint brush broken in half & whittled to sharp point - by pocket knife ) This crime was done by youth , not an adult . & Likely 2 youth - not typical of an adult crime . * Neighbor heard a child's shrill scream at midnight -
I highly doubt that the boys intended to end Jon Benets life . They likely had a history of SA her on other occasions ( autopsy report indicates history of previous sexual abuse ) This time it ended badly . They tightened garote too tight for too long ( which ordinarily wouldn't of killed her - but with her head injury - yes. ) She stops flailing, fighting - then stops breathing . The boys panic , . Ramsey's return home - *advertiser censored* HITS THE FAN ! TURMOIL - CHAOS- SCREAMING - CRYING - blaming - frantic discord ... Ramsey's send Doug away - have him swear never to say one word about what happened tonight . It was an accident after all - things would only get worse - much worse if he told . They sent him home on Jon Benets new sting ray bike she got for Xmas - off he goes riding bike a block away to get home . ( Her bike was indeed found at Stines home ) Then they take Burke upstairs & grill him . Tell him not to speak one word - ever - to anyone .. & they prepare him to go to a friend's house that morning ( planning on that once police were called over ) in the mean time he is to remain in his room. The crime scene staging begins. Patsy is so freaked out sobbing in grief . John dictated to her what to write for a cover up ransom note . She gets out her pad of paper , begins to write , then has to start over - crumples paper - throws in trash ( as was found later by police ) also the pad showed the almost invisible writing pressed into the remaining sheet of paper that was directly under the note Patsy wrote. They ran around doing whatever - brought back up to kitchen ( from basement ) wiped it down of ANY fingerprints . Patsy re- dressed Jon Benet , & they wrapped her up in her favorite white blanket . . Possibly did apply duct tape only to her mouth - just to give the idea of an intruder type of assault . Spent a few hours trying to to calm down & wiping down anywhere fingerprints could be . Then we know the rest . The 911 phone call .
My theory - by researching the evidence & following time line - & looking at the history of behavior of Ramsey family members. As well as understanding human nature , using common sense , following my instincts ( there's many lies being told , much info not being told ). This is not a DNA case . So none of that ' unknown male DNA ' makes any difference. Even IF a male were to be identified - that would not discount any of the Ramsey's involvement . It would be normal for any of the Ramsey's DNA to be on Jon Benets body, clothes , blanket. That is why it is not a DNA case .
No intruder - no signs of breaking into house .
** NO footprints or any activity outside of any of the houses windows, doors, yard . There was a slight skiff of snow, as well as undisturbed frost .
* No kidnapping - occurred. Not at any point in this timeline .
* The Ramsey's didn't even treat the situation as a kidnapping ! The note specifically states DO NOT call police - or your daughter will DIE , etc..etc... the note warned what would happen to.their ( abducted) daughter is the Ramsey's spoke to ANYONE . NO attempts were made by John to get the ransom money together .
They immediately called the cops. Because that was how they planned to handle the aftermath of this horrific crime . The Ramsey's knew there was no danger in calling the cops - ( it was in their plan to do just that ) .. they knew she wouldn't be " be-headed" - if they called 911 - because they KNEW she had not been taken from the house . NOT kidnapped. They KNEW she was already dead .

Gotta say this is farfetched . I don't think this happened

 

[CloudedTruth]

There was no kidnapping, no abduction. The definition of kidnapping - with use of a ' ransom note ' ( letter ) actually .... Is the removal of a person - taking to unknown destination - for the purpose of holding that person in attempts to exchange person for the money ( requested on ransom note ) This did not occur. Even IF your intruder theory began with an attempted kidnapping - why would a kidnapper rifle around in Ramsey's drawer to locate & use Patsy's pad of paper / pen - then sit down to pen a long rambling 3 page letter to leave for their ransom note. .. then.. .. what ? They changed their minds ? Decided instead to go hide in basement with the DEAD child .... Waiting....for ? waiting to escape - None of that makes any sense . Jon Benets body was never removed from that house . Evidence points to both the kids having a late night snack of pineapple / tea at kitchen table . A large silver serving spoon & a glass - not a mug - was used for the tea bag . This snack was not served by an adult . A child got their own snack . ( maybe 3 kids - Burke's best friend/ neighbor, Doug Stine - was allegedly - spending the night , Doug rode home from Christmas party with Ramsey's & had planned on accompanying Burke early the next morning on plane travel trip to Atlanta . Burke often brought D.S on family trips to alleviate his boredom . (He was the ignored child . Got no attention . Was not put high up on pedestal like his little sister. )
IF Doug S has been there that night - the 3 kids were running amok throughout the house staying up late - eating snacks, playing with new toys . While the Ramsey parents were either upstairs sleeping ? ( Not likely - since Patsy was wearing same exact outfit the next am/ day that she wore all evening at Xmas party). They might of left to go have a nightcap - somewhere - maybe returning to the party they just left .
The 3 kids - unattended. ( Although they may very well of been out to bed, tucked in - & were assumed to be asleep when John / Patsy left house for their nightcap at party . ). Thinking the kids will be fine for an hour or so . Locked doors, left for a half hour / or longer .? In the mean time the kids get up ( after faking they were asleep) & had a fun home alone time....until it wasn't fun anymore . Jon Benet could of angered Burke & Doug just doing annoying antagonizing little sister stuff. . They might of ran downstairs to basement to play with Burke's train set & Jon Benet followed the boys. Explains why the train tracks marks were found on her neck . Burke has a long time history of sibling abuse - he was known ( & yes, there are hospital records ) proving his progressive physical & mental abuse he unleashed upon his sis. He routinely smeared his own feces all over Jon Benets bedroom walls ! ( stated by housekeeper) The phycological aspect explaining mental abuse . Burke also habitually attached his sister - & that summer he chased her down across yard , caught up with her then whacked her upside her head with his baseball bat . ( as witnessed by next door.neighbor ) Jon Benets head was hit so hard she was bleeding - & rushed to hospital.
Burke was an ignored, sad, possibly undiagnosed autistic boy who harbored a lot of jealousy of his sister . She was very much favored by his parents, friends, teachers , judges at her beauty pageants . Over the top in popularity. A kid who suffers such extreme favoritism in their childhood carries a lot of pain , anger, rage - which manifests into destructive behavior - physically abusive behavior .
Something enraged Burke that night - maybe his own buddy Doug was paying more attention to Jon Benet that Burke was able to handle . I believe both the boys chased her away from them in train room - one of the boys hit her head with mag light . Which they would of have been using to sneak down into dark basement that night ... Then the boys played Doctor with her ( she was temporarily knocked out - just enough for them to have their way with her . Remember , these boys were pre- teens . Old enough to feel hormones at play - without understanding why they were turned on . ( Patsy allowing Jon Benet to prance around in high heels , provocative costumes - portraying a sexual being ( within her childlike body ) . This does affect pre- pubescent boys . Fact. The boys started playing Dr with her, doing kid like SA , & when she began to wake up & get feisty - they looped a lasso over her neck - created a garote to use to apply intermittent pressure . . They found Burke's swiss army knife down stairs & Burke & Doug were boy scouts who were knowledgeable on tying knots & Burke was well known to habitually whittle sticks of wood with his red knife - leaving wood shavings in his path ( that housekeeper had to clean up after him ). It's not a stretch to imagine this scenario.
* There was no penis penetration - paint brush was used instead . no sperm detected - no rape . An object ( broken piece of paint brush ( same one as garote handle -( Patsys paint brush broken in half & whittled to sharp point - by pocket knife ) This crime was done by youth , not an adult . & Likely 2 youth - not typical of an adult crime . * Neighbor heard a child's shrill scream at midnight -
I highly doubt that the boys intended to end Jon Benets life . They likely had a history of SA her on other occasions ( autopsy report indicates history of previous sexual abuse ) This time it ended badly . They tightened garote too tight for too long ( which ordinarily wouldn't of killed her - but with her head injury - yes. ) She stops flailing, fighting - then stops breathing . The boys panic , . Ramsey's return home - *advertiser censored* HITS THE FAN ! TURMOIL - CHAOS- SCREAMING - CRYING - blaming - frantic discord ... Ramsey's send Doug away - have him swear never to say one word about what happened tonight . It was an accident after all - things would only get worse - much worse if he told . They sent him home on Jon Benets new sting ray bike she got for Xmas - off he goes riding bike a block away to get home . ( Her bike was indeed found at Stines home ) Then they take Burke upstairs & grill him . Tell him not to speak one word - ever - to anyone .. & they prepare him to go to a friend's house that morning ( planning on that once police were called over ) in the mean time he is to remain in his room. The crime scene staging begins. Patsy is so freaked out sobbing in grief . John dictated to her what to write for a cover up ransom note . She gets out her pad of paper , begins to write , then has to start over - crumples paper - throws in trash ( as was found later by police ) also the pad showed the almost invisible writing pressed into the remaining sheet of paper that was directly under the note Patsy wrote. They ran around doing whatever - brought back up to kitchen ( from basement ) wiped it down of ANY fingerprints . Patsy re- dressed Jon Benet , & they wrapped her up in her favorite white blanket . . Possibly did apply duct tape only to her mouth - just to give the idea of an intruder type of assault . Spent a few hours trying to to calm down & wiping down anywhere fingerprints could be . Then we know the rest . The 911 phone call .
My theory - by researching the evidence & following time line - & looking at the history of behavior of Ramsey family members. As well as understanding human nature , using common sense , following my instincts ( there's many lies being told , much info not being told ). This is not a DNA case . So none of that ' unknown male DNA ' makes any difference. Even IF a male were to be identified - that would not discount any of the Ramsey's involvement . It would be normal for any of the Ramsey's DNA to be on Jon Benets body, clothes , blanket. That is why it is not a DNA case .
No intruder - no signs of breaking into house .
** NO footprints or any activity outside of any of the houses windows, doors, yard . There was a slight skiff of snow, as well as undisturbed frost .
* No kidnapping - occurred. Not at any point in this timeline .
* The Ramsey's didn't even treat the situation as a kidnapping ! The note specifically states DO NOT call police - or your daughter will DIE , etc..etc... the note warned what would happen to.their ( abducted) daughter is the Ramsey's spoke to ANYONE . NO attempts were made by John to get the ransom money together .
They immediately called the cops. Because that was how they planned to handle the aftermath of this horrific crime . The Ramsey's knew there was no danger in calling the cops - ( it was in their plan to do just that ) .. they knew she wouldn't be " be-headed" - if they called 911 - because they KNEW she had not been taken from the house . NOT kidnapped. They KNEW she was already dead .

A few points:

There is no evidence to suggest that Doug Stine spent the night or was there that night. Why would he be? He was not at the White's party, he was at home with his parents. They had to get up very early in the morning to leave. The plane they were flying in accommodates a maximum of 7 passengers if there is no co-pilot. Flying that morning were Mike the pilot, John, Patsy, Burke & JonBenet, to be joined in Minneapolis for the rest of the flight by John Andrew, Melinda and her boyfriend Stuart. There was no room for Doug. Add to that, it was a very short trip of only two days. They then had to return to Colorado to take a commercial flight to Florida for the cruise leaving on 12/29.

There is also no evidence of Burke being a sad or ignored child. He had many friends that were important to him and they all played together a lot. He was into sailing and planes like his dad, two hobbies they enjoyed as father and son. He was in cub scouts and played basketball. But he also liked having his own space where he played video games and was happy and content to do so on his own. During 1996, JonBenet's participation in the pageants did ramp up. It is possible that at times he may have felt some jealousy at the attention that she was getting, and he even wondered about it at one point. However there is no evidence to suggest that his jealousy was out of control or a constant issue. There was also not a history of sibling abuse. He also did not routinely smear his feces around. There was one incident reported by a former housekeeper that supposedly occurred during the time that his mother was extremely ill and going through intense cancer treatment. So he was like 6 or 7. And the previous year his older half sister had been killed in a car accident. Kids who are suffering through traumatic events are often prone to behavioral issues as a result of their trauma.

The rumor of his Swiss Army knife being found at the scene was just that, rumor. No truth to it. Officer Kerry Yamaguchi found a small knife on a counter in the basement laundry room with a red handle that had a purple ornament that had broken off. They falsely put out that it was Burke's red Swiss Army knife. The knife they found was never sourced to Burke. His two Swiss Army knives were later found elsewhere in the house and sent off to him in Atlanta. The knife that Yamaguchi found was booked into evidence as was another knife from the kitchen that was found in the utility room on the 2nd floor. Neither belonged to Burke.

Most of the medical experts said that after being knocked unconscious by the devastating head blow, it is highly unlikely that she ever would have regained consciousness.

JonBenet's bike was outside the Ramsey house where she had left it after riding it on Christmas day. Not sure where it came from that it was found at the Stine's, that simply isn't true.

 

[Dotta]

"JonBenet Ramsey's father
reveals stunning breakthrough in hunt for man who tortured, sexually assaulted and killed the six-year-old beauty queen in 1996 -
as he opens up on the pain of being blamed for the brutal murder for 30 years."

JonBenet Ramsey's father reveals breakthrough in hunt for killer

John Ramsey received a letter recently from a woman naming her ex-husband as his daughter JonBenet's killer.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[GRT]

I never thought for a minute that the Ramseys had anything to do with JonBenet's death. I really hope, for John and Burke's sake, that the new Chief is serious about finding the real killer. I think the Ramseys were targeted because they had JonBenet participating in child beauty pageants. And, I agree those are very iffy, but some parents (like Patsy) live vicariously through their children.

I hope this can finally be resolved.

 

[su5ie]

I have followed this case for years outside of WS . While I hold no fixed idea on exactly who the perpetrator was . I think it's the ransom note that throws people into a tailspin . It was a very clever action and did what it's intended purpose was supposed to do which was to cause confusion. That was the goal to distract . To point the finger at the family . To me it seems the perpetrator held a view of the parents keeping jonbenet from them and because they blamed the parents for this and seen it as a 'harm "being done in preventing the perpetrator and jonbenet of being together . I feel the note was a two finger salute to the parents and nothing to do with jonbenet

It has been quoted that language used in the letter was similar in style to the one patsy used . My opinion on that is often certain classes and communities of people will speak and write using the same phrases and words . For example in the usa ,southern people's will use a different turn of words in comparison to northern people's or in the uk .The Royal family circles will use posher words and different language than someone from a council estate.

I feel the perpetrator was among the revellers at the Christmas celebration parties. Someone who mixed in the same circles either through the pageantry , living in the community or through John's work. Not necessarily a close friend but someone whom knew a lot about them . I don't think someone broke in I think they were already in the house from earlier and stayed hidden until all was quiet and the ramsay's went to bed .

The fact the garote was embedded in the skin of jonbenet's neck deters me from thinking it was staged by patsy or John. For me this is a sign of a need to silence or control a victim during the act of sexual abuse or sexual violence. Whoever did it was transfixed by her and held a sexualized view of jonbenet . The fact she was covered by a blanket symbolises for me either a shame at what was done or the perpetrator feeling they were "loving" her .it is such a tender act done after a horrific defilement and murder .

The perpetrator was of a high IQ in my opinion and wanted time alone with jonbenet to "appreciate "her . This is someone who spent at least a couple of months "admiring " her and building up a fantasy relationship in their minds and was local enough to maintain a knowledge and view of Jonbenet but do it discreetly. I often wondered was it someone from the church or a tutor/ teacher , pageant employee etc Or even whomever developed her photos after she had been photographed . Someone respected enough for jonbenet to get out of bed for and not scream . Prehaps for a pretend photo shoot .

 

[Sam10098]

Hi all, I’ve just started diving into the JonBenét Ramsey case after watching the Netflix series, so please bear with me as I’m still piecing everything together. I’m hoping someone here can clarify a few points for me that are crucial to my theory

My Key Question:
Was it ever definitively proven whether JonBenét’s body had been taken outside and then brought back into the house? Or was it confirmed that she had been in the basement the entire time?

I feel this detail could be vital in understanding what actually happened.

My Theory:
I believe more than one person was involved—likely two, but possibly more. Here’s how I think it played out:

1. Background:
- The perpetrators were possibly known pedophiles who had observed JonBenét and other children at public events, like pageants.
- They might have been part of a network that bought and sold photos, possibly involving the shady photographer connected to the case.
- One or both of them could have abused JonBenét before, either in her home (without the family knowing) or somewhere else.

2. The Night of the Crime:
- The “kidnappers” were likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- One of them hid inside the Ramsey house while the family was out. During this time, they wrote the bizarre ransom note—perhaps while high—and explored the house.
- The ransom amount ($118,000) might have come from noticing John Ramsey’s work documents, or the intruders already knew about his bonus.

3. The Crime Itself:
- Once the family returned and went to bed, the intruder waited until everyone was asleep.
- Unable to resist his urges, he went to JonBenét’s room. While under the influence, he used the garrote during the assault, which may have caused her death unintentionally.
- he placed her in a suitcase, intending to carry her out through a pre-planned escape route where his accomplice was waiting.

4. Things Go Wrong:
- When they opened the suitcase outside, they realised she was dead. In a panic, they argued—one blaming the other for her death.
- At some point, her head struck a hard surface (or was struck), either because they dropped her or because of a mistaken attempt to ensure she was dead.
- Panicked, they abandoned the plan, leaving her body in the basement instead of removing it from the house.

Questions That I’m Still Stuck On:

1. If the parents hadn’t called the police right away, could the perpetrators have returned her alive?
- The ransom note threatened to kill her if law enforcement was contacted—could they have been serious about that?

2. Were the perpetrators really interested in the ransom money? The note feels like a diversion to me.

3. Is there any possibility the body was brought back into the house after the family called the police? This seems unlikely, but the note’s warning about law enforcement makes me wonder.

4. What do we know about the Ramseys’ alcohol supply? Could the intruder have consumed something while writing the note?


I’d love to hear your thoughts on this theory and whether the details I’ve questioned could change the narrative. This case has so many layers, and I’m eager to see what the community thinks?

EDIT: Another thought: the person or people involved might have come down from whatever drugs they were on and decided not to go through with taking her. They could have panicked and left her where she was or thrown her back down.

There was no kidnapping, no abduction. The definition of kidnapping - with use of a ' ransom note ' ( letter ) actually .... Is the removal of a person - taking to unknown destination - for the purpose of holding that person in attempts to exchange person for the money ( requested on ransom note ) This did not occur. Even IF your intruder theory began with an attempted kidnapping - why would a kidnapper rifle around in Ramsey's drawer to locate & use Patsy's pad of paper / pen - then sit down to pen a long rambling 3 page letter to leave for their ransom note. .. then.. .. what ? They changed their minds ? Decided instead to go hide in basement with the DEAD child .... Waiting....for ? waiting to escape - None of that makes any sense . Jon Benets body was never removed from that house . Evidence points to both the kids having a late night snack of pineapple / tea at kitchen table . A large silver serving spoon & a glass - not a mug - was used for the tea bag . This snack was not served by an adult . A child got their own snack . ( maybe 3 kids - Burke's best friend/ neighbor, Doug Stine - was allegedly - spending the night , Doug rode home from Christmas party with Ramsey's & had planned on accompanying Burke early the next morning on plane travel trip to Atlanta . Burke often brought D.S on family trips to alleviate his boredom . (He was the ignored child . Got no attention . Was not put high up on pedestal like his little sister. )
IF Doug S has been there that night - the 3 kids were running amok throughout the house staying up late - eating snacks, playing with new toys . While the Ramsey parents were either upstairs sleeping ? ( Not likely - since Patsy was wearing same exact outfit the next am/ day that she wore all evening at Xmas party). They might of left to go have a nightcap - somewhere - maybe returning to the party they just left .
The 3 kids - unattended. ( Although they may very well of been out to bed, tucked in - & were assumed to be asleep when John / Patsy left house for their nightcap at party . ). Thinking the kids will be fine for an hour or so . Locked doors, left for a half hour / or longer .? In the mean time the kids get up ( after faking they were asleep) & had a fun home alone time....until it wasn't fun anymore . Jon Benet could of angered Burke & Doug just doing annoying antagonizing little sister stuff. . They might of ran downstairs to basement to play with Burke's train set & Jon Benet followed the boys. Explains why the train tracks marks were found on her neck . Burke has a long time history of sibling abuse - he was known ( & yes, there are hospital records ) proving his progressive physical & mental abuse he unleashed upon his sis. He routinely smeared his own feces all over Jon Benets bedroom walls ! ( stated by housekeeper) The phycological aspect explaining mental abuse . Burke also habitually attached his sister - & that summer he chased her down across yard , caught up with her then whacked her upside her head with his baseball bat . ( as witnessed by next door.neighbor ) Jon Benets head was hit so hard she was bleeding - & rushed to hospital.
Burke was an ignored, sad, possibly undiagnosed autistic boy who harbored a lot of jealousy of his sister . She was very much favored by his parents, friends, teachers , judges at her beauty pageants . Over the top in popularity. A kid who suffers such extreme favoritism in their childhood carries a lot of pain , anger, rage - which manifests into destructive behavior - physically abusive behavior .
Something enraged Burke that night - maybe his own buddy Doug was paying more attention to Jon Benet that Burke was able to handle . I believe both the boys chased her away from them in train room - one of the boys hit her head with mag light . Which they would of have been using to sneak down into dark basement that night ... Then the boys played Doctor with her ( she was temporarily knocked out - just enough for them to have their way with her . Remember , these boys were pre- teens . Old enough to feel hormones at play - without understanding why they were turned on . ( Patsy allowing Jon Benet to prance around in high heels , provocative costumes - portraying a sexual being ( within her childlike body ) . This does affect pre- pubescent boys . Fact. The boys started playing Dr with her, doing kid like SA , & when she began to wake up & get feisty - they looped a lasso over her neck - created a garote to use to apply intermittent pressure . . They found Burke's swiss army knife down stairs & Burke & Doug were boy scouts who were knowledgeable on tying knots & Burke was well known to habitually whittle sticks of wood with his red knife - leaving wood shavings in his path ( that housekeeper had to clean up after him ). It's not a stretch to imagine this scenario.
* There was no penis penetration - paint brush was used instead . no sperm detected - no rape . An object ( broken piece of paint brush ( same one as garote handle -( Patsys paint brush broken in half & whittled to sharp point - by pocket knife ) This crime was done by youth , not an adult . & Likely 2 youth - not typical of an adult crime . * Neighbor heard a child's shrill scream at midnight -
I highly doubt that the boys intended to end Jon Benets life . They likely had a history of SA her on other occasions ( autopsy report indicates history of previous sexual abuse ) This time it ended badly . They tightened garote too tight for too long ( which ordinarily wouldn't of killed her - but with her head injury - yes. ) She stops flailing, fighting - then stops breathing . The boys panic , . Ramsey's return home - *advertiser censored* HITS THE FAN ! TURMOIL - CHAOS- SCREAMING - CRYING - blaming - frantic discord ... Ramsey's send Doug away - have him swear never to say one word about what happened tonight . It was an accident after all - things would only get worse - much worse if he told . They sent him home on Jon Benets new sting ray bike she got for Xmas - off he goes riding bike a block away to get home . ( Her bike was indeed found at Stines home ) Then they take Burke upstairs & grill him . Tell him not to speak one word - ever - to anyone .. & they prepare him to go to a friend's house that morning ( planning on that once police were called over ) in the mean time he is to remain in his room. The crime scene staging begins. Patsy is so freaked out sobbing in grief . John dictated to her what to write for a cover up ransom note . She gets out her pad of paper , begins to write , then has to start over - crumples paper - throws in trash ( as was found later by police ) also the pad showed the almost invisible writing pressed into the remaining sheet of paper that was directly under the note Patsy wrote. They ran around doing whatever - brought back up to kitchen ( from basement ) wiped it down of ANY fingerprints . Patsy re- dressed Jon Benet , & they wrapped her up in her favorite white blanket . . Possibly did apply duct tape only to her mouth - just to give the idea of an intruder type of assault . Spent a few hours trying to to calm down & wiping down anywhere fingerprints could be . Then we know the rest . The 911 phone call .
My theory - by researching the evidence & following time line - & looking at the history of behavior of Ramsey family members. As well as understanding human nature , using common sense , following my instincts ( there's many lies being told , much info not being told ). This is not a DNA case . So none of that ' unknown male DNA ' makes any difference. Even IF a male were to be identified - that would not discount any of the Ramsey's involvement . It would be normal for any of the Ramsey's DNA to be on Jon Benets body, clothes , blanket. That is why it is not a DNA case .
No intruder - no signs of breaking into house .
** NO footprints or any activity outside of any of the houses windows, doors, yard . There was a slight skiff of snow, as well as undisturbed frost .
* No kidnapping - occurred. Not at any point in this timeline .
* The Ramsey's didn't even treat the situation as a kidnapping ! The note specifically states DO NOT call police - or your daughter will DIE , etc..etc... the note warned what would happen to.their ( abducted) daughter is the Ramsey's spoke to ANYONE . NO attempts were made by John to get the ransom money together .
They immediately called the cops. Because that was how they planned to handle the aftermath of this horrific crime . The Ramsey's knew there was no danger in calling the cops - ( it was in their plan to do just that ) .. they knew she wouldn't be " be-headed" - if they called 911 - because they KNEW she had not been taken from the house . NOT kidnapped. They KNEW she was already dead .

And this is exactly what a movie of this case would show. But in real life, autistic children don’t randomly murder their siblings, mothers, regardless of how dramatic they are, don’t stage sexual abuse and write notes that sound like a 15 year old boy to cover up killing their child.

 

[Irmese]

I've followed the case from the beginning and never saw real evidence that someone in the family killed JonBenet. I just watched the NetFlix documentary and I think the Boulder police just never bothered to seriously investigate anyone else. The female detective looked like a nutcase, more or less saying she had a hunch it was JR the very first day because he was "cordial," then she had to dramatically say that she was so afraid of him, she "counted" the bullets she was carrying. BPD was in over their heads from the start and botched the initial investigation, Anybody else hear the one woman talking about JBR using a saxophone to masturbate for a minute and a half in front of elderly nursing home residents? The media just accepted every lie and found more "sources" to pile on, ETA: When the press first started blaming Burke, I had an open mind about that, but seeing the interview tapes of him right after, I don't think he did it. He might be on the spectrum. To me, he seemed mentally younger than nine and probably closer to JBR's age, but boys sometimes are just less mature than girls at the same age. One thing I noticed in the home videos, all of them were very easygoing and relaxed. JBR didn't looked neither withdrawn nor as if she was performing. I think the media and the public were enjoying the spectacle of well-to-do people being dragged through hell. They wanted to believe that those goody-two-shoes were guilty. The swallowed the lies of the media whole. Now, there's always the possibility that I'm wrong, but if that's true, why has JR tried to keep the investigation going? If he or Patsy were guilty, certainly there would have been SOME real evidence somewhere. I perfectly understand the family are the first suspects, but you don't just stop there. You have to be able to prove that they're lying. Since others have stated their theories, this is mine. Someone was in the house perhaps more than once while the Ramsey's weren't there. That person had been through every room, and very well could have been staying there even while the Ramsey's were home. Even if he ate some of their food or used their shower, unless he left behind something really obvious, they wouldn't have noticed because they had kids, friends of kids, family, neighbors and their own friends in and out. I think before the Ramsey's came home, he had a half-assed plan to kidnap JBR and wrote the note while in the home alone or before. That night, he waited until the house was quiet, he left the note on the stair, went into JBR's bedroom. He may have been able to pick her up and carry her to the basement without waking her. I think his plan might have been to try to get her out the window, but he realized it wasn't going to work, I think she woke up when he laid her down and she started to make noise. He used the garrote, which he might have made up earlier before the Ramseys came home. He sexually assaulted her, using the garotte to cause her to lose consciousness and then loosen it to revive her. I think he killed her with the garotte but wasn't expecting her to die so quickly. She may have been gurgling or agonal breathing, seizing, etc. and he decided to hit her in the head. They head wound wasn't identified until the autopsy because there wasn't much blood, probably because she was already dead. I think he panicked at that point and left the house. I do not believe she had been sexually abused before the night she was killed. A lot has been made of her costumes, but they were all very tasteful and appropriate, not revealing anything more than her legs. She did not act "sexual" in the tapes I saw, but she obviously enjoyed singing, dancing, and modeling. One other thing. The bed wasn't wet. Her bladder likely released when she was strangled or hit in the head.

 

[Sam10098]

I've followed the case from the beginning and never saw real evidence that someone in the family killed JonBenet. I just watched the NetFlix documentary and I think the Boulder police just never bothered to seriously investigate anyone else. The female detective looked like a nutcase, more or less saying she had a hunch it was JR the very first day because he was "cordial," then she had to dramatically say that she was so afraid of him, she "counted" the bullets she was carrying. BPD was in over their heads from the start and botched the initial investigation, Anybody else hear the one woman talking about JBR using a saxophone to masturbate for a minute and a half in front of elderly nursing home residents? The media just accepted every lie and found more "sources" to pile on, ETA: When the press first started blaming Burke, I had an open mind about that, but seeing the interview tapes of him right after, I don't think he did it. He might be on the spectrum. To me, he seemed mentally younger than nine and probably closer to JBR's age, but boys sometimes are just less mature than girls at the same age. One thing I noticed in the home videos, all of them were very easygoing and relaxed. JBR didn't looked neither withdrawn nor as if she was performing. I think the media and the public were enjoying the spectacle of well-to-do people being dragged through hell. They wanted to believe that those goody-two-shoes were guilty. The swallowed the lies of the media whole. Now, there's always the possibility that I'm wrong, but if that's true, why has JR tried to keep the investigation going? If he or Patsy were guilty, certainly there would have been SOME real evidence somewhere. I perfectly understand the family are the first suspects, but you don't just stop there. You have to be able to prove that they're lying. Since others have stated their theories, this is mine. Someone was in the house perhaps more than once while the Ramsey's weren't there. That person had been through every room, and very well could have been staying there even while the Ramsey's were home. Even if he ate some of their food or used their shower, unless he left behind something really obvious, they wouldn't have noticed because they had kids, friends of kids, family, neighbors and their own friends in and out. I think before the Ramsey's came home, he had a half-assed plan to kidnap JBR and wrote the note while in the home alone or before. That night, he waited until the house was quiet, he left the note on the stair, went into JBR's bedroom. He may have been able to pick her up and carry her to the basement without waking her. I think his plan might have been to try to get her out the window, but he realized it wasn't going to work, I think she woke up when he laid her down and she started to make noise. He used the garrote, which he might have made up earlier before the Ramseys came home. He sexually assaulted her, using the garotte to cause her to lose consciousness and then loosen it to revive her. I think he killed her with the garotte but wasn't expecting her to die so quickly. She may have been gurgling or agonal breathing, seizing, etc. and he decided to hit her in the head. They head wound wasn't identified until the autopsy because there wasn't much blood, probably because she was already dead. I think he panicked at that point and left the house. I do not believe she had been sexually abused before the night she was killed. A lot has been made of her costumes, but they were all very tasteful and appropriate, not revealing anything more than her legs. She did not act "sexual" in the tapes I saw, but she obviously enjoyed singing, dancing, and modeling. One other thing. The bed wasn't wet. Her bladder likely released when she was strangled or hit in the head.

 

[ispywithmylittleeye]

I asked the same question about whether JBR was removed and brought back after the police were called. They would've had to know the house extremely well to avoid detection. They also said in the note that they would kill JBR and not return her body if police were called.

Another critical question, I think, is who opened the door to the room where JBR was found? Apparently JR had a friend with him helping him search the house.

If the friend opened the door, then JR could have been avoiding that room. If JR opened the door, then it's possible he didn't know she was there.

People say JR walked straight to that room. Was it intuition, or was it all part of an act? He wouldn't have even gone searching down there unless police suggested it.

I think the police officer's words were, "why don't you do another search of the house?"

Maybe the house had already been searched and John realised that room hadn't been searched.

P.S. I agree that if IDI, they were high on something. So many things about the case seem erratic.

When the police recommended the house be searched JR couldn't control the narrative at that point. He had to be worried Fleet White would find her.
JR was used to being a driver not a passenger in my opinion. He stayed in control by finding her , staging the scene, and further contaminating the evidence. Also JR had been missing for gaps of time. No one can be sure where the body was at in a given span of time. The Ramseys lived in the home. No one was more familiar with it than the Ramseys themselves and previous occupants.

 

[Sam10098]

I asked the same question about whether JBR was removed and brought back after the police were called. They would've had to know the house extremely well to avoid detection. They also said in the note that they would kill JBR and not return her body if police were called.

Another critical question, I think, is who opened the door to the room where JBR was found? Apparently JR had a friend with him helping him search the house.

If the friend opened the door, then JR could have been avoiding that room. If JR opened the door, then it's possible he didn't know she was there.

People say JR walked straight to that room. Was it intuition, or was it all part of an act? He wouldn't have even gone searching down there unless police suggested it.

I think the police officer's words were, "why don't you do another search of the house?"

Maybe the house had already been searched and John realised that room hadn't been searched.

P.S. I agree that if IDI, they were high on something. So many things about the case seem erratic.

I do think there’s something primal that means parents can literally smell their kids. Teachers in nursery can sniff a coat and know who it belongs to - JR was likely subconsciously responding to that.
Parents did it was an easy excuse to not investigate. Similar to “down the hill” and Madeline McCann (many think her rich parents did it because her mother was a bit odd)

 

[jjleroche]

While I've been aware of the case since it happened, I never really paid that much attention to the finer details for no special reason. But like you, after watching the Netflix series, I've become a junkie in just a couple of days.

Personally the IDI (Intruder Did It) theories I just can't get into.

Every single theory here whether it’s RDI (Ramseys Did It) or IDI or some variation thereof has some kind of giant hole in it. There is no perfect angle, all things considered. Each lacks its own form of hard evidence. If I were forced to bet money on whodunnit right now I’d say Burke Did It (BDI). By accident. So many logical things point in that direction Incl’d a lot of the supposed coverup rationale by the parents (i.e. ransom note, body placement etc). Pineapple anybody? But no DNA match. And how do you explain the garrott? How do you explain the supposed SA? Etc etc. Don't know. Herein lies the giant hole for the BDI theory.

IDI theory - sure always plausible, but never has been any evidence to make you blink twice. There is some unknown DNA on the scene, I think, but then we got all the contamination that could nearly discount that. The IDI can rationally explain the garrot and maybe some SA. But how about the ransom note? Odd ransom demand of $118k, etc? Sure could be a knowledgeable family friend/work associate, but you really have to force some puzzle pieces to fit! A stretch

Whatever happened, it contains some very unique elements that even the best sleuth writers are having difficulty filling in the giant holes for each theory. Neatly.

IIRC the strength and leverage which would have been required in order to inflict the savage wounds on Jonbenet could not have been inflicted by Burke due to his small, slight stature. Various experts agree that the garrotte wounds were inflicted by a strong adult male. Apparently the garrotte cord was so deeply embedded in Jonbenet's neck that it wasn't visible initially. IIRC, this led to the belief that the garrotte was used as an instrument of torture. That poor little baby.

The bizarre note leads me to believe that some of the housekeeper's male family members perhaps should have been more carefully scrutinised before ruling them out. They had been at the Ramsey hime a few weeks prior to the crime, in order to get Christmas decorations out of storage, so would have had the opportunity to check the house's layout..BPD visited the housekeeper and requested the key to the Ramsey's house. She was unable to produce it claiming she couldn't remember where it was, due to the shock of learning of Jonbenet's murder. She was asked if she had writing materials similar to the ransom note on her home. She produced several identical notebooks and Sharpies. Her husband was asked about duct tape. He produced three rolls the same as that used on Jonbenet. One roll was unused. The housekeeper changed her story completely - initially stating how wonderful the Ramsey's were - then the complete opposite. IMO the situation may have been an extortion attempt gone wrong. JMO

 

[Tricia]

The Netflix documentary was full of lies. It was a love letter to John Ramsey.
There was no intruder.
Patsy wrote the note.
It's hard to decide where to start.
How about you tell me the number 1 thing that leads you to think there was an intruder. I'll show you the evidence that proves there was no intruder.
I have been following the case since day one. It's why I got into true crime discussions forums.
Thank you,
Tricia