Could the New Netflix JonBenét Ramsey Docuseries Lead to an Arrest? Director Joe Berlinger Thinks So

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of immersion in the world of cinema, I have seen my fair share of true crime documentaries and dramatizations. However, none has captivated me quite like Joe Berlinger’s latest offering, “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey“. This docuseries is a masterful exploration of the mishandling of the case by law enforcement and media, painting a vivid picture of the unjust treatment meted out to John and Patsy Ramsey.

For nearly three decades, the unsolved murder of JonBenét Ramsey, a six-year-old beauty pageant star, has been the focus of numerous documentaries and TV dramatizations. The most recent addition to this body of work is Netflix’s “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” – a three-part series that delves into the details of her tragic death on December 26, 1996, in Boulder, Colorado.

On the day following Christmas in 1996, John and Patsy Ramsey, JonBenét’s parents, found a ransom note in their kitchen. Later on that very same day, John discovered his daughter’s body in the basement, which suggested that instead of being kidnapped, JonBenét had suffered a sexual assault and was murdered within their own home. Shortly afterward, the Boulder police, who were relatively inexperienced in homicide investigations, began to suspect the Ramsey family, leading to an intense media storm that portrayed JonBenét’s parents as likely culprits.

Under the guidance of Academy Award-nominated director Joe Berlinger, “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” delves into the mismanagement of the case by both law enforcement agencies and the media. Berlinger sheds light on how the Boulder police disseminated incorrect information to the press, leading to biased reporting that sparked a widespread fascination with the unsolved mystery. Despite nearly three decades passing, no one, including John and Patsy Ramsey, has been officially indicted for JonBenét’s murder.

In the making of this documentary, Berlinger interviewed John Ramsey (who is now 80) alongside attorneys and journalists who were involved with the case. Notably, it includes recordings made by Lou Smit, a retired Colorado Springs homicide detective who re-entered the field post-JonBenét’s murder to assist the Boulder District Attorney’s office. However, after 18 months, he left due to his disillusionment that the Boulder Police were unwilling to seriously entertain the possibility that an intruder had been responsible for JonBenét’s death. (Patsy Ramsey passed away in 2006.)

Berlinger states, “Not many have examined the work of Lou Smit, who I believe was an innovative genius in this field. My production, however, presents a firm perspective: the Ramseys are not guilty, and the authorities and media severely mistreated them.

Despite numerous documentaries being produced regarding the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, Berlinger remained steadfast in his determination to create “Cold Case: The Identity of JonBenét Ramsey’s Killer.

As a movie buff, I find myself compelled to share my thoughts whenever I have them, and right now, I’ve got quite a few brewing. Above all, I am convinced that this mystery can indeed be unraveled.

Although past documents concerning the crime don’t faze him, Berlinger openly acknowledged his concerns regarding the forthcoming Paramount+ limited series on the case, featuring Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen in lead roles.

Berlinger expresses his significant worry over a production spreading misconceptions. He’s uncertain about their methods, but it surprised him when John Ramsey mentioned not being contacted by the production. He doesn’t intend to criticize other filmmakers, but Ryan Murphy also chose not to engage with the Menendez brothers regarding ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’, according to what he has read. If a production plans to portray someone’s life without consulting them, how can they grasp the intricacies of numerous scenarios?

Prior to the November 25 release of “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” on Netflix, EbMaster had a conversation with Berlinger.

What needs to be done in this case to move the needle forward?

Initially, it was discovered that several items from a crime scene were submitted to the lab in 1996 but were never analyzed. It’s crucial that these items are now tested. Furthermore, some objects were examined, yet the technology available at the time was rudimentary. These should be re-examined with current technology. However, the most significant finding could potentially solve this case is the existing DNA sample within the case that contains a blend of JonBenét’s blood and an unidentified male DNA not associated with any family member. If we can separate JonBenét’s DNA from the unknown perpetrator’s DNA, then their DNA can be expanded and integrated into genealogical DNA databases like 23andMe. This new technology has proven successful in resolving cold cases and is now a major investigative tool.

Is one of the primary motivations behind creating this docuseries your intention to encourage Colorado authorities to ultimately take the appropriate steps towards identifying and apprehending the person responsible for JonBenét Ramsey’s murder?

For nearly three decades, the Ramsey family has suffered immense brutality. What sets my series apart from others is the focus on how the Boulder Police, who initially sensed that John Ramsey might be the perpetrator, fostered this suspicion from the very beginning. They found it difficult to let go of this theory.

Did you approach John Ramsey about making this docuseries, or did he approach you?

We initiated contact with him, but let me clarify, this isn’t about adopting his cause. Instead, it seemed like a fascinating project to me, so I extended the invitation and explained my standard terms – I retain full creative control, you won’t be compensated, and you won’t have any editorial influence. Remarkably, he agreed to those conditions.

Given your extensive work in creating true crime documentaries such as the “Paradise Lost” series and “Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes,” I’m curious about your thoughts on amateur detectives who attempt to solve murder mysteries independently.

This [series] serves as my subtle critique of overzealous armchair detectives and internet sleuths who delve too deeply into Reddit discussions about true crime. The intention behind this series is to underscore the importance of recognizing that each case involves a victim, not just a sensational story. To me, those who relentlessly speculate about a family’s guilt, fueling conspiracy theories and half-baked ideas, are acting unethically.

2024-11-25 02:47

Could the New Netflix JonBenét Ramsey Docuseries Lead to an Arrest? Director Joe Berlinger Thinks So

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