A new documentary on Netflix by Joe Berlinger about the JonBenet Ramsey case has ignited controversy over its portrayal of the Boulder Police Department according to The Washington Times.
The film is accused of favoring the intruder theory and neglecting key evidence, casting doubts on the police's investigative methods. The tragedy occurred on December 26, 1996, when JonBenet Ramsey, a six-year-old beauty queen, was found deceased in her home.
The cause of death was blunt force trauma and asphyxiation, and her body bore signs of a struggle, including a nylon cord used to asphyxiate her.
The documentary posits that an intruder was responsible for JonBenet's death, focusing on minuscule and degraded foreign DNA found on her body. This theory contrasts sharply with other expert opinions suggesting the DNA could be incidental.
Amid the chaotic scene, a ransom note was discovered, which some believe was penned by JonBenet's mother, Patsy Ramsey. The note's authenticity has been a major point of contention, with its unusual demands and length adding to the mystery.
Further complicating the initial investigation was a 911 call made from the Ramsey home, with enhanced audio suggesting that Burke Ramsey, JonBenet's brother, was awake at the time, despite the parents' claims to the contrary.
Autopsy results revealed undigested pineapple in JonBenet's stomach, hinting she ate shortly before her death.
This detail is crucial as a bowl of pineapple with Burke and Patsy Ramsey's fingerprints was found in the kitchen.
In addition, fibers from Patsy Ramsey's clothing were matched to those on the duct tape used to bind JonBenet, raising more questions about the family's involvement.
Detective Steve Thomas, one of the lead investigators, resigned in 1998 due to frustrations with how the case was being handled, particularly the conflicts of interest he perceived between the district attorney's office and the Ramseys' legal team.
In 1999, a grand jury indicted John and Patsy Ramsey on two counts of child abuse resulting in death.
However, these charges were not pursued by prosecutors, further complicating the public perception of the investigation.
The Boulder Police Department has faced criticism for not being more assertive early in the investigation, particularly regarding the separation and questioning of the Ramseys immediately after the discovery of JonBenet's body.
Critics of the documentary argue that it unfairly portrays the Boulder police as incompetent. One critic stated, "It is intellectually dishonest to portray the Boulder police as incompetent for focusing on the Ramseys when parents are commonly involved when children are killed in their home."
The documentary's approach has been described by some as a "vitriolic attack" on the police, especially targeting Detective Thomas.
This portrayal aligns with Berlinger's previous critical stance on the American justice system.
Despite the ongoing debate, supporters of the Boulder Police emphasize their continued dedication to solving JonBenet's murder, as quoted, "No investigation is perfect, but the Boulder police worked hard to solve this case and continue to do so because their loyalty is to the slain little girl — where it belongs."
The community and viewers alike are left divided by the documentary's narrative choices. Some view it as a necessary critique of potential police mishandling, while others see it as a biased representation that could hinder justice.
