The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey re-unites old investigators to examine the notorious unsolved murder.

From Zuma Press/Alamy (Ramsey); From Pool/Getty Images.

Following the success of HBO’s The Jinx, Netflix’s Making a Murderer, *T.A.L.’*s Serial podcast, and, especially, FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson, CBS is getting into the true-crime game by effectively re-opening the unsolved case of JonBenét Ramsey. At the Television Critics Association Summer tour, CBS announced that the six-hour limited docuseries would premiere September 18, just a few months shy of the 20th anniversary of her death.

Six-year-old beauty queen Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her Boulder, Colorado, home in 1996, eight hours after she was reported missing by her parents. While Ramsey’s parents and older brother were the main suspects, the family was partially exonerated in 2003 when DNA taken from Ramsey’s clothing suggested they were not involved.

But The Case of: Jon Benét Ramsey hopes to break new ground in the case by re-uniting original investigators, including the former New York City prosecutor, retired F.B.I. supervisory special agent and profiler Jim Clemente; world-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee; former chief investigator for the district attorney in Boulder, Colorado, James Kolar; leading forensic pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz; and retired F.B.I. supervisory special agent and forensic linguistic profiler James Fitzgerald.

The series will also put fresh eyes on the case, including former New Scotland Yard criminal behavioral analyst Laura Richards and retired F.B.I. supervisory special agent and statement analyst Stan Burke. According to a CBS press release:

The scope of the highly skilled team’s investigation includes re-examining crucial evidence using advanced technology and forensics, meticulously recreating the crime scene by rebuilding full-scale replicas of key rooms from the Ramsey house, conducting extensive interviews and introducing new theories.

https://twitter.com/damianholbrook/status/763407454679932928

The emphasis on “introducing new theories” may indicate that The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey will be more like Serial (heavy on the theorizing) and less like The Jinx (heavy on new evidence).

But as was the case with The People v. O.J. Simpson, there’s a real possibility here for both those who lived through the JonBenét Ramsey trial and a younger generation discovering it for the first time to be captivated again by the horrifying twists and turns of the case.

CBS will follow an almost Netflix-esque binge model, airing the series in one week over the course of three nights: Sunday, September 18; Monday, September 19; and concluding on Sunday, September 25.

Joanna Robinson

Joanna Robinson is a Hollywood writer covering TV and film for VanityFair.com. She also hosts a number of podcasts including A Cast of Kings, Storm of Spoilers, and The Station Agents. She lives in Northern California and knows more about Game of Thrones than you do. …

The John Benet Ramsey Case: Unraveling the Mystery, Controversies, and Theories Surrounding John Ramsey and His Inner Circle

The tragic murder of six-year-old John Benet Ramsey in 1996 remains one of the most perplexing and controversial cold cases in American history.

At the heart of the story lies a complex web of family dynamics, investigative missteps, and a social circle deeply intertwined with the Ramsay family.

This article delves into the intricate details of the case, exploring John Ramsey’s behavior, the role of close family friends like the Stein family, and the various theories that continue to captivate the public’s attention decades later.

John Ramsey’s Behavior and the Immediate Aftermath of the Murder

On the morning of December 26, 1996, when John Benet Ramsey’s lifeless body was discovered in the basement of the family home in Boulder, Colorado, law enforcement officer Linda Arndt was the only police presence inside the house. Her account of the scene paints a disturbing picture of John Ramsey’s demeanor and actions.

Rather than exhibiting the frantic urgency expected of a grieving father, Ramsey appeared unnervingly calm and detached. Instead of searching for clues or comforting his family, he was reportedly flipping through mail in the kitchen.

When asked to assist in a methodical search of the house, Ramsey bypassed protocol and went directly to the basement, seemingly knowing exactly where to find his daughter’s body.

His decision to carry the body upstairs, remove the duct tape covering her mouth, and cover her with a blanket without permission violated crime scene protocols and raised red flags for investigators.

Linda Arndt later revealed that she believed the killer was still in the house, a suspicion fueled by Ramsey’s unreadable expression and behavior during this critical time.

Mid-Article Deep Dive: The Investigation’s Mishandling and Legal Maneuvers

The investigation into John Benet’s murder was marred by a series of procedural failures and questionable decisions. Despite the gravity of the situation, the crime scene was left unsecured for hours. Friends, family, and acquaintances moved freely through the house, contaminating potential evidence.

Linda Arndt repeatedly requested backup and forensic support, but was met with delays and excuses. Even after John Benet’s body was found and reported, the house remained unsecured, and an ambulance drove past without stopping, further highlighting the chaotic response.

Within hours of the discovery, the Ramsay family hired top-tier criminal defense attorneys, signaling a shift from cooperation to legal defense. They declined formal police interviews, requiring all communications to go through counsel.

This legal standoff extended to polygraph tests, which the Ramsays agreed to but only under privately controlled conditions, with handpicked examiners and no law enforcement oversight. The results were conflicting and ultimately inadmissible, fueling public skepticism rather than resolving doubts.

John Ramsey’s contradictory statements about polygraph tests—initially expressing willingness, then later denying being asked—exemplify the shifting narratives that have plagued the case. His swift move to arrange a flight out of Boulder shortly after discovering his daughter’s body was seen by some as a calculated attempt to distance himself from the investigation.

The Stein Family: Loyal Friends or Hidden Actors in the Case?

Among the closest allies of the Ramsays were Glenn and Susan Stein, a couple deeply embedded in the family’s life before and after the tragedy. Their role has been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.

The Steins provided refuge for the Ramsays during the immediate aftermath, with Susan quitting her job to care for Patsy Ramsey full-time. The two families relocated together to Atlanta, Georgia, where their children attended school and spent significant time together, blurring the lines between friendship and interdependence.

Susan Stein’s actions went beyond typical friendship. She was involved in a scandal involving email impersonation, sending fraudulent messages appearing to be from Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner to journalists and investigators, attempting to influence public opinion and the course of the investigation.

Despite the seriousness of this act, she faced no legal consequences, raising questions about the extent of her involvement in protecting the Ramsays.

Additionally, Susan’s aggressive efforts to keep media and investigators at bay, including confrontations with reporters, earned her the nickname “Patsy’s pitbull.” Her husband Glenn also took active roles in shielding the family, including chasing photographers to prevent exposure.

Doug Stein: A Controversial Figure in the Shadows

Doug Stein, son of Glenn and Susan, was a close friend of Burke Ramsay and present at the Ramsay home on the night of the murder. Physical evidence found at the crime scene, such as a high-tech bootprint and a Boy Scout knife linked to Burke, have led to speculation about Doug’s involvement.

One theory posits that Doug and Burke were playing in the basement when an accident occurred, resulting in John Benet’s injury and subsequent death. The rapid removal of Doug from the scene and the Stein family’s silence have fueled suspicions of a coverup to protect their son.

However, this hypothesis lacks direct evidence, and the physical clues are more strongly connected to Burke. Doug’s exact whereabouts and role remain unclear, leaving this theory largely speculative.

Theories of Illegal Activities and Financial Motives

Speculation about John Ramsey’s business dealings adds another layer of complexity. Some theories suggest that Access Graphics, the company Ramsey founded and led, was involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking or money laundering.

Ramsey’s ownership of private planes and the company’s rapid growth, coupled with Lockheed Martin’s controversial history, have been cited as circumstantial evidence. The lavish lifestyle of the Ramsay family, despite financial setbacks in Ramsey’s earlier career, has also raised eyebrows.

Though intriguing, these theories remain unproven due to lack of concrete evidence such as financial records or law enforcement findings. They rely heavily on circumstantial factors and the controversial history of associated corporations.

The Role of Corruption and Influence in Boulder’s Justice System

The handling of the case by Boulder authorities has been widely criticized. Former detective Steve Thomas and others have suggested systemic corruption or undue influence affecting the investigation.

Incidents such as the Boulder Police Department’s failure to pursue leads adequately and the District Attorney’s Office’s perceived favoritism toward the Ramsays have eroded public trust. The grand jury’s recommendation to indict the Ramsays on child abuse charges was overruled by the DA, fueling suspicions of preferential treatment.

Rumors of bribery, fueled by the Ramsay family’s wealth and connections, remain unsubstantiated but continue to cast a shadow over the case. The involvement of influential friends like the Steins, who relocated with the Ramsays and maintained close ties, further complicates perceptions of impartiality.

Child Beauty Pageants and the Darker Possibilities

John Benet’s participation in child beauty pageants, guided by her mother Patsy, has been scrutinized in relation to the case. Some theorists argue that the pageant world exposed her to predatory individuals or illicit networks.

Suspects with histories involving child exploitation have been investigated but ruled out due to DNA mismatches or lack of evidence. However, the intense media focus on the Ramsay family may have overshadowed external leads.

Mid-Article Reflection: The Lingering Questions and Unanswered Truths

Despite decades of investigation, the John Benet Ramsey case remains unresolved. The conflicting narratives, procedural errors, and shifting alliances have created an environment ripe for speculation.

The unanswered questions about John Ramsey’s true role, the Stein family’s involvement, and the mysterious unidentified DNA found at the crime scene keep the case alive in public consciousness.

As forensic science advances, hope remains that new techniques such as genetic genealogy may one day identify the true perpetrator. Until then, the case stands as a cautionary tale about the complexities of justice, influence, and the human cost of unresolved tragedy.

The Enduring Legacy of the John Benet Ramsey Case

The John Benet Ramsey case is more than a murder mystery; it is a profound study of human behavior, societal influence, and the fragility of justice. John Ramsey’s actions and the surrounding controversies reflect the challenges faced when wealth, power, and tragedy collide.

The involvement of the Stein family, the legal maneuvers, and the theories of coverups and corruption highlight the multifaceted nature of the case. While many questions remain, the pursuit of truth continues to inspire investigators, advocates, and a public unwilling to forget.

This story serves as a reminder that justice requires vigilance, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to uncovering facts, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.