Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey Review
“In Colorado, it has all the makings of a classic murder mystery. A ransom note, a dead body, strange twists and turns. But what makes this murder mystery so chilling is the victim, a beautiful little girl.”
JonBenét Ramsey was just six years old when she was reported missing by her mother in December 1996, from their home in Boulder, Colorado. The child’s murdered body was soon discovered in the basement of the Ramseys’ home. Her parents – John Bennett Ramsey and Patsy Ramsey- quickly became the primary suspects in a case that, to this day, remains unsolved. The title of Netflix’s 2024 documentary, Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey, makes it clear from the outset—the killer was never brought to justice.
This three-part documentary delves into chilling and deeply unsettling details surrounding JonBenét’s murder. It examines how the Boulder police’s relentless focus on her parents as the culprits may have undermined the investigation, potentially costing any real chance of identifying the true perpetrator—assuming her mother or father were indeed innocent of the crime. The first episode delves into the initial police theories and the intense public and media backlash against the Ramseys. In contrast, episode two takes a closer look at evidence suggesting the involvement of an intruder. Senior detective Lou Smit, brought in to review the case, uncovered new clues that will prompt viewers to reexamine the case with fresh eyes.
The documentary features interviews with investigators and members of JonBenét Ramsey’s family, interwoven with a substantial amount of archival crime scene footage and clips from the extensive TV coverage the case received at the time. John Bennett Ramsey and Patsy Ramsey, even appeared live on Larry King’s iconic talk show to discuss their ordeal and respond to allegations that they had abused and murdered their daughter. A small chunk of that interview also makes it to “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey”. The abundance of photos and videos of the victim, stemming from her participation in child pageants, made the murder story ideal fodder for both tabloids and TV news.
For foreign viewers like me, who know little to nothing about the JonBenét murder case, the documentary series plays out like a gripping true-crime thriller. The creators methodically unravel crucial aspects, clues, and narratives that emerged over the course of the investigation. Clashing police theories, misleading news stories, and even fake suspects who falsely confessed to the little girl’s murder in a bid for attention—all of it, as some journalists who covered the case point out, turned this tragic event into a sensational story that attracted overwhelming public and media scrutiny.
The approach taken by some investigators in handling the JonBenét murder case can make the documentary an incredibly frustrating watch, particularly for ordinary citizens who rely on institutions like the police to deliver justice. The Boulder police were, quite rightly, accused of mishandling the investigation and contaminating the crime scene from the very beginning.
Except for some unsettling audio recordings featured in the third episode of “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey”, which unnecessarily give a platform to a particularly disturbing individual, this documentary series is a compelling watch for true-crime fans. Although, since this remains an unsolved case, it leaves viewers with too many lingering questions, and can be a disappointing watch for some. But perhaps this renewed attention to the case will finally put pressure on the system to find answers. Who knows?
Watch the documentary on Netflix.
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