JonBenét Ramsey: Judge Orders Release Of Parents’ Indictment
JonBenét Ramsey was found dead on December 26, 1996. Nearly 17 years later, the 6-year-old’s murder remains unsolved. In 1999, a Colorado grand jury voted to indict John and Patsy Ramsey on charges of child abuse that led to JonBenét’s death. Former Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter refused to sign the indictment.
The indictment remained sealed for 14 years. Earlier this year, a reporter with The Daily Camera, along with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, filed a lawsuit requesting access to the indictment.
As reported by CNN, John Ramsey’s attorney argued against unsealing the documents. Attorney Harold Haddon said the indictment “only serves to further defame” his client.
John and Patsy Ramsey faced stark criticism throughout the investigation. Authorities, the media, and the public, speculated the parents were responsible for their daughter’s brutal murder. JonBenét Ramsey’s participation in child beauty pageants fueled the rumors and speculation.
Former District Attorney Alex Hunter prepared the child abuse charges and presented them to the grand jury in 1999. Although the grand jury voted to indict the Ramseys, Hunter said there simply was not enough evidence to secure a conviction.
In 2006, Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. At the time of her death, she was still considered a possible suspect.
In 2008, former District Attorney Mary Lacy said John and Patsy Ramsey were eliminated as suspects through DNA testing.
As reported by NBC News, Senior District Court Judge J. Robert Lowenbach ruled that the Ramsey’s indictment will be unsealed and released on Friday. Judge Lowenbach said the signed indictment is “an official action” and therefore part of public record.
The indictment will be made public on Friday. However, numerous other documents pertaining to the grand jury decision will remain sealed. Judge Lowenback ruled that transcripts of the proceedings are not considered official actions, and therefore will remain sealed.
JonBenét Ramsey’s murder remains a heartbreaking mystery.
