JonBenét Ramsey: Grand Jury Indictment Released
JonBenét Ramsey’s parents were indicted by a Colorado grand jury in 1999. The jury decided that John and Patsy Ramsey contributed to the death of their six-year-old daughter.
The previously sealed documents state that JonBenét was “unreasonably placed in a situation which posed a threat of injury to [her] life or health… which resulted in [her] death.”
The parents were also accused of “intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the discovery, detention, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, and punishment” of an unnamed suspect.
As reported by Daily Camera, the entire indictment contains 18 pages. However, Weld County Judge Robert Lowenbach only released four. According to the judge, documents bearing the jury foreman’s signature are “official actions,” and are therefore public record. The 14 pages that remain sealed were not signed.
Although the indictment alludes to a specific suspect, the person’s identity is not revealed in the released documents.
A grand jury indictment is based on probable cause, and does not require a unanimous decision. A criminal conviction, however, requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter declined to sign the indictment, as he did not believe the state had enough evidence to secure a conviction. Although he faced stark criticism for his decision, Hunter is confident he made the right choice.
In 2008, former Boulder County District Attorney Mary Lacy announced that DNA testing confirmed the Ramseys were no longer suspects in their daughter’s death.
JonBenét Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her parents’ home on December 26, 1996. The six-year-old’s skull was fractured and a rope was tied around her neck.
Authorities recovered DNA from the scene and determined it belongs to an unknown male suspect. Although numerous suspects were questioned, the killer’s identity remains unknown.
JonBenét Ramsey would have been 23-years-old this year. Authorities said her case is now cold, but they continue to pursue credible leads.
[Image via Facebook]
