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JonBenét Ramsey’s father ‘cautiously optimistic’ about finding his daughter's killer: filmmaker

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JonBenét Ramsey’s father ‘cautiously optimistic’ about finding his daughter's killer: filmmaker

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JonBenét Ramsey’s father is hopeful that in his lifetime, he’ll find out who murdered his daughter – but time is ticking for the heartbroken patriarch.

“He’s cautiously optimistic,” Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger told Fox News Digital about John Ramsey. “This is a guy who has been brutalized by the police department, brutalized by the court of public opinion, brutalized by the media. And for his sake, I hope the family finds the truth.”

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“But John, a staunch advocate for finding the killer, is 80,” Berlinger shared. “I hope the guy has another decade left, but I’d like this case to be solved before he goes so that the family can have a measure of peace.”

JONBENET RAMSEY’S FATHER JOHN CLAIMS COLORADO POLICE OFFICER SAID THEY ARE ‘JUST WAITING’ FOR HIM TO DIE

JonBenét Ramsey, a child pageant contestant who was killed in 1996, is seen here with her father, John Ramsey. Her case is the subject of an upcoming Netflix docuseries by Joe Berlinger. (Netflix)

The pageant star was 6 years old when she was killed 28 years ago. The case is now the subject of a new Netflix docuseries by Berlinger, “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?” streaming Nov. 25.

The film aims to shine a light on what John feels are missteps made by authorities who investigated the murder, as well as how advanced DNA technology could be key to cracking the cold case. It features a new interview with Ramsey, who has been speaking out in hopes of putting pressure on police to continue searching for his daughter’s killer.

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John and Patsy Ramsey are seen here meeting with a small selected group of the local Colorado media four months after their daughter was killed on Christmas. (Helen H. Richardson/ The Denver Post)

“It just felt like a good time to tell this story now because there are still so many lingering misconceptions,” said Berlinger. “There have been great advances in DNA technology.”

JonBenét Ramsey is seen here on Christmas Day a few years before she was killed. (Netflix)

“The Boulder authorities are very mum about whether they’ve retested or going to test,” Berlinger claimed. “It’s time to hold some feet to the fire and get new DNA testing and finally try to put a resolution to this case.”

In response to Berlinger’s statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn told Fox News Digital in a statement: “The killing of JonBenét was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts. 

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“We are committed to following up on every lead, and we are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country until this tragic case is solved.”

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John Ramsey is speaking out in the new Netflix docuseries. (Netflix)

“This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department,” the statement added.

Anyone who may have information is encouraged to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974.

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The six-year-old was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in Boulder on Dec. 26, 1996, bludgeoned and strangled. 

JonBenét Ramsey is seen here with her mother, Patsy Ramsey. The matriarch died in 2006 from cancer. She was 49. (Netflix)

She was discovered several hours after her mother, Patsy Ramsey, called 911 to say that her daughter was missing, and a ransom note had been left behind. The child’s death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted.

“I’ve gotten six wrongfully convicted people out of prison, including two on death row with my film and television work,” Berlinger explained. “I’ve shined a light on a lot of other cases and have helped move the needle. And I realized that this case has a lot of things in common with what happens in wrongful-conviction cases.

John Ramsey and his family were heavily scrutinized over the years. (Netflix)

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“Now, obviously, the Ramseys were not wrongfully convicted, but they were wrongfully convicted in the court of public opinion, and that has hindered the case for decades,” Berlinger added.

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John Ramsey’s son, John Andrew Ramsey, also came forward for a sit-down. (Netflix)

The police department was criticized for its initial handling of the investigation. The details of the crime and video footage of Ramsey from the pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States, unleashing a series of true-crime books and TV specials.

While the district attorney at the time of Ramsey’s death said her parents were under “an umbrella of suspicion” early on, tests in 2008 on newly discovered DNA on her clothing pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying, and not her parents, or their son, Burke. 

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John and Patsy Ramsey found a handwritten ransom letter, presumably left behind by the killer, inside their Colorado home. (Netflix)

That led former district attorney Mary Lacy to clear the Ramseys of any involvement, two years after Patsy died of cancer in 2006, calling the couple “victims of this crime.”

John Ramsey wants evidence to be tested using modern DNA technology. (Netflix)

The docuseries takes a close look at the autopsy report and forensic evidence. Berlinger said that after looking at both, it’s “absurd” to think that the family was involved.

“There’s just no evidence, no prior history of family abuse,” said Berlinger. “She had petechial hemorrhaging in her eyes and her heart, which means that the garrote was used to choke her when she was alive. . . . This is the aggressive, violent act of a pedophile.”

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Former district attorney Mary Lacy cleared the Ramseys, calling the couple “victims of this crime.” (Netflix)

“It’s uncontestable that she died with a garrote around her neck and her fingers trying to pry it loose,” said Berlinger. “She died from strangulation by an intruder, in my opinion.”

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John Ramsey is 80. He is hopeful that in his lifetime, he’ll find out the identity of his daughter’s murderer. (Netflix)

Berlinger noted that the family is “still pounding the table for DNA testing.” There are new items that have never been tested before, as well as old items that were examined using outdated methods, he insisted.

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“It’s quite clear that the crime scene was not properly secured because originally, [investigators] thought it was a kidnapping,” Berlinger explained.

Anyone who may have information about the case is encouraged to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974. (Netflix)

“The police department refused outside help, had no real experience in homicide, and therefore, the DNA sampling at the time was compromised,” Berlinger claimed. 

John Ramsey said there is genetic material on the handmade garrote used to strangle his six-year-old daughter. (Netflix)

“Why has it taken so long to retest? We still don’t know if the Colorado authorities have retested. They say they’re going to . . . but they’re awfully silent about it. Hopefully, the film will get people to be outraged enough to insist that we have some accountability in Colorado.”

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In 2022, the Boulder Police Department said it had been working with state law enforcement agencies and the FBI on the investigation. They also shared that DNA from the case is regularly checked for any new matches.

John Ramsey was married to Patsy Ramsey from 1980 until her death in 2006. (Netflix)

At the time, the department added that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation had updated over 750 DNA samples from the investigation with the latest DNA technology.

Patsy Ramsey died wondering who killed her child. (Netflix)

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In the film, Ramsey doesn’t blame anyone specifically for his daughter’s murder. He is, however, adamant that the family wasn’t involved.

“I definitively, without hesitation or doubt, believe the Ramseys are innocent,” said Berlinger. “… I think everyone needs to be looked at again in terms of new DNA testing. And this is not a trial by television. We are not going to put forth who we think is guilty. . . . Everyone’s on the table. DNA needs to be tested, and a proper reinvestigation needs to happen.”

Ramsey told People magazine ahead of the documentary’s premiere that of the items that were sent to labs in the beginning, “six or seven of them were returned untested.”

The residence at 749 15th Street, where JonBenét Ramsey was murdered in December 1996. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

“We don’t know why they were not tested, but they were not tested,” Ramsey said. “The garrote used to strangle JonBenét and several items were just sent back.”

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The Ramseys and their son Burke, who was nine at the time, were never charged in connection with the murder. Berlinger said Ramsey has faith that someday he’ll get the answers he’s been searching for.

The case is still unsolved 28 years later.  (Chris Rank/Sygma via Getty Images)

“He and Patsy are both extremely religious,” Berlinger reflected. “I don’t share their point of view on this, because of my afterlife beliefs, which is I don’t believe in an afterlife. But they strongly believe that.”

JONBENET RAMSEY’S FAMILY ‘DIDN’T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS’ FOR YEARS AFTER MURDER 27 YEARS AGO, FATHER SAYS

John Ramsey, his wife Patricia Ramsey and their son Burke were never charged in connection with JonBenét Ramsey’s murder. (Netflix)

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“Patsy, before her death, strongly believed she would be reunited with JonBenét and know the truth,” he shared. “I think John Ramsey feels the same way, and I hope for their sake that they are right about that.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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New Mexico

First July 4 display at Miles park for 250th honors America and New Mexican identity

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First July 4 display at Miles park for 250th honors America and New Mexican identity


The City Different’s Fourth of July celebration began a little differently this year.

Instead of gathering near Santa Fe Place mall as residents have for years, thousands spread across Franklin E. Miles Park for the city’s first Independence Day celebration at the new venue. They came to watch a drone show debut, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding by blending American symbols with ones signifying New Mexican identity, followed by the traditional fireworks.

The move to Franklin E. Miles Park followed months of debate after the former venue became unavailable due to construction tied to a new hotel. And for some nearby residents, the change exceeded expectations.

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Lewis and his son Aidan Herrera make their way in matching patriotic garb towards live music by Lumpy on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Franklin E. Miles Park.



‘A learning curve’



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Nathan Montoya, 3, catches a ride with Carlos Montoya while skateboarding at Franklin E. Miles Park during the Fourth of July celebration on Saturday.


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‘Santa Fe should be proud’







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Pop-its fireworks entertain children as they are thrown against the ground during July 4 celebrations Saturday at Franklin E. Miles Park.



‘We’re the City Different’



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Lana Bolin of Lumpy serenades the crowd during Fourth of July celebrations Saturday at Franklin E. Miles Park.


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Oregon

Wildfire Fact Sheet – (Incident #0383) | Central Oregon Fire Information

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Wildfire Fact Sheet – (Incident #0383) | Central Oregon Fire Information


Start Date: July 4, 1628

Location: Approximately 1 mile West of Hole in the Ground Vista Point

Jurisdiction: Deschutes Forest Service

Fire Size: 10 acres

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Cause: Under investigation

Fuels: Mixed timber and sage

Containment: 0%

Structures at risk: Nearest structure is 1/4 mile

Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency resources are suppressing fire with 2 engines, 1 dozer, 1 water tender, and one air attack.

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The BLM is working with the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service to coordinate with Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS). Visitors and locals may notice multiple agency logos posted and interagency COFMS prevention patrols by federal wildland fire apparatus throughout Central Oregon, reflecting a unified effort to suppress wildland fires.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.


Discover more from Central Oregon Fire Information

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Utah

Darryn Peterson lights up Salt Lake City Summer League in Utah Jazz debut – KSL Sports

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Darryn Peterson lights up Salt Lake City Summer League in Utah Jazz debut – KSL Sports


SALT LAKE CITY — The Huntsman Center was a sleeping giant on Saturday afternoon as Cam Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As that game concluded, empty seats began to fill and anticipation grew in the Utes’ home arena.

That anticipation culminated in an explosion of cheers as the Utah Jazz took the court, led by none other than rookie guard Darryn Peterson.

Darryn Peterson Shows Out In Salt Lake City Summer League Debut

Peterson’s first game with Utah draped across his chest was all that fans and the front office could’ve hoped for, and then some.

The first possession of the game for the Jazz ended with a layup from Peterson, and the points seemingly never stopped rolling in. The rookie was the team’s leading scorer at the end of each quarter.

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The positive signs weren’t only when he had the ball in his hands, though. He finished with two blocks, but his defensive impact extended far past the box score. He often matched up with Atlanta guard Kingston Flemings, who finished the night shooting 4/16 from the field.

What was maybe most impressive was his efforts in the fourth quarter and in overtime. He scored 10 points in his last 8:35 on the court, and willed the Jazz to a win with some big plays late.

Peterson finished with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. He shot 52 percent from the floor and 57 percent from three.

The only real blemish on his performance was eight turnovers. However, many of those are shared fault, if not totally on teammates for dropping well-placed passes.

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Peterson is the first Jazzman since Donovan Mitchell to score 20+ points in his SLC Summer League debut, eclipsing Mitchell’s 23-point mark from the 2017 event.

Ace Bailey, Cody Williams Shine Against Atlanta Hawks

The performances of Cody Williams and Ace Bailey almost went under the radar as a result of the hype built around Peterson. But they still came to play. That trio of Jazz players were likely the three best players on either side in Saturday’s contest.

Bailey only played 20 minutes, but still finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two stocks. The sophomore forward was ruled out for the rest of the game early in the second half with back spasms.

Williams played the most minutes on the team at 34 and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, and three stocks.

Both of the forwards looked to have added noticeable weight so far in the offseason and used it to their advantage to generate easy looks. Williams specifically threw down a pair of poster dunks that caused fans in the arena to jump to their feet.

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About Darryn Peterson

Peterson, born in Northeast Ohio, quickly rose through the ranks as one of the best basketball prospects in the country.

He played prep basketball at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in his home state before moving to West Virginia and then California for his junior and senior years.

On November 1, 2024, Peterson made his commitment to the University of Kansas.

In his lone year with the Jayhawks, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 43.8/38.2/82.6 shooting splits.

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Austin Ainge, Utah Jazz unfazed by Darryn Peterson injury history

In 2026, the Utah Jazz selected Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick, tied for the highest selection in the franchises history.

Salt Lake City Summer League History

The annual showcase of both rookies and young talent in the NBA is returning to Utah for the 11th time.

The modern iteration of the event debuted in 2015 with the Rocky Mountain Revue moniker, a nod to the pro-am roots of a similar event that was held in the late 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s.

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The event was rebranded to the Utah Jazz Summer League in 2017, and changed once again in 2019 to the Salt Lake City Summer League.

Memphis has competed in the event for seven straight years. 2026 will make it eight in a row. OKC will reach its fifth year in a row this summer.

The list of notable names to hoop in Utah in early July is a long one. Aside from the obvious Jazz stars over the last decade, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ben Simmons, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Chet Holmgren, and more have all competed in the SLC Summer League.

Chandler Holt is the Utah Jazz insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast. Follow Chandler on X for Jazz and NBA updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

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