A new Netflix documentary reopens the controversial and heart-wrenching case of JonBenét Ramsey's 1996 murder, urging a fresh look at the evidence.

Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey? directed by Joe Berlinger, examines the mishandling of the initial investigation and proposes alternative theories involving an intruder while also exonerating the Ramsey family, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Dec. 26, 1996, the Ramsey family faced a nightmare when six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was reported missing in Boulder, Colorado.

The family discovered a ransom note demanding $118,000, a sum eerily similar to her father John Ramsey’s recent bonus, heightening the mystery.

Later that day, the worst fears were realized when JonBenét's father found her body in their basement. She had been brutally beaten and strangled, and the Boulder Police immediately launched a homicide investigation.

The case quickly gained national attention but was marred by significant investigative errors. Early on, police failed to secure the crime scene properly, potentially compromising crucial evidence.

Documentary Critiques Original Investigation's Mistakes

Berlinger’s film criticizes these initial police efforts and points to the removal of evidence that may have impacted the outcome of the case. The documentary argues that these missteps allowed conspiracy theories to flourish, casting undue suspicion on the Ramsey family.

By 2008, advancements in DNA technology provided new evidence that cleared JonBenét's immediate family members. This evidence pointed to the presence of an unknown third party, leading former district attorney Mary Lacy to officially declare the Ramseys as "victims of this crime."

Despite these developments, the case remained open with several alternative suspects considered over the years. These included Gary Oliva, a convicted pedophile who reportedly confessed to the crime, and John Mark Karr, who was arrested in Thailand in 2006 but later cleared after DNA tests.

Berlinger Asserts Ramsey Family's Innocence

Throughout the documentary, Berlinger emphatically supports the innocence of the Ramsey family. He showcases interviews and archival footage, providing an intimate look at the family’s ordeal. "I am firmly convinced that the Ramsey family is innocent," stated Berlinger.

The director praised John Ramsey's cooperation with the documentary, noting that he was neither paid nor did he request editorial input, which Berlinger interprets as a genuine desire to find the real killer.

"No questions were off limits. To me, that is an 80-year-old guy who...wants to get that case solved. It’s just unthinkable that the family had anything to do with this," Berlinger added.

New Forensic Techniques Could Provide Answers

The documentary calls for the use of new DNA testing technologies to re-examine the evidence. John Ramsey has been vocal about seeking an external agency to oversee this process, distrusting the local police's handling of the case.

Shannon Carbone from the Boulder District Attorney's Office expressed optimism about the renewed investigative efforts, stating, "The overarching goal is to look at the facts and evidence with fresh eyes and an open mind, armed with the latest developments in forensic science."

Dionne Waugh of the Boulder Police Department maintained a reserved stance, simply noting that the investigation is "open and ongoing."

Documentary Sheds Light on Societal Impacts of Child Pageants

The film also delves into the societal implications of JonBenét's participation in beauty pageants, suggesting it could have made her a target for the crime. This aspect provides a broader context to the tragedy, examining how her public exposure might have intersected with the motives of potential perpetrators.

Ultimately, the documentary Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey? serves as both a critique of past errors and a hopeful plea for justice, urging that "everybody should be back on the table. You have to go deeper," as echoed in a poignant soundbite from the film.

As the investigation continues, Boulder officials and the Ramsey family hold onto the possibility that new technology and a fresh examination of the evidence will finally lead to solving this decades-old mystery.