the blunder club

The finger pointing has begun. As the DEA steps in to investigate the untimely death of Michael Jackson, LAPD is being put on the hot seat. Critics are begining to ask questions that are eerily similar to what is known about Blunder Police Department's mismanagement of the investigation of JonBenet's murder. --

Los Angeles police under scrutiny in Jackson death
By LINDA DEUTSCH and THOMAS WATKINS
July 2, 2009

"The investigation of Michael Jackson's death is widening as questions intensify about the drugs he took, the doctors who provided them and the actions of police.

Why didn't police seal the mansion where he had been living? Why were moving vans seen at the home, and were any items removed before police wrapped up their search? Why didn't they get immediate search warrants?..."

how many voices?

Retired Thornton, CO detective Jim Benish today announced the release of his new book that includes his suspect in JonBenet's murder and calls for action by BPD--

New Book Urges Colorado Law Enforcement to Reexamine JonBenet Ramsey and Other Cold Case Files

"DENVER, Colo., June 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Author and retired detective, Jim Benish, announces the release of a new book, "Closed Eyes: Who's Killing Our Children?" (ISBN: 978-0-982-4249-0-2). In the book, the author examines the murder cases of two Colorado children - Tracy Neef and Alie Berrelez - and discovers striking similarities to the JonBenet Ramsey murder. He discusses a possible suspect and explains the connections.

In 1993, Benish worked for the Thornton Police Department in Thornton, Colo. At this time, he reopened the Neef file; a murder that took place in 1984. After some investigation, he discovers that the initial suspect was cleared without due reason. However, Benish learns that the investigation was peppered with inexperience and error.

As the author digs deeper into files, he begins to draw connections. He learns that welding particles were on the victims' bodies and clothing; the suspect in the Neef and Berrelez cases was a welder. Benish also discovers that the suspect had been arrested or seen in close proximity to all of the crime scenes.

"Almost one year ago, the Ramsey family was eliminated as suspects," Benish says. "This suspect is still at large and the jurisdictions in charge need to combine their efforts to yield resolution."

Benish strongly believes that this suspect is a serial offender and is the key to solving these cold cases.

"The public has a right to know," Benish adds. "It's very possible that this suspect continues to prowl the neighborhoods. Since 2002, he's been arrested and convicted of another sexual crime; he's finally on the Colorado Sexual Offender list. To date, he has only been revealed to be a person of interest or suspect on the Neef case."

About the Author

Jim Benish has worked as a police officer and detective; he has what he calls a "cop's sense of criminal reality" and he believes that these murders have been committed by this suspect. Throughout his career, he has written or reviewed thousands of crime reports and is proficient at recognizing and combining the elements of a crime with witness statements that many times resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator."

hot potato in the cold case

Fresh off the People press a new story about JonBenet--

INSIDE STORY: New DA in JonBenét Case Proceeding Carefully
March 08, 2009


"...Call him Mr. Cautious. Boulder, Colo., District Attorney Stan Garnett isn't about to make the same mistakes as his two predecessors by opening or closing the umbrella of suspicion on any suspects in the unsolved murder of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey...

On Feb. 2, Boulder police Chief Mark Beckner held a press conference to announce the formation of a cold case task force made up of veteran law enforcement members from a variety of agencies including the FBI to review evidence and explore theories. Beckner said at the time that he believed the murder could be solved because of the advances in both DNA and linguistics technology.

Garnett, a former Denver prosecutor who has been trying cases for nearly 27 years, won't comment on what Beckner might test. Instead, he remembers where he was the day JonBené's body was discovered: skiing with his two teenage sons. He says he didn't jump to conclusions then and he won't now. "The evidence," he says, "will define what happens in this case..."

Karr's honor: killing

Information taken seriously by Stan Garnett, Boulder's new DA, email from former murder suspect John Mark Karr sent to several people on the anniversary of JonBenet's unsolved murder tell of Karr's intention to hurt little girls like Jonbenet.

Ramsey investigator says Karr needs second look
By Heath Urie

"A Colorado Springs private investigator who has worked on the JonBenet Ramsey case for almost a decade says he’s asking the district attorney and police to take another look at a one-time suspect who he thinks could be a threat to other girls....

He believes John Mark Karr has sent a new e-mail indicating he has targeted other girls, that he has killed and will kill again.

“I will kill again,” an excerpt from the message states. “It will not atone for her death but it will honor it.”

On Saturday, [Stan] Garnett said the DA’s Office continues to receive tips relating to the Ramsey case periodically, and he thinks there’s a responsibility to follow up on each one.

“Obviously, somebody has to follow up on that kind of information,” he said."

If you have any information to add, please call 719-527-1113.

anniversary announcement

New DA Stan Garnett will take his seat in Boudler shortly and said today his plans may inclue moving JonBenet's case back to Boulder's police department, the agency that is regarded nationally for bungling the case starting 12 years ago this very day--


New DA may send JonBenet Ramsey case back to police
By Heath Urie
Friday, December 26, 2008

Twelve years after the murder of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey, the case is considered colder than ever.

To help change that, Boulder’s incoming district attorney plans to blow the dust off the case and, possibly, send it back to the police department for the first time in six years.

“I’ll certainly consider asking the police department for help,” [Stan] Garnett said. “I’m anticipating that, within the first 30 days, I’ll make some decision about how to handle the investigation.

Garnett said he’s still wading through the evidence and complex history of the case, and he plans to meet with investigators familiar with the homicide before deciding how to handle it.”