The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade Season 1 Episode 14 JonBenet Ramsey
- March 15, 2021
- 7 min
In the fourteenth episode of The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade, viewers are taken back to December 26, 1996, when the body of six-year-old beauty pageant queen JonBenet Ramsey was discovered in the basement of her family's Boulder, Colorado home. The case quickly became a media sensation, captivating the nation and sparking theories about who could have committed such a heinous crime.
The episode delves into the events leading up to JonBenet's murder, including her participation in beauty pageants, the strange ransom note left at the scene, and the investigation conducted by law enforcement. Viewers also hear from those close to the case, including former detectives and reporters who covered the story from the beginning.
One of the primary focuses of the episode is on the investigation and the missteps that occurred during it. Viewers are taken through the initial search of the home, including the discovery of the ransom note, which was deemed to be highly unique in its language and tone. The episode also covers the collection of evidence at the scene, which was later found by experts to be severely botched.
As the investigation progressed, attention turned to JonBenet's parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, who were initially suspected of being involved in their daughter's death. The episode covers the media frenzy that surrounded the Ramsey family, including accusations from tabloids and TV talk shows.
Viewers will learn about the various theories surrounding JonBenet's murder, from intruder theories to the belief that the family had something to do with it. The episode focuses on the role that the media played in shaping public opinion about the case, with many experts arguing that the intense media coverage led to a rush to judgment on the part of the public.
Throughout the episode, viewers will also learn about the impact that JonBenet's death had on the larger culture, including the increased scrutiny on the beauty pageant industry and the heightened interest in true crime stories. The episode argues that the JonBenet Ramsey case marked a turning point in the way that the media and the public consume and react to high-profile crimes.
Overall, The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade season 1 episode 14 offers a compelling look at one of the most infamous crimes of the 1990s. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the episode offers a nuanced and comprehensive account of the case, shedding new light on the investigation and the societal impact of the crime.