UPCOMING RAMSEY INTERVIEWS COULD JUMPSTART INVESTIGATION, SAYS UGA LAW PROF

Abstract

Thursday, August 24, 2000

WRITER: Kathy R. Pharr, (706) 542-5172, pharr@arches.uga.edu CONTACT: Ron Carlson, (706) 542-5186 (O); (706)/548-6771 (H)

UPCOMING RAMSEY INTERVIEWS COULD JUMPSTART INVESTIGATION, SAYS UGA LAW PROF

ATHENS, Ga. -- Monday's scheduled interviews with John and Patsy Ramsey could provide the jumpstart that the stalled investigation of their daughter Jon-Benet's brutal murder needs, says UGA trial and criminal law expert Ron Carlson.

"These interviews are a positive sign," said Carlson. "They signal to the public that the case remains under active investigation. Second, they bring the Ramseys together with the people responsible for solving this crime - the Boulder police. Such cooperation is virtually always helpful to law enforcement. Finally, while participation in these interviews may not conclusively establish the innocence of the Ramseys, the willingness of John and Patsy to sit for interrogation - which they are not required to do - does impress many people as conduct which is inconsistent with guilt."

Carlson has previously criticized some Colorado police and prosecutors for their refusal to discuss certain aspects of the case, saying that the Ramseys had been "so pilloried, so horribly tried in the media, that in fairness, some of the exonerating evidence should be disclosed." For example, he cites last fall's disclosures published by Newsweek magazine:

"Newsweek reported that DNA from tissue found under Jon-Benet's fingernails has not been matched to anyone in the family," said Carlson. "Particularly when citizens have been subjected to trial by tabloid, careful and measured release of some of the investigative information which is helpful to the individual is in the public interest."

The Monday interviews in Atlanta will be the first major sit-down by the Ramseys with the Boulder police in two years. It has been reported that a substantial delegation of authorities will arrive in Atlanta and that the Boulder police chief apparently has new questions and information - prospects Carlson views as encouraging. "The interview potentially promises to be a pivotal step," he said.

Carlson, a nationally recognized expert in evidence, trial practice and criminal procedure, has litigated many cases and has argued twice before the United States Supreme Court. He has written numerous books on trial techniques and provided extensive commentary for the national media in high-profile trials. For further comment, contact Prof. Carlson at his office, (706) 542-5186 or at home, (706) 548-6771.

# #

Share

COinS