Nearly three decades after the tragic death of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old pageant queen whose murder gripped and horrified the nation, ABC’s “20/20” takes a fresh look at the still-unsolved case. In “Forever Young: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?,” airing Friday, December 13, the program explores the lingering questions, the renewed investigative efforts, and the enduring pain of a family forever marked by tragedy.
The special offers a rare glimpse into the perspective of JonBenét’s father, John Ramsey, now 81. In a new interview with “Nightline” co-anchor Byron Pitts, Ramsey reflects on the years of suspicion that have followed him and his late wife, Patsy, both of whom were eventually cleared by authorities. He shares his thoughts on what law enforcement should be doing now, almost 30 years after his daughter’s body was discovered in the basement of their Boulder, Colorado home on Christmas Day.
“Forever Young” incorporates previously unseen footage from Barbara Walters’ interview with John and Patsy Ramsey, conducted not long after JonBenét’s death. This archival material provides a window into the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and the initial public response to the case.
The “20/20” special also examines the ongoing efforts by Colorado law enforcement to finally crack the case. With advances in DNA technology and investigative techniques, authorities hope to uncover new leads and bring closure to a mystery that has haunted the public consciousness for decades. While the path to a definitive resolution remains uncertain, the renewed focus offers a glimmer of hope in a case long considered cold.
“20/20” airs Friday, December 13 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC. It will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
