• "Test the DNA": JonBenét Ramsey's Father Pleads for Action Nearly 30 Years After Daughter’s Murder
    Nov 22 2024
    John Ramsey, father of murdered child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey, believes the answer to solving her 1996 murder lies in untested DNA evidence. However, he says Boulder Police are unwilling to allow the necessary testing to move forward.

    “We're begging the police to engage,” the 80-year-old tells *PEOPLE*. “There are cutting-edge DNA labs that want to help and who believe they can move the case forward.”

    Ramsey accuses the Boulder Police Department of stonewalling external efforts to examine key evidence, including genetic material on the garrote used to strangle his 6-year-old daughter and other items from the crime scene. “We're not asking them to do anything weird,” Ramsey emphasizes. “Just do your job. Test the DNA.”

    JonBenét was found dead in her family’s Boulder, Colorado, home on December 26, 1996. Alongside her body in a rarely used basement room was a chilling handwritten ransom note. Despite the brutality of the crime—JonBenét was sexually assaulted and suffered both strangulation and a blow to the skull—her parents, John and the late Patsy Ramsey, became prime suspects. Their then-9-year-old son Burke was also scrutinized.

    Reflecting on the early days of the investigation, Ramsey recalls his disbelief at the police's focus on his family. “We assumed that the police would show some level of discernment and wisdom and say, ‘Yeah, well, this is crazy, to think [we] murdered our child.’ Well, they never did. They made that decision on day one and tried desperately to prove it.”

    A new three-part Netflix docuseries, *Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?*, streaming November 25, delves into the case’s enduring mysteries. Ramsey hopes the series will reignite public interest in solving the crime and put pressure on authorities to accept help from advanced DNA labs.

    According to Ramsey, key items of evidence remain untested or were analyzed using outdated methods. “Of the items sent to labs in the beginning, six or seven of them were returned untested,” he reveals. “We don't know why they were not tested, but they were not tested. The garrote used to strangle JonBenét and a number of items just were sent back.”

    Ramsey advocates for the use of genetic genealogy, a technology that has cracked numerous cold cases in recent years. However, he says the process requires a specific format of DNA samples, which has yet to be obtained. “That’s why we've been advocating more testing be done by one or two of these very cutting-edge labs,” he explains.

    The evidence in question includes the garrote, the ransom note, and a suitcase found beneath an open basement window where some theorize the killer may have entered and exited the home.

    Despite decades of frustration, Ramsey remains hopeful. “If it stays in the hands of the Boulder Police, it will not be solved, period,” he tells *PEOPLE*. “If they accept help, all the help that's out there, that's available and offered, it will be solved. Yes, I believe it will be solved.”

    Ramsey’s wife Patsy passed away in 2006, and neither she, John, nor Burke were ever charged in connection with JonBenét’s murder. Nearly three decades later, Ramsey continues to push for justice, refusing to let the case fade into obscurity.

    # JonBenetRamsey #ColdCase #TrueCrime #DNAEvidence #JusticeForJonBenet #NetflixSeries #BoulderPolice
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    9 mins
  • Idaho Judge Rules Bryan Kohberger Can Face Death Penalty in 2022 Student Murders Case
    Nov 22 2024
    Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, will face the possibility of the death penalty if convicted, according to a recent ruling by Ada County Judge Steven Hippler. Kohberger’s defense team had argued to exclude the death penalty as a potential sentence, but their motions were denied.

    The judge’s decision, made as part of a written ruling, allows the prosecution to move forward with its stated intention to seek the death penalty should Kohberger be found guilty. Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder for the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves in an off-campus residence near the University of Idaho.

    The defense team presented several arguments against the death penalty, claiming that extended periods on death row and the execution methods permitted in Idaho constitute "cruel and unusual punishment." Additionally, they argued that Idaho’s death penalty laws violate an international treaty banning the torture of prisoners. However, Judge Hippler rejected these claims, enabling the prosecution to proceed as planned.

    Kohberger’s attorneys have not commented on the ruling.

    The four victims, all University of Idaho students, were found stabbed to death on November 13, 2022. The brutal killings shocked the college community and drew national attention. Kohberger, a criminology student, was arrested on December 30, 2022, in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho in January 2023.

    When asked to enter a plea in court, Kohberger declined to respond, prompting the judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. His trial, initially scheduled earlier, was moved to Boise at the defense's request. It is now set to begin in August 2025.

    With this ruling, the case enters a critical phase as both sides prepare for what promises to be a lengthy and high-profile trial.

    #BryanKohberger #IdahoStudentMurders #DeathPenaltyRuling #UniversityOfIdaho #TrueCrime #BoiseTrial #JusticeForTheVictims
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    12 mins
  • Diddy Fights to Appear Unshackled in Court as Legal Troubles Mount
    Nov 21 2024
    Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a request through his attorney to appear unshackled during court proceedings. The motion, submitted late on Monday, Nov. 18, argues that shackling the music mogul creates risks of juror bias and hampers his ability to communicate with his defense team.

    “We write on behalf of our client, Mr. Sean Combs, to respectfully request that the Court direct the United States Marshals Service to unshackle Mr. Combs prior to bringing him into the courtroom for tomorrow's hearing and for all future court appearances,” his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, wrote in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

    This request follows Combs’ Oct. 10 court appearance, during which he remained in leg shackles. Agnifilo stated there was “no justification” for such treatment and highlighted concerns that media coverage of his shackling could influence potential jurors.

    “Given the press attention on the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a substantial risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackling through the media and develop such a bias,” Agnifilo argued.

    The motion also claims that shackling interferes with Combs’ ability to effectively communicate with his legal counsel, undermining the respectful treatment of defendants.

    ### Allegations of Jail Violations

    The motion comes amidst allegations from prosecutors that Combs violated jail rules. According to documents filed on Friday, Nov. 15, Combs used a "non-authorized third-party messaging service" to communicate with multiple people while incarcerated in Brooklyn. Prosecutors further allege that he enlisted his children to launch a social media campaign tied to his birthday, potentially influencing jurors.

    This follows Combs’ unsuccessful bail motion earlier this month. His attorneys proposed a $50 million bail package, arguing that newly surfaced evidence supports his release. The prosecution, however, pointed to Combs’ history of alleged “freak offs” and referenced a March 2016 video, described in the indictment as evidence of assault.

    Combs’ defense pushed back, claiming the video showed a consensual relationship, not coercion. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” his lawyers stated in the motion.

    ### Trial Scheduled for May 2025

    Facing racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His trial is currently set for May 2025. Meanwhile, the motion to appear unshackled remains a focal point of his defense strategy as the high-profile case continues to draw significant public and media attention.

    #Diddy #SeanCombs #LegalBattle #CourtAppearance #RacketeeringCase #JurorBias #MediaCoverage
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    14 mins
  • Susan Smith Denied Parole 30 Years After Drowning Her Two Sons
    Nov 21 2024
    Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother convicted of murdering her two sons in 1994, was denied parole on Wednesday, Nov. 20, after appearing before the South Carolina parole board. The denial comes nearly three decades after Smith drove her car into a lake with her children, Michael (3) and Alex (14 months), strapped inside, a crime that shocked the nation. Smith, now 53, appeared via videoconference and addressed the board with remorse. “I know that what I did was horrible,” she said, according to CNN. She added, “I am a Christian and God is a big part of my life and I know he has forgiven me and I know that is by his grace and mercy … And I just ask that you show that same kind of mercy as well.” The board rejected her request, citing the severity of her crime. On October 25, 1994, Susan, then 23, claimed that a Black man had carjacked her vehicle with her sons still inside, prompting a national search. For nine days, she made tearful public pleas for their safe return. However, the truth unraveled when Susan confessed to letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake, killing her children. Prosecutors revealed that Susan’s motive stemmed from her affair with a wealthy man who had ended their relationship because she had children. In 1995, she was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Her ex-husband, David Smith, reflected on her actions during an interview with the *Today* show, stating, “I don’t think Susan should ever be granted parole. It wasn’t an accident; she deliberately killed our boys.” David also described the lingering anger he felt during the trial. “I used to sit there and look at the back of her head and then look at where the bailiffs were and think about killing her,” he admitted. Smith’s time in prison at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina, has been marked by disciplinary infractions. She has been punished for self-mutilation, drug use, and unauthorized interviews, among other violations. She was also disciplined for having sexual relationships with two prison staff members, both of whom faced criminal charges. In 2015, Smith wrote to a local newspaper in an attempt to defend her character. “I am not the monster society thinks I am. I am far from it,” she claimed. Despite these statements, critics, including her ex-husband, believe she has not demonstrated genuine remorse. “I don’t think she’ll ever be rehabilitated,” David told the *Today* show. Though he opposes her release, David has spoken about his journey to forgiveness. “Yes, I have forgiven her, but that doesn’t take away what she did. It doesn’t make it easier,” he told Court TV in September. David continues to grieve the loss of his sons, holding on to memories of Michael and Alex. A photograph of him holding their picture outside the courthouse after the verdict in 1995 remains a poignant reminder of the tragedy. The South Carolina parole board hears dozens of cases each day, but Smith’s high-profile application garnered widespread attention. To secure parole, she needed a two-thirds majority vote from the seven-member panel, which she did not achieve. Parole for violent offenders in South Carolina is rare, with only 8% of applicants granted release. If Susan Smith chooses, she may reapply in two years. The board’s decision ensures that, for now, Susan Smith will remain behind bars, continuing to serve her life sentence for the murder of her two sons—a crime that still haunts the nation decades later. #SusanSmith #TrueCrime #ParoleDenied #ChildMurder #JusticeForMichaelAndAlex #ParoleBoard #CrimeNews Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    11 mins
  • Tennessee Family Devastated After Deputy Shoots and Kills Seven Dogs
    Nov 20 2024
    A Tennessee family is reeling from a tragic incident in which seven of their beloved dogs were shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy while the family was out for dinner.

    Kevin Dismuke and his wife left their McNairy County home for an evening out but returned to devastating news. "She said, ‘Poe is dead,’” Dismuke recalled his wife telling him, referring to one of their dogs. When he got back to their property he found that only one of their dogs had survived. “They were all gone except one,” he said.

    The horrifying incident occurred when Deputy Connor Brackin, 24, from the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, arrived at the property in response to a welfare call concerning the dogs. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Brackin was dispatched to check on reports that the dogs were malnourished and abandoned. However, Dismuke has disputed these claims. “They were told the property was abandoned and the dogs were malnourished,” he explained. “I got the veterinary paperwork in my truck from three weeks ago. They all had a clean bill of health on them.”

    A neighbor later informed Dismuke that a deputy had arrived and started shooting. Details from the affidavit of complaint revealed that some of the dogs were inside campers when Brackin began firing. The deputy “loaded his service rifle and pistol and began firing into the campers at the dogs,” the affidavit alleges. Brackin reportedly fired eight times from outside the campers and then multiple times from inside, clearing the area afterward. The TBI has confirmed that the incident was captured on Brackin’s body camera.

    On Nov. 12, TBI agents issued warrants for Brackin, charging him with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty and eight counts of reckless endangerment. The deputy turned himself in and was booked into the McNairy County Jail, but he was released while awaiting further court proceedings. The sheriff’s office later confirmed that Brackin, who had been with the department for less than a month, resigned following the arrest.

    Dismuke and his family remain heartbroken over the loss of their pets. “I don’t care if you give me $10 if you give me $10 million," Dismuke said. "You can’t replace my dogs.” The case is ongoing as authorities investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting.
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    10 mins
  • Prosecutors Allege Sean 'Diddy' Combs Tried to Tamper with Witnesses, Influence Jurors from Jail
    Nov 20 2024
    Federal prosecutors are urging a judge not to grant Sean "Diddy" Combs bail, accusing the music mogul of witness tampering and attempting to influence potential jurors from his cell in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

    In a motion filed Friday, prosecutors emphasized that Combs has made relentless efforts to contact witnesses, including some of his alleged victims. They claim that Combs has gone to great lengths to manipulate the judicial process, using unauthorized communication methods and involving his children to gain sympathy from the public.

    "Despite being in jail, the defendant has managed to communicate with multiple individuals he should not have contacted," prosecutors wrote. "These efforts include using PAC numbers belonging to other inmates and making three-way calls to reach out to individuals, including his sons and other key witnesses."

    One of the most concerning allegations involves Combs’ use of a third-party communication service, ContactMeASAP, which allowed him to bypass standard jail communication protocols. Details of specific calls remain redacted, but prosecutors referenced a phone call between Combs and one of his sons in October. While the contents of that call are not fully disclosed, authorities suggest it implies a strategy to silence or manipulate victims and witnesses.

    According to the prosecutors, the call "provides the clear inference that the defendant’s goal is to blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense."

    Combs has also allegedly tried to sway public perception of his case. Prosecutors highlighted an incident in which Combs' son, Justin, posted a video on Instagram of the family singing happy birthday to the jailed music mogul. Combs, who turned 55 on Nov. 4, allegedly monitored the video’s analytics from jail, instructing his family on how to maximize its impact. "The defendant discussed ways to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors claimed.

    Combs' legal team has pushed back, arguing that the accusations are overblown. They insist that the charges are not as strong as prosecutors claim and that certain incidents, like a 2016 video showing him allegedly assaulting a woman in a Los Angeles hotel, have been misconstrued. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” the defense countered in a Nov. 8 filing.

    Seeking another shot at bail, Combs' attorneys have proposed stringent release conditions. The defense suggested home detention, 24/7 security monitoring, and severe restrictions on his ability to communicate with anyone besides his legal team. They maintain that the current pre-trial detention is excessive, given the circumstances.

    Combs' next opportunity to argue for bail comes as his case moves closer to trial, currently set for May 2025. As he continues to plead not guilty, the defense and prosecution remain locked in a battle over the mogul's conduct behind bars and the strength of the case against him.
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    12 mins
  • Incoming Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman Warns Against Misinformation in Menendez Brothers Case
    Nov 19 2024
    Nathan Hochman, the incoming Los Angeles District Attorney, is preparing to take on the complex case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose 1989 conviction for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in Beverly Hills has reignited public interest. This surge in attention has been fueled by Netflix’s dramatized series *Monsters* and its accompanying documentary, featuring the brothers speaking from prison. However, Hochman has cautioned that public perception, influenced by these dramatizations and celebrity advocacy, may not be grounded in the complete legal facts. Hochman, who will be sworn in on Dec. 2, told the Daily Beast that he has purposely avoided watching the Netflix portrayals. “I purposely just didn’t want to see [them] because what’s the point?” Hochman said. “It’s not like I’m going to watch the movie. I’d rather read the book.” He emphasized his intent to approach the case with a fresh and unbiased perspective, stating, “I have some vague recollections of the case 30 years ago, and that’s all the more reason why I feel compelled to… really get deep into the facts, because, you know, newspaper accounts are wildly inaccurate often on what the true facts of a case look like.” The Menendez brothers’ case has drawn high-profile support, including from Kim Kardashian, who, along with actor Cooper Koch, visited the brothers in prison. Kardashian later penned an essay advocating for their release. Hochman remains cautious about the influence of celebrity endorsements, stressing that such figures often lack an understanding of the intricate legal elements involved. One of outgoing DA George Gascón’s final actions was to request the brothers’ sentences be reduced to 50 years with the possibility of parole, which would make them eligible for release. The judge has scheduled a resentencing hearing for Dec. 11, meaning the case will be one of Hochman’s first responsibilities upon assuming office. “This [case] is a high priority,” Hochman asserted. “Any time a particular case gets this level of attention, it’s even that more important to get it right.” The Menendez brothers, now 56 and 53, argue they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse from their father. Their habeas corpus petition, filed in May 2023, claims that key evidence was excluded from their original trial. They point to a letter from 1988 as proof of their fear and cite an accusation from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who alleged sexual abuse by Jose Menendez. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Ryan will consider the petition at a hearing on Nov. 26. If resentenced, a parole hearing would be needed, and the decision would ultimately rest with California’s parole board, whose members are appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Alternatively, the brothers have petitioned Newsom for clemency. Observers are divided on whether Newsom, who has political ambitions, would be willing to grant such a high-profile request. Hochman is committed to an exhaustive review of the case. “This is a perfect example where people have reached conclusions based on a very limited review of the facts and pretty much no knowledge of most of the law,” he stated. Having grown up near the Menendez family’s former home and witnessed the trials as a young prosecutor, Hochman understands the case’s gravity. “You want to get this one right,” he said, adding that he plans to balance his prosecutorial experience with a fair assessment of the defense’s arguments. As public interest continues to grow, Hochman’s approach to the case will be closely scrutinized. “What matters are the facts. What matters is justice and fairness,” Newsom has also remarked about the case, emphasizing that celebrity status should neither harm nor help the Menendez brothers. Despite widespread speculation, Hochman is committed to basing any decisions on a thorough understanding of both the facts and the law, ensuring that justice is served appropriately. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    12 mins
  • Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Indianapolis Planet Fitness; Investigation Ongoing
    Nov 19 2024
    Indianapolis police are investigating the death of a man found inside a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym three days after he entered. The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Derek Sink. The tragic discovery has left many unanswered questions and prompted scrutiny over the incident.

    On Monday morning, just before 8:30 a.m., the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received a report of a body at Planet Fitness. Officers arrived to find Sink’s body in one of the tanning beds.

    According to police records obtained by 13News, Sink’s family had last been in contact with him on Friday, Nov. 8, when he went to the gym. Concerned for his safety, his relatives reported him missing on Sunday, Nov. 10. Authorities confirmed that Sink, who was wearing an ankle monitor at the time, never left the gym.

    “This remains an ongoing death investigation,” a spokesperson for Marion County told People. The police have not elaborated further on the details.

    Sink’s family revealed that he had been struggling with drug addiction, and they claimed a needle was found in the tanning room where his body was discovered. The gym-goers had also noticed signs that something was amiss.

    A woman who visited Planet Fitness on Nov. 11 said that she and other members were aware of a strong, foul odor that grew worse near the tanning rooms. “The tanning bed has a door, I believe, but still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?” questioned Elizabeth Len, a member who spoke to 13News.

    In response to the incident, Planet Fitness issued a statement expressing their sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members,” said McCall Gosselin, a spokesperson for Planet Fitness. “At Planet Fitness, we have robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols.”

    The gym chain emphasized their commitment to safety but did not address specific questions about how the tanning bed went unchecked for so long. As the investigation continues, police and medical officials are working to determine the exact cause of Sink’s death, while his family and the community await more answers.
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    8 mins