Podcast Summary: The Victim's Shoes - Episode 3

Title: The Victim's Shoes
Hosts: Lexi and Jessa
Release Date: October 8, 2020

Introduction

In Episode 3 of The Victim's Shoes, hosts Lexi and Jessa continue their deep dive into the perplexing JonBenet Ramsey murder case. Drawing from their unique perspective as the granddaughters of Detective Lou Smit, they present a compelling argument supporting the intruder theory. This episode meticulously breaks down various pieces of evidence, debunks prevalent myths, and reinforces the notion that the Ramseys were not involved in their daughter's tragic death.

The Scream Heard by Neighbor Melody Stanton

One of the pivotal pieces of evidence discussed is the scream heard by Melody Stanton, a neighbor across the street from the Ramsey residence.

• Evidence of the Scream:

  • Lexi states, “Witness Melody Stanton... heard a scream in the early morning hours of the 26th. It was the most terrifying child scream I have ever heard...” [01:15].
  • The scream lasted three to five seconds and ceased abruptly, allegedly emanating from across the street.

• Sound Transmission Explanation:

  • Jessa explains how the mansion's architecture and an open basement vent facilitated the sound travel to Melody’s partially open window [01:15].
  • An experiment conducted by Detective Lou Smit in June 1997 confirmed that sounds from the basement vent could be heard clearly across the street but not within the master bedroom, supporting the idea that the Ramseys did not hear the scream [03:24].

• Additional Observations:

  • Melody Stanton’s husband reported hearing the slamming of a grate, potentially linking to the intruder's entrance point [03:24].

Debunking the Pineapple Theory

The hosts address the infamous pineapple evidence, aiming to demystify its significance in the case.

• Clarifying the Pineapple:

  • Lexi asserts, “There is no mystery surrounding the pineapple. It has been blown completely out of proportion...” [07:00].
  • A bowl of pineapple with Burke and Patsy's fingerprints was found, alongside undigested fruit fragments in JonBenet’s stomach.

• Scientific Perspective:

  • Jessa cites Dixie Lawrence de Foya, explaining that cellulose from fruits like pineapple cannot be fully digested and suggests JonBenet likely consumed the fruit earlier in the day, not near the time of her death [09:32].
  • This challenges the theory that the killer fed her pineapple to imply familiarity [07:00].

Foreign DNA Evidence Supports Intruder Theory

A substantial segment of the episode delves into DNA evidence that bolsters the intruder hypothesis.

• DNA Findings:

  • Lexi details the discovery of foreign DNA in JonBenet’s fingernail clippings, panties, and long johns, which did not match any Ramsey family members [09:32].
  • District Attorney Mary Lacy acknowledged the DNA pointed to an unknown male, exonerating the Ramseys officially [09:32].

• Expert Analysis:

  • Jessa emphasizes the strength of the DNA evidence, noting that 10 identifiable foreign markers were entered into CODIS, a national DNA database, with no matches found [14:41].
  • C (presumably Detective Lou Smit) explains that advancements in DNA technology could eventually identify the intruder [14:41].

• Notable Quotes:

  • Lexi: “Why do people still think that someone in the family was responsible and that the intruder theory is incorrect?” [14:13].
  • Jessa: “It's very, very important in this case.” [18:02].

JonBenet’s Injuries Indicate Alive During Assault

The episode provides a thorough examination of the physical injuries sustained by JonBenet, underscoring the brutality and premeditation of the crime.

• Stun Gun Marks:

  • Lexi and Jessa discuss rectangular marks on JonBenet’s body resembling stun gun prongs, supporting the use of a stun gun by the intruder [18:02].
  • Experiments replicated the marks using stun guns, matching the patterns found on JonBenet [21:23].

• Strangulation and Sexual Assault:

  • Jessa describes the garrote used to strangle JonBenet, noting scratch marks that indicate she struggled while alive [25:01].
  • Evidence of petechiae (small hemorrhages in the eyes) further confirms that JonBenet was strangled while still alive [28:10].

• Blunt Force Trauma:

  • Lexi highlights severe skull fractures found during the autopsy, inconsistent with staged injuries and indicative of intense violence [29:03].

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jessa: “These are electrical type burns. So why are people making this so difficult?” [25:01].
  • Lexi: “This was an intense blow to the head... you can't just ignore pieces of evidence because it doesn't fit the theory that you like.” [29:03].

Absence of Evidence Against the Ramseys

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the lack of any substantial evidence implicating the Ramsey family.

• No Signs of Abuse:

  • Lexi mentions that family members, including siblings and the family doctor, reported no history of abuse or bad character [38:27].
  • Jessa reinforces that there was no motive, such as bedwetting-related anger, supported by no evidence of prior issues [38:27].

• Statements from the Doctor:

  • C cites Dr. Booth, who treated JonBenet extensively and found no evidence of past sexual abuse [33:50].

• Staging Contradictions:

  • Jessa questions the logic behind the Ramseys staging the crime scene and then later un-staging it, highlighting inconsistencies [41:06].
  • C elaborates on the improbability of staging efforts aligning with the evidence of live injuries [42:25].

• Notable Quotes:

  • Lexi: “The Ramseys have absolutely zero motive or evidence of bad character...” [38:27].
  • Jessa: “Why would the Ramseys stage the murder and sexual assault only to unstage it later?” [41:43].

Staging Arguments and Final Thoughts

The hosts dismantle theories that suggest the Ramseys could have staged the crime scene, emphasizing the lack of credible motive and conflicting actions that undermine such claims.

• Inconsistencies in Staging:

  • Jessa points out that actions taken by the Ramseys after the crime contradict the idea of staging, such as searching for JonBenet and removing evidence [41:06].

• Final Exoneration:

  • Lexi and Jessa assert that the overwhelming evidence supports the intruder theory, arguing that the Ramseys are victims themselves [43:34].

• Call to Action:

  • The episode concludes with a plea for listeners to support their investigative efforts through donations and social media engagement [47:27].

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jessa: “If it's not the Ramseys, then it's an intruder. It's as simple as that.” [47:45].
  • Lexi: “We wanted to share the facts and stray evidence of this case to show you... evidence pointing towards an intruder and away from the family.” [43:34].

Conclusion

Episode 3 of The Victim's Shoes presents a meticulously crafted argument for the intruder theory in the JonBenet Ramsey case. Through detailed analysis of auditory evidence, forensic DNA findings, physical injuries, and the absence of credible motives against the Ramseys, Lexi and Jessa aim to shed light on the complexities of this enduring mystery. The episode not only seeks to inform but also to advocate for justice, urging listeners to reconsider established narratives and support continued efforts to uncover the truth.

For More Information:

• Instagram: hevictimshoes
• Donation: GoFundMe page linked in their Instagram bio.

Notable Quotes:

• Lexi: “Why do people still think that someone in the family was responsible and that the intruder theory is incorrect?” [14:13].
• Jessa: “It's very, very important in this case.” [18:02].
• Jessa: “These are electrical type burns. So why are people making this so difficult?” [25:01].
• Lexi: “This was an intense blow to the head... you can't just ignore pieces of evidence because it doesn't fit the theory that you like.” [29:03].
• Jessa: “Why would the Ramseys stage the murder and sexual assault only to unstage it later?” [41:43].
• Jessa: “If it's not the Ramseys, then it's an intruder. It's as simple as that.” [47:45].

Attribution:

The audio clips used in this podcast are courtesy of and used with the express permission of the Lou Smit Archive.