04-16-2022, 04:52 AM
Fleet White letter with my comments
Letter to the Editor
Friday, January 16, 1998
As witnesses in the JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation, we are reluctant to express our views regarding the investigation. At this time, however, we feel compelled to address matters which we feel to be of great importance. There is a widely held perception that the investigation has been plagued by intense news media coverage and the improper conduct of the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney.
MY COMMENT - This is neither BORG nor IDI, just someone wanting to give an opinion on what is happening.
There can be no question that the wide circulation of facts, evidence, and opinions has had a debilitating effect on the investigation. Equally damaging, however, have been public statements made by officials which, because of their nature and discontinuity, have created confusion and anxiety not only for the public but also for law enforcement personnel and witnesses. It must be clear at this point that the extraordinary circumstances of this crime and its investigation do not lend themselves to discussion or debate in a public forum. Doing so will only serve to jeopardize the civil rights of involved parties, reduce the willingness of witnesses to cooperate, and make the task of law enforcement agencies investigating the case more difficult.
MY COMMENT - I would ask Fleet and Priscilla if they, 1, trusted LE completely when this started, and 2, ever changed their minds about their complete honesty when talking to THEM about the evidence in this case.
Public officials who contemplate the release of information concerning the case or who desire to publicly express their opinions must be mindful of these risks. Such statements and the release of information should only serve the goals of furthering the investigation or protecting the public. There are simply no other valid reasons for making information regarding the investigation available to the public.
MY COMMENT - Again, neither BORG nor IDI, this seems to be pointing at members of the BPD who were leaking information to people like Jeff Shapiro and Frank Coffman as well as mainstream reporters and special editions like Vanity Fair. Who else would he be referring to as "Public officials"?
It is likely that few, if any, statements of fact or opinion made by public officials concerning the Ramsey investigation have met this standard. For this case to proceed in a positive manner it will be necessary to do all that is practically possible to integrate the activities of a prosecutor and police investigators and shield their investigation from public view until such time when an arrest is made.
MY COMMENT - Again, it seems Fleet and Priscilla are upset by "public officials" who are sharing both "statements of fact" AND "OPINION". I would ask them if they were realizing that the BPD was BORG biased, not only privately but also in their discussions with others.
As witnesses, we have developed confidence and trust in Boulder Police Department investigators. While we recognize that errors have been made in the investigation, we feel strongly that these officers and their leadership are committed both personally and professionally to assembling a valid case which will lead to an arrest and conviction. Furthermore, we are greatly encouraged by their addition of competent legal counsel who are aiding their investigation.
MY COMMENT - It's like the person who makes a complaint then backtracks a bit because they don't want the other party to be SOOO upset. JMO.
We have not, on the other hand, developed such sentiments toward the Boulder County District Attorney. On the contrary, we feel that the Boulder County District Attorney has not acted in a manner consistent with an agency which must work with police investigators and witnesses in a positive and professional manner. Our sentiments toward the Boulder County District Attorney are based on our personal experiences which have been augmented by the following considerations:
MY COMMENT - Not being lawyers, I am unaware of any situation where the Whites, until Christmas of 1996, have had to deal with any relationship between police and District Attorneys. I used to think the cops made the case, the prosecutors handled it in court - - - never considered what the DA's office was legally required to do if they felt the Police investigation was biased, or bent, or fatally flawed due to incompetence or maliciousness.
There are various relationships between the Boulder County District Attorney and members of the Boulder and Denver legal communities which may have impaired the objectivity of the Boulder County District Attorney with respect to a case brought before it by the Boulder Police Department.
MY COMMENT - Agree, but would ask what made F&P believe the DA's office was wrong, not the BPD.
2. The Boulder County District Attorney under the leadership of District Attorney Alex Hunter has been criticized in the past for not being an aggressive prosecutor of homicide cases.
MY COMMENT - Agree again, not only for homicides but many crimes. Doesn't mean the DA was the "bad guy" in THIS case. He was watching the BPD leak misinformation and encouraging fake "experts" to write fake reports to "push buttons" in interrogations. He knew the "key witness" according to Steve Thomas, was a charlatan who had already been discredited in this case. But I think F&P were unaware of that. Bet Steve Thomas just pushed hard telling F&P how Koby AND Hunter needed to "bully up" and follow his theory.
3. There appears to be an atmosphere of distrust and non-cooperation between the Boulder County District Attorney and the Boulder Police Department regarding the investigation. This relationship appears to be irreparably damaged with respect to the Ramsey case.
MY COMMENT - agree again - - and in Steve Thomas' book it is clear WHY! Thomas and his friends didn't want to follow any IDI leads, wanted to ignore evidence of an intruder. They were BORG. Again, I think F&P were being led by Steve Thomas and Ron Gosage who were BORG to the bone and willing to spend a LOT of time with the Whites to make sure they got THEIR side of the story constantly. As I see it, it was like hypnosis, "we know they did it, we have the evidence, you only need to help. else they will point at you."
4. There is a strong impression that the Boulder County District Attorney has acted improperly by sharing evidence and other information with attorneys and other parties not officially involved in the investigation.
MY COMMENT - I am not going to say the DA was innocent - he was talking to Jeff Shapiro and that is, well, nuff said. But Jeff's stories in the Globe came mostly from Steve Thomas and Ron Gosage - - and I have to admit he was one with boots on the ground, talking to the neighbors and other witnesses. Enough guilt there to go around a few times.
5. There is a strong impression that Alex Hunter and members of his staff have acted inappropriately by giving their opinions and information regarding the investigation to various news media organizations. This impression has been strengthened recently by the statements made by District Attorney Alex Hunter appearing in the Jan. 19, 1998, issue of New Yorker magazine. His comments regarding the police investigation are mean-spirited and entirely devoid of any constructive aspect. We feel that his decision to state publicly these opinions regarding an on-going homicide investigation clearly defines his poor judgment and wanton disregard for all parties involved in this investigation and for the criminal justice system.
MY COMMENT - - WOW! The BPD started a lynch-mob kind of frenzy with their early LIES to media - - no evidence of intruder, no footprints in snow, bed was made, that Boulder need not worry about killer on streets.... and the misinformation, like not admitting the stun gun, like not telling EVEN THE DA, that the DNA used to clear Fleet White and others also cleared the Ramseys. Hunter admitted the investigation was flawed and Fleet is blaming HUNTER? Why? Would he rather see LE railroad people knowing the evidence said they didn't do it?
The fact that he made some of these statements five months ago, as has been recently suggested, does nothing to make them less inexcusable. What public service did Mr. Hunter envision when he made such statements and revealed details of the investigation over a period of five months to a noted journalist who has publicly announced his intention to write a book about the investigation?
MY COMMENT - Without going back and reading the New Yorker magazine article, I will just say I think the firestorm was started by the BPD and Hunter felt a need to put some brakes on the lynch mob's momentum.
These considerations cannot be ignored in an attempt to understand the present status of the investigation or in anticipating its future course. At a minimum, these considerations have created the strong appearance of impropriety, professional incompetence and a lack of objectivity. Additionally, the suit against Alex Hunter brought by Darnay Hoffman, regardless of its merit, has reinforced this appearance in the public consciousness. In this context, the following questions must be asked:
MY COMMENT - - there is nothing in this letter that points to the RAMSEYS as the guilty party. BORG acts like F&P accused the Ramseys - - but I don't see where that happened.
Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of inspiring the confidence and trust of police investigators and relevant witnesses in order that a case may be developed in such a manner as to maximize the likelihood of an arrest?
MY COMMENT - - I believe it was Thomas and Gosage who were planting the seeds of doubt in F&P's minds. THEY were spending a lot of time together. If F&P had spent an equal amount of time with Lou Smit and others from the DA's office, they may have felt differently.
2. Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of objectively and professionally evaluating the merit of a case presented to it by the Boulder Police Department?
MY COMMENT - - YES, YES and YES! They studied the Ramsey files, the photos and other evidence and saw evidence of an intruder. They went to the COORS presentation and left knowing the BPD had NO case against the family. Steve Thomas had Don Foster show HIS "stuff" and the DA KNEW he was a charlatan! (What the DA's office didn't know at that point is that the BPD already knew about the foreign DNA mixed with JonBenet's blood - - the BPD was hiding that.)
3. Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of aggressively and professionally coordinating and conducting a prosecution or other court proceedings in a manner most likely to result in an indictment and a successful prosecution?
MY COMMENT - - YES! Lou Smit was brought in and at that point the DA fully expected him to investigate this and help prosecute the killer. Lou had NEVER lost a single case that he helped bring to trial and he wouldn't have protected ANYONE who did this to a child. If the evidence was there, Lou would have pushed for an arrest, trial and conviction.
On Dec. 18, 1997, we met with Gov. Roy Romer to urge that he intervene immediately to remove the Boulder County District Attorney from any involvement in the case and appoint an independent special prosecutor. On Jan. 7, 1998, we were notified by Governor Romer that he had decided not to intervene. In a Jan. 12, 1998, letter from Gov. Romer, we were formally notified of his decision. In this letter, he stated that he had "decided not to intervene in this matter at this time" and indicated that his decision was "based in part on the fact that the police investigation is not yet complete and the case has not been referred to the district attorney for prosecution." While he did not specify what other factors were considered in arriving at his decision, we can only hope that they derive from sound recommendations received from knowledgeable and unbiased officials involved in the investigation who are in possession of compelling facts which are not available to us.
MY COMMENT - - Romer was a real jerk. A politician catering to the BORG who, IMO, were pushing him to support the police in their attempt to jail the parents no matter what the evidence said. But the same game is being played 23 years later, the BPD is saying their investigation is incomplete, not a "cold case" yet. I agree with F&P, this case needs to be taken away from the people who have not solved this in 25 years. We need a special cold case squad and a fresh start. A special prosecutor who will follow the evidence, not cater to egos or politics..
If Gov. Romer is inclined to intervene but feels that such a decision would now be untimely, we would submit that the passage of time cannot be expected to reduce the obstacles facing the investigation and the prosecution. In their effort to follow evidence, construct a valid case, and to maintain the confidence of witnesses, the Boulder Police Department needs the immediate participation and guidance of a supportive and competent prosecutor.
MY COMMENT - NO, the BPD needs to be relieved of this case because there is clear evidence of misconduct on their part. Including destruction of witness reports and invention of replacement reports.
The idea of waiting for the case to be "completed" and to be "referred" to the Boulder County District Attorney presupposes that the negative effect of the presence of the Boulder County District Attorney in the investigation will somehow be mitigated in the future. It ignores the practical problem that the Boulder Police Department and relevant witnesses have no confidence in the ability of the Boulder County District Attorney to prudently handle evidence and to professionally and impartially consider a case presented to it.
MY COMMENT - F&P are ignoring the inability of the BPD to make a case against anyone without using false witnesses, hearsay and lies, without bullying those who disagree with their theory. The DA didn't destroy this investigation, the BPD did and that means there can be no successful prosecution without a new investigation.
Furthermore, it is unreasonable for Governor Romer or for any of us to rely on civic and law enforcement officials who offer assurances that they can somehow eliminate the differences between the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney in an effort to move the case forward purposefully when they have so amply demonstrated their inability to do so.
MY COMMENT - agree, then and now. Needs a special prosecutor who will follow the evidence and not cater to egos and politics
Nor should we or Gov. Romer rely on the Hoffman suit or similar actions that may follow. It appears that these will only result in meaningless debate over semantics and, at best, lead to protracted and contentious court proceedings and investigations.
MY COMMENT - Ditto the Miller trial? Seriously, those lawsuits exposed a lot of information that helped put the TRUTH out and exposed some of the BORG lies.
As for the concern that the removal of the Boulder County District Attorney from the Ramsey case will jeopardize the future relationship between the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney on other cases, it is more likely that the continued presence of the Boulder County District Attorney in the Ramsey case will only serve to lessen the prospects of a healthy future relationship.
MY COMMENT - - Don't really know if the situation has improved in 23 years. Hope it has but with the same cops in place, I rather doubt it. I HOPE they are not being allowed to do the same to other innocent parties.
We again respectfully request that Gov. Romer intervene in this matter and level the playing field in Boulder.
MY COMMENT - - politics in action - - and nothing is being done.
The Boulder Police Department has but one goal in this matter which is to bring the person or persons who have committed crimes to justice.
MY COMMENT - - WRONG. They are protecting themselves, their reputation and possibly jobs and pensions. Maybe even the killer, I can't say for sure, but it is possible, IMO.
The police are handicapped by those who are acting to obfuscate and confuse the facts of this investigation. At this point there is little to be gained by speculating about who these people are and what reasons they may have for doing so. That can be left for another day.
MY COMMENT - - 23 years later and I believe his finger should be pointing at the BORG biased BPD who never made their case against the parents and did NOT properly investigate other suspects, good suspects
We request that Governor Romer immediately intervene and remove the Boulder County District Attorney and its offices from the investigation and appoint a competent and completely independent special prosecutor who is capable of establishing and maintaining the confidence and the trust of the Boulder Police Department, witnesses in the case, and the public whereby to maximize the likelihood of a successful conclusion to this case.
MY COMMENT - - Fleet, are you saying Romer needed to appoint someone BORG? Did Kane and Morrissey fill the bill? The evidence didn't change and even using false witnesses and blocking the Ramseys from testifying, they didn't get a murder or manslaughter charge out of the grand jury.
Regardless of the nature of his decision, we request that Governor Romer announce it publicly and that he make clear his reasoning. We ask the people of Colorado and especially the people of Boulder to join us in this respect.
The investigation of the murder of JonBenet Ramsey has profoundly hurt many innocent people. It has caused the Boulder community and many of its leaders and institutions to be degraded. It has engendered contempt for Boulder's law enforcement agencies and criminal justice system. Governor Romer, with the support of the people of Boulder, must attend to these matters now.
Fleet Russell White, Jr.
Priscilla Brown White
MY COMMENT - - Entire letter discussed - - nothing in this letter says he thinks the parents were responsible in any way for the death of their daughter.
Letter to the Editor
Friday, January 16, 1998
As witnesses in the JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation, we are reluctant to express our views regarding the investigation. At this time, however, we feel compelled to address matters which we feel to be of great importance. There is a widely held perception that the investigation has been plagued by intense news media coverage and the improper conduct of the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney.
MY COMMENT - This is neither BORG nor IDI, just someone wanting to give an opinion on what is happening.
There can be no question that the wide circulation of facts, evidence, and opinions has had a debilitating effect on the investigation. Equally damaging, however, have been public statements made by officials which, because of their nature and discontinuity, have created confusion and anxiety not only for the public but also for law enforcement personnel and witnesses. It must be clear at this point that the extraordinary circumstances of this crime and its investigation do not lend themselves to discussion or debate in a public forum. Doing so will only serve to jeopardize the civil rights of involved parties, reduce the willingness of witnesses to cooperate, and make the task of law enforcement agencies investigating the case more difficult.
MY COMMENT - I would ask Fleet and Priscilla if they, 1, trusted LE completely when this started, and 2, ever changed their minds about their complete honesty when talking to THEM about the evidence in this case.
Public officials who contemplate the release of information concerning the case or who desire to publicly express their opinions must be mindful of these risks. Such statements and the release of information should only serve the goals of furthering the investigation or protecting the public. There are simply no other valid reasons for making information regarding the investigation available to the public.
MY COMMENT - Again, neither BORG nor IDI, this seems to be pointing at members of the BPD who were leaking information to people like Jeff Shapiro and Frank Coffman as well as mainstream reporters and special editions like Vanity Fair. Who else would he be referring to as "Public officials"?
It is likely that few, if any, statements of fact or opinion made by public officials concerning the Ramsey investigation have met this standard. For this case to proceed in a positive manner it will be necessary to do all that is practically possible to integrate the activities of a prosecutor and police investigators and shield their investigation from public view until such time when an arrest is made.
MY COMMENT - Again, it seems Fleet and Priscilla are upset by "public officials" who are sharing both "statements of fact" AND "OPINION". I would ask them if they were realizing that the BPD was BORG biased, not only privately but also in their discussions with others.
As witnesses, we have developed confidence and trust in Boulder Police Department investigators. While we recognize that errors have been made in the investigation, we feel strongly that these officers and their leadership are committed both personally and professionally to assembling a valid case which will lead to an arrest and conviction. Furthermore, we are greatly encouraged by their addition of competent legal counsel who are aiding their investigation.
MY COMMENT - It's like the person who makes a complaint then backtracks a bit because they don't want the other party to be SOOO upset. JMO.
We have not, on the other hand, developed such sentiments toward the Boulder County District Attorney. On the contrary, we feel that the Boulder County District Attorney has not acted in a manner consistent with an agency which must work with police investigators and witnesses in a positive and professional manner. Our sentiments toward the Boulder County District Attorney are based on our personal experiences which have been augmented by the following considerations:
MY COMMENT - Not being lawyers, I am unaware of any situation where the Whites, until Christmas of 1996, have had to deal with any relationship between police and District Attorneys. I used to think the cops made the case, the prosecutors handled it in court - - - never considered what the DA's office was legally required to do if they felt the Police investigation was biased, or bent, or fatally flawed due to incompetence or maliciousness.
There are various relationships between the Boulder County District Attorney and members of the Boulder and Denver legal communities which may have impaired the objectivity of the Boulder County District Attorney with respect to a case brought before it by the Boulder Police Department.
MY COMMENT - Agree, but would ask what made F&P believe the DA's office was wrong, not the BPD.
2. The Boulder County District Attorney under the leadership of District Attorney Alex Hunter has been criticized in the past for not being an aggressive prosecutor of homicide cases.
MY COMMENT - Agree again, not only for homicides but many crimes. Doesn't mean the DA was the "bad guy" in THIS case. He was watching the BPD leak misinformation and encouraging fake "experts" to write fake reports to "push buttons" in interrogations. He knew the "key witness" according to Steve Thomas, was a charlatan who had already been discredited in this case. But I think F&P were unaware of that. Bet Steve Thomas just pushed hard telling F&P how Koby AND Hunter needed to "bully up" and follow his theory.
3. There appears to be an atmosphere of distrust and non-cooperation between the Boulder County District Attorney and the Boulder Police Department regarding the investigation. This relationship appears to be irreparably damaged with respect to the Ramsey case.
MY COMMENT - agree again - - and in Steve Thomas' book it is clear WHY! Thomas and his friends didn't want to follow any IDI leads, wanted to ignore evidence of an intruder. They were BORG. Again, I think F&P were being led by Steve Thomas and Ron Gosage who were BORG to the bone and willing to spend a LOT of time with the Whites to make sure they got THEIR side of the story constantly. As I see it, it was like hypnosis, "we know they did it, we have the evidence, you only need to help. else they will point at you."
4. There is a strong impression that the Boulder County District Attorney has acted improperly by sharing evidence and other information with attorneys and other parties not officially involved in the investigation.
MY COMMENT - I am not going to say the DA was innocent - he was talking to Jeff Shapiro and that is, well, nuff said. But Jeff's stories in the Globe came mostly from Steve Thomas and Ron Gosage - - and I have to admit he was one with boots on the ground, talking to the neighbors and other witnesses. Enough guilt there to go around a few times.
5. There is a strong impression that Alex Hunter and members of his staff have acted inappropriately by giving their opinions and information regarding the investigation to various news media organizations. This impression has been strengthened recently by the statements made by District Attorney Alex Hunter appearing in the Jan. 19, 1998, issue of New Yorker magazine. His comments regarding the police investigation are mean-spirited and entirely devoid of any constructive aspect. We feel that his decision to state publicly these opinions regarding an on-going homicide investigation clearly defines his poor judgment and wanton disregard for all parties involved in this investigation and for the criminal justice system.
MY COMMENT - - WOW! The BPD started a lynch-mob kind of frenzy with their early LIES to media - - no evidence of intruder, no footprints in snow, bed was made, that Boulder need not worry about killer on streets.... and the misinformation, like not admitting the stun gun, like not telling EVEN THE DA, that the DNA used to clear Fleet White and others also cleared the Ramseys. Hunter admitted the investigation was flawed and Fleet is blaming HUNTER? Why? Would he rather see LE railroad people knowing the evidence said they didn't do it?
The fact that he made some of these statements five months ago, as has been recently suggested, does nothing to make them less inexcusable. What public service did Mr. Hunter envision when he made such statements and revealed details of the investigation over a period of five months to a noted journalist who has publicly announced his intention to write a book about the investigation?
MY COMMENT - Without going back and reading the New Yorker magazine article, I will just say I think the firestorm was started by the BPD and Hunter felt a need to put some brakes on the lynch mob's momentum.
These considerations cannot be ignored in an attempt to understand the present status of the investigation or in anticipating its future course. At a minimum, these considerations have created the strong appearance of impropriety, professional incompetence and a lack of objectivity. Additionally, the suit against Alex Hunter brought by Darnay Hoffman, regardless of its merit, has reinforced this appearance in the public consciousness. In this context, the following questions must be asked:
MY COMMENT - - there is nothing in this letter that points to the RAMSEYS as the guilty party. BORG acts like F&P accused the Ramseys - - but I don't see where that happened.
Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of inspiring the confidence and trust of police investigators and relevant witnesses in order that a case may be developed in such a manner as to maximize the likelihood of an arrest?
MY COMMENT - - I believe it was Thomas and Gosage who were planting the seeds of doubt in F&P's minds. THEY were spending a lot of time together. If F&P had spent an equal amount of time with Lou Smit and others from the DA's office, they may have felt differently.
2. Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of objectively and professionally evaluating the merit of a case presented to it by the Boulder Police Department?
MY COMMENT - - YES, YES and YES! They studied the Ramsey files, the photos and other evidence and saw evidence of an intruder. They went to the COORS presentation and left knowing the BPD had NO case against the family. Steve Thomas had Don Foster show HIS "stuff" and the DA KNEW he was a charlatan! (What the DA's office didn't know at that point is that the BPD already knew about the foreign DNA mixed with JonBenet's blood - - the BPD was hiding that.)
3. Is the Boulder County District Attorney capable of aggressively and professionally coordinating and conducting a prosecution or other court proceedings in a manner most likely to result in an indictment and a successful prosecution?
MY COMMENT - - YES! Lou Smit was brought in and at that point the DA fully expected him to investigate this and help prosecute the killer. Lou had NEVER lost a single case that he helped bring to trial and he wouldn't have protected ANYONE who did this to a child. If the evidence was there, Lou would have pushed for an arrest, trial and conviction.
On Dec. 18, 1997, we met with Gov. Roy Romer to urge that he intervene immediately to remove the Boulder County District Attorney from any involvement in the case and appoint an independent special prosecutor. On Jan. 7, 1998, we were notified by Governor Romer that he had decided not to intervene. In a Jan. 12, 1998, letter from Gov. Romer, we were formally notified of his decision. In this letter, he stated that he had "decided not to intervene in this matter at this time" and indicated that his decision was "based in part on the fact that the police investigation is not yet complete and the case has not been referred to the district attorney for prosecution." While he did not specify what other factors were considered in arriving at his decision, we can only hope that they derive from sound recommendations received from knowledgeable and unbiased officials involved in the investigation who are in possession of compelling facts which are not available to us.
MY COMMENT - - Romer was a real jerk. A politician catering to the BORG who, IMO, were pushing him to support the police in their attempt to jail the parents no matter what the evidence said. But the same game is being played 23 years later, the BPD is saying their investigation is incomplete, not a "cold case" yet. I agree with F&P, this case needs to be taken away from the people who have not solved this in 25 years. We need a special cold case squad and a fresh start. A special prosecutor who will follow the evidence, not cater to egos or politics..
If Gov. Romer is inclined to intervene but feels that such a decision would now be untimely, we would submit that the passage of time cannot be expected to reduce the obstacles facing the investigation and the prosecution. In their effort to follow evidence, construct a valid case, and to maintain the confidence of witnesses, the Boulder Police Department needs the immediate participation and guidance of a supportive and competent prosecutor.
MY COMMENT - NO, the BPD needs to be relieved of this case because there is clear evidence of misconduct on their part. Including destruction of witness reports and invention of replacement reports.
The idea of waiting for the case to be "completed" and to be "referred" to the Boulder County District Attorney presupposes that the negative effect of the presence of the Boulder County District Attorney in the investigation will somehow be mitigated in the future. It ignores the practical problem that the Boulder Police Department and relevant witnesses have no confidence in the ability of the Boulder County District Attorney to prudently handle evidence and to professionally and impartially consider a case presented to it.
MY COMMENT - F&P are ignoring the inability of the BPD to make a case against anyone without using false witnesses, hearsay and lies, without bullying those who disagree with their theory. The DA didn't destroy this investigation, the BPD did and that means there can be no successful prosecution without a new investigation.
Furthermore, it is unreasonable for Governor Romer or for any of us to rely on civic and law enforcement officials who offer assurances that they can somehow eliminate the differences between the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney in an effort to move the case forward purposefully when they have so amply demonstrated their inability to do so.
MY COMMENT - agree, then and now. Needs a special prosecutor who will follow the evidence and not cater to egos and politics
Nor should we or Gov. Romer rely on the Hoffman suit or similar actions that may follow. It appears that these will only result in meaningless debate over semantics and, at best, lead to protracted and contentious court proceedings and investigations.
MY COMMENT - Ditto the Miller trial? Seriously, those lawsuits exposed a lot of information that helped put the TRUTH out and exposed some of the BORG lies.
As for the concern that the removal of the Boulder County District Attorney from the Ramsey case will jeopardize the future relationship between the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney on other cases, it is more likely that the continued presence of the Boulder County District Attorney in the Ramsey case will only serve to lessen the prospects of a healthy future relationship.
MY COMMENT - - Don't really know if the situation has improved in 23 years. Hope it has but with the same cops in place, I rather doubt it. I HOPE they are not being allowed to do the same to other innocent parties.
We again respectfully request that Gov. Romer intervene in this matter and level the playing field in Boulder.
MY COMMENT - - politics in action - - and nothing is being done.
The Boulder Police Department has but one goal in this matter which is to bring the person or persons who have committed crimes to justice.
MY COMMENT - - WRONG. They are protecting themselves, their reputation and possibly jobs and pensions. Maybe even the killer, I can't say for sure, but it is possible, IMO.
The police are handicapped by those who are acting to obfuscate and confuse the facts of this investigation. At this point there is little to be gained by speculating about who these people are and what reasons they may have for doing so. That can be left for another day.
MY COMMENT - - 23 years later and I believe his finger should be pointing at the BORG biased BPD who never made their case against the parents and did NOT properly investigate other suspects, good suspects
We request that Governor Romer immediately intervene and remove the Boulder County District Attorney and its offices from the investigation and appoint a competent and completely independent special prosecutor who is capable of establishing and maintaining the confidence and the trust of the Boulder Police Department, witnesses in the case, and the public whereby to maximize the likelihood of a successful conclusion to this case.
MY COMMENT - - Fleet, are you saying Romer needed to appoint someone BORG? Did Kane and Morrissey fill the bill? The evidence didn't change and even using false witnesses and blocking the Ramseys from testifying, they didn't get a murder or manslaughter charge out of the grand jury.
Regardless of the nature of his decision, we request that Governor Romer announce it publicly and that he make clear his reasoning. We ask the people of Colorado and especially the people of Boulder to join us in this respect.
The investigation of the murder of JonBenet Ramsey has profoundly hurt many innocent people. It has caused the Boulder community and many of its leaders and institutions to be degraded. It has engendered contempt for Boulder's law enforcement agencies and criminal justice system. Governor Romer, with the support of the people of Boulder, must attend to these matters now.
Fleet Russell White, Jr.
Priscilla Brown White
MY COMMENT - - Entire letter discussed - - nothing in this letter says he thinks the parents were responsible in any way for the death of their daughter.