Did the Perp Know the Family?

Evidence Perp Knew Family

• General Evidence

1. Only 27% of 6-Year Olds Killed by Strangers. Of 644 U.S. homicides of victims age 6 (between 1976-2004), 73% knew the offender and 27% of the killers were strangers, according to Bureau of Justice statistics.
2. Most Very Young Children Killed by Parents. Of 769 U.S. homicides of victims under age 5 in 1996, 50.2% were killed by parents, 6% by other family members, 29.8% by friends/acquaintances, and 2.4% by strangers, according to Bureau of Justice statistics. Unfortunately, no equivalent break-down is provided for children age 6. The lion's share of these "infanticides" are under age 1 and the number declines steadily for each year of age.

• Specific Evidence

1. RN refers to John by name.
2. RN very "personal" in remarks directed at John.
3. Ransom amount may be related to size of John's Salary Bonus; if true, this suggests "insider" information.

Evidence Perp Did Not Know Family

• RN does not refer to JBR by name
• Any "personal" information, including John's Salary Bonus amount, in theory, could have been obtained even by a stranger intruder if they spent several hours in the house while Ramseys at Xmas party.

How Old Was the Perp?

Evidence for a Young Perp

• Numerous movie references in RN
• Victim age indicates younger, inexperienced perpetrator. Younger victims are easier to control and overpower.
• Non-penile penetration indicates inexperienced, younger perpetrator.
• From a psychological perspective, use of "be well rested" can be viewed as dramatic threat

Evidence for an Older Perp

• Language used in RN, e.g., "attache" case
• Detailed specification of ransom amount delivery method
• Expression of "maternal" concerns in RN, e.g., "be well-rested"

Was the Perp a Sexual Predator?

Was the Perp Experienced?

• Victim age indicates younger, inexperienced perpetrator.