Hey there. You might be familiar with the chilling story of JonBenet Ramsey, the 6-year-old beauty queen whose tragic death shocked the nation back in 1996. In episode 8 of the podcast "The Killing of JonBenet," the investigative team dives deep into a family that detective Lou Smit believed had a potential link to the case: the Hendersons.
The Case That Still Haunts
It’s been over two decades since little JonBenet was found lifeless in her family’s Colorado basement. Her young body bore signs of both physical and sexual abuse, leaving the nation in shock. Despite years of relentless investigation, the DNA evidence found on her body—under her fingernails and in her underwear—remains unidentified. It’s a mystery that continues to baffle everyone involved.
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As investigator John San Agustin points out in the podcast, "When you consider the DNA evidence, it's hard to imagine an innocent explanation for foreign DNA being present on her underwear, long-johns, and under her fingernails—all from the same source. In my 20 years of law enforcement, if a suspect's DNA matched those samples, they would immediately become the prime suspect."
Can the Case Be Solved?
Paula Woodward, a seasoned reporter and author of "We Have Your Daughter: The Unsolved Murder of JonBenét Ramsey Twenty Years Later," believes the case can still be cracked. "Do I think this case can be solved? Absolutely. But it requires a persistent and aggressive effort from the Boulder Police Department to trace that DNA. I'm not sure if they're doing enough," she explains.
Who Were the Hendersons?
Detective Lou Smit, who passed away still convinced that the killer was among the names on his detailed suspect list, spent years meticulously analyzing the case. Among those names were Sandra Henderson and her stepsons, Clay and Cameron. Sandra had a history with the Ramsey family—she worked for John Ramsey’s company and was terminated after being caught embezzling funds. Eventually, she landed in prison for similar actions at another job.
John Ramsey himself acknowledges this connection in the podcast. "When you're looking for motive in any killing, this situation stands out. Sandra was fired for embezzlement, and later ended up in prison. Her husband and relatives could have harbored resentment," he says. "One of her sons left town soon after the murder, moved to France, and spent two years in a monastery. That seems suspicious, doesn’t it?"
Revisiting the Hendersons
Investigative reporters Doug Longhini and Dylan Howard, along with JonBenet expert Jameson and Cindy Marra, decided to revisit the Hendersons' involvement. They planned to visit potential suspects at their homes and request DNA samples—a bold move aimed at uncovering new leads.
Doug explains the mission: "We're going to visit the son of someone who used to work for John Ramsey’s company back in the '90s. We have everything we need—swabs, gloves—and we’re ready to give it a try. John Ramsey himself agreed to join us."
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Confronting Clay and Cameron Henderson
When the team arrived at Clay Henderson's doorstep, he agreed to speak with them. Clay expressed confusion about being listed as a suspect by Detective Lou. "My dad already gave samples and was ruled out. Now you're going after his sons? That’s quite a stretch, even for the D.A. or the police. After 20 years, they still have nothing," he stated firmly.
Clay’s brother, Cameron, also spoke with the team but refused to provide a DNA sample, stating he would only do so if officially requested by the authorities. He described his former stepmother Sandra as troublesome and noted that her actions left his father homeless after their divorce.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
After their visits, the investigative team concluded that the Henderson brothers should no longer be considered key suspects in the JonBenet Ramsey case. While the mystery remains unsolved, the team’s efforts underscore the ongoing quest for justice in one of America’s most haunting cold cases.
