British documentary looks at media treatment

By Lisa Levitt Ryckman
Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer

John and Patsy Ramsey spent three days talking with a British filmmaker for a documentary exploring media treatment of the couple following their daughter's murder.

The interview is the first they have given together in almost a year.

"We're addressing the issue of what has been done to the Ramseys, rather than what the Ramseys may have done," producer David Mills said on Monday. "It's proving a remarkable story."

Ramsey family attorneys declined to comment.

Mills and Michael Tracey, a University of Colorado journalism professor, approached the Ramseys last December about the documentary after 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey's body was found Dec. 26, 1996, in the basement of the family's Boulder home.

"Their trust in us has been remarkable. It's absolutely clear they didn't see this interview as a way of proving their innocence." --David Mills, British filmmaker

The Ramseys agreed, with the understanding that they would have no editorial control and would not see a script or a finished version of the program before it airs, Tracey said.

"They trusted us and gave us utter freedom. Everything is in our hands," Mills said. "Their trust in us has been remarkable. It's absolutely clear they didn't see this interview as a way of proving their innocence."

The filmmakers did, however, agree to the Ramseys' request not to air the documentary while a grand jury is being seated or examining the case.

"They did not want to be seen as trying to manipulate public opinion," Tracey said.

The Ramseys were interviewed in their Atlanta home in mid-February on a wide range of topics, including JonBenet's murder, Mills said. Their attorney, Bryan Morgan, was present for the questioning but never interfered with the interview.

"There was no question they didn't answer," Mills said of the Ramseys. "The attorney was quite concerned about how much they did answer. I think his concern was that in criticizing what had been done to them, they might open themselves up to nuisance suits."

Other family members also were interviewed, but the Ramsey's 11-year-old son, Burke, was not, Mills said. The filmmakers also plan to interview journalists, friends and Boulder city officials involved in the case, which has produced no arrests.

Mills said the documentary, which will be at least 60 minutes long, will be aired first in Britain. American networks already have begun bidding for the program, he said.

April 7, 1998