Who Is Keith Schwinaman? New Details About The Man Claiming He Killed JonBenet Ramsey
Did he kill JonBenet Ramsey?
Getty It has been more than 26 years since 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was brutally sexually assaulted and killed. We're still talking about it because her killer has never been caught. Now, a suspect who is in prison for the sexual assault of another child is speaking out and claiming responsibility for the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. In a letter obtained by Radar, Keith Schwinaman wrote: “I will let you know that I most likely will be charged with the JonBenet murder this next year according to the detectives who came and interviewed me.” Who is Keith Schwinaman?
1. He is in prison
One year before the sexual assault and murder of JonBenet Ramsey, Keith Schwinaman was given a four year deferred sentence after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of another child.
2. Suspect in JonBenet murder
He became a suspect in the murder of JonBenet when his now ex-wife could not provide an alibi for him. She actually said she could not account for Schwinaman's whereabouts on the night JonBenet's body was found in the basement of her parents' home in Boulder, Colorado on December 25, 1996.
3. Where was he that night?
In the letter, which was also obtained by the National Enquirer (so take it worth a grain of salt, basically), Schwinaman wrote: "I was living in the area and committing crimes around the same time." However, he does not say that he did it. In fact, he insists he had nothing to do with JonBenet's murder.
4. The ex-wife's statement
Heather Kubes is Keith Schwinaman's ex-wife. She said: "It wasn’t unusual for him to disappear for a few hours and have no explanation for it. I have no idea what he was capable of. I think anything is possible." She also said that Schwinaman had often worn a cross necklace that belonged to her. However, at some point between 1996 and 1998, the necklace disappeared. When JonBenet's body was found, she was wearing a cross necklace around her neck.
5. His sentence
In 2003, Schwinaman agreed to serve a 32-year prison sentence for sex acts he commited against three women between 1993 and 1996. Schwinaman's previous crimes are very similar to the murder of JonBenet Ramsey.
6. His crimes
JonBenet Ramsey was strangled to death with a garrotte made from a nylon rope and the handle of a paintbrush. Her head also sustained heavy blows. Investigators also believe she was sexually assaulted. Schwinaman tied up two of his victims with a nylon rope. Bob Wilson, a retired Boulder police detective said: "If you look at JonBenet’s murder and Schwinaman’s crimes for just the methods of operation, a lot of similarities fit. But what we didn’t have was any physical evidence against him." Schwinaman's DNA was tested while the police were investigating another case. It did not match the DNA found on JonBenet.
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner.