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JonBenet Ramsey’s Brother, Burke, Recalls Her Murder: ‘I Know People Think I Did It’

Opening up about the painful past. Nearly 20 years after JonBenét Ramsey‘s still unsolved murder, her brother, Burke Ramsey, is participating in a three-part Dr. Phil sit-down to address the ongoing mystery surrounding the death.

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In a preview of Burke’s first-ever media interview, the 29-year-old shares his memories from December 1996, when 6-year-old pageant queen JonBenét was found dead in their family’s home in Boulder, Colorado. Burke was 9 years old at the time of his sister’s death.

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“I remember my mom searching my room that night saying, ‘Where’s my baby? Where’s my baby?’” Burke tells host Phil McGraw. About the funeral, Burke says, “I remember the viewing. The casket was small. Her eyes were closed.”

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“I know people think I did it, that my parents did it,” he continues. “I know that we were suspects.”

Burke adds that he doesn’t plan to address the media again. He explains his motivation for doing the interview: “I want to honor her memory by doing this interview. I don’t want anyone to forget.”

Burke Ramsey and Dr. Phil McGraw
Phil McGraw (left) and Burke Ramsey

JonBenét’s case continues to generate interest, as her murder remains unsolved despite multiple grand jury hearings. Burke was exonerated by DNA evidence in 1999, and JonBenét’s parents, John Ramsey and late ex-wife Patsy, were removed from the suspect list in 2008.

The murder has returned to the spotlight of late, with CBS launching a six-hour docuseries on September 18 to reexamine it, and Lifetime planning a TV movie centered on the ongoing mystery. A&E’s The Killing of JonBenét: The Truth Uncovered premieres on September 5 and includes the first airing of Burke’s 1998 interview with the district attorney’s office.

Dr. Phil’s interview with Burke Ramsey airs in nationwide syndication on Monday, September 12; Tuesday, September 13; and Monday, September 19.

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