September 20, 1998

  Dear Alex:

  It is with great reluctance and regret that I submit this letter of
  resignation. Even though I want to continue to participate in the
  official investigation and assist in finding the killer of JonBenet, I find
  that I cannot in good conscience be a part of the persecution of
  innocent people. It would be highly improper and unethical for me to
  stay when I so strongly believe this.

  It has been almost 19 months since we talked that day in your office
  and you asked me to assist you in this investigation. It has turned out
  to be more of a challenge than either of us anticipated. When we
  first met I told you that my style of approaching an investigation is
  from the concept of not working a particular theory, but working the
  case. Detectives collect and record information from many sources,
  analyze it, couple that with their experience and training and let "the
  case" tell them where to go. This process may take days, weeks or
  years, depending on the direction the case tells you to go. Sometimes
  you must investigate "many paths" in order to find the killer. It is not
  a political speed contest where expediency should outweigh justice,
  where "resolving" the case is solving the case.

  Alex, even though I have been unable to actively investigate, I have been in a position to
  collect, record and analyze every piece of information given to your office in the course of
  this investigation. I believe that I know this case better than anyone does. I know what has
  been investigated and what hasn't, what evidence exists and what doesn't, what information
  has been leaked and what hasn't. I am a detective with a proven record of successful
  investigations. I have looked at the murder of JonBenet Ramsey through the eyes of age
  and experience and a thorough knowledge of the case.

  At this point in the investigation "the case" tells me that John and Patsy Ramsey did not kill
  their daughter, that a very dangerous killer is still out there and no one is actively looking for
  him. There are still many areas of investigation which must be explored before life and
  death decisions are made.

  When I was hired I had no agenda one way or the other, my allegiance was to the case, not
  the Police Department nor John and Patsy Ramsey. My agenda has not changed. I only
  desire to be able to investigate the case and find the killer of JonBenet and will continue to
  do so as long as I am able. The chances of catching him working from the "outside looking
  in" are very slim, but I have a great "Partner" who I'm sure will lead the way. There is no
  doubt that I will be facing a great deal of opposition and ridicule in the future, because I
  intend to stand with this family and somehow help them through this and find the killer of
  their daughter. Perhaps others who believe this will also help.

  The Boulder Police Department has many fine and dedicated men and women who also
  want justice for JonBenet. They are just going in the wrong direction and have been since
  day one of the investigation. Instead of letting the case tell them where to go, they have
  elected to follow a theory and let their theory direct them rather than allowing the evidence
  to direct them. The case tells me there is substantial, credible evidence of an intruder and
  lack of evidence that the parents are involved. If this is true, they too are tragic victims
  whose misery has been compounded by a misdirected and flawed investigation,
  unsubstantiated leaks, rumors and accusations.

  I have worked in this profession for the past 32 years and have always been loyal to it, the
  men and women in it, and what it represents, because I believed that justice has always
  prevailed. In this case, however, I believe that justice is not being served, that innocent
  people are being targeted and could be charged with a murder they did not commit.

  The law enforcement Code of Ethics states it very well. My fundamental duty is to "serve
  mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the
  weak against oppression or intimidation, the peaceful against violence or disorder. To
  respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice." This applies not
  only to JonBenet but to her mother and father as well.

  I want to thank you and the others in the office for the wonderful support and treatment I
  have received. You have a great D.A.'s Office and the men and women who work with
  you are some of the most honest and dedicated people I have ever met. My life has been
  enriched because of this memorable time together. I have especially enjoyed working
  closely with Peter Hofstrom and Trip DeMuth, who also have dedicated so much of their
  lives to this case. I have never met two more fair, honest and dedicated defenders of our
  system.

  Alex, you are in a difficult position. The media and peer pressure are incredible. You are
  inundated with conflicting facts and information, and "expert" opinions. And now you have
  an old detective telling you that the Ramseys did not do it and to wait and investigate this
  case more thoroughly before a very tragic mistake would be made. What a double travesty
  it could be; an innocent person indicted, and a vicious killer on the loose to prey on another
  innocent child and no one to stop him.

  History will be the judge as to how we conducted ourselves and how we handled our
  responsibilities.

  Shoes, shoes, the victim's shoes, who will stand in the victim's shoes?

  Good Luck to you and your fine office and may God bless you in the awesome decisions
  you must soon make.

  Sincerely,

  Detective Lou Smit