The man who famously played Santa Claus at the Ramsey’s annual Christmas party was Bill McReynolds, a local journalism professor and neighbor. Given the high-profile nature of the case, several haunting and unusual facts have surfaced regarding his connection to JonBenét.
1. He was an early person of interest
Because he had been in the Ramsey home just two nights before the murder and had spent significant time with JonBenét, McReynolds was heavily scrutinized by the Boulder Police. Investigators were particularly interested in him because he had given the young girl a note that said, “You will receive a special gift after Christmas.”
2. He carried her “star dust” into heart surgery – McReynolds was deeply affected by JonBenét, often describing her as having an “angelic” quality. At a previous Christmas party, JonBenét had given him a small vial of gold glitter (which she called “star dust”). McReynolds claimed it meant so much to him that he kept it for good luck and even carried it with him into the operating room during a heart surgery he underwent shortly before her death.
3. He had a tragic family history
One of the most chilling coincidences in the case involved McReynolds’ own family. Exactly 22 years to the day before JonBenét’s body was found (on December 26, 1974), McReynolds’ own daughter had been abducted along with a friend. While his daughter was eventually released, the eerie timing of the date fueled further speculation and conspiracy theories.
4. He and his wife were fully cleared
Despite the “oddities” of the case, both Bill and his wife, Janet (who played Mrs. Claus), cooperated fully with the investigation. They provided blood, hair, and handwriting samples to the police. Forensic testing eventually cleared them of any involvement, and they were never charged with any crime.
5. He never played Santa again
The trauma of the investigation and the loss of JonBenét led McReynolds to retire from his “Santa” persona immediately. He stated that the experience had been too painful and that he could never put on the suit again. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 72, maintaining his innocence until the end.
The Santa theory is just one of many “intruder” leads that have been explored over the decades. Many still believe he’s JonBenet’s killer. Do you?
