However, evidence suggesting an outsider has also surfaced. But evidence pointing to an outsider has turned up, such as unidentified DNA material in the little girl's underwear, and a palm print and a shoe print found near the body that police have yet to identify. The two theories, each with its supporting evidence, could create enough reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors to make a successful prosecution unlikely, legal analysts say. It's what the Constitution set out. Whenever there is reasonable doubt, you have to acquit.
Conviction is very, very different.
It's a case where it sounds like it will be impossible to satisfy the legal standard of proof. Eight hours later, Mr. Ramsey said he found his daughter's body in the basement of their home. She had been beaten and strangled. The Ramseys, who since have moved to suburban Atlanta, repeatedly have denied involvement. Police have been criticized for allowing family friends to wander about the home and for asking Ramsey to conduct the search that led to the body.