Reopened the case

Faced with the inconsistencies, Born reopened the case. The position of Josh’s body suggested he entered head-first, likely requiring two people. He revised his determination to accident, murder, or undetermined causes — but still believed Josh came down the chimney.

“This one really taxed our brains,” Born admitted. “We don’t know why he took his clothes off, took his shoes and socks off, and why he went outside, climbed on the roof and went down the chimney. It was not linear thinking.”

Police received tips claiming someone had bragged about putting Josh “in a hole.” One suspect with a violent past had been seen with Josh before his disappearance and was later arrested for an unrelated fatal stabbing. Investigators, however, couldn’t verify anything. Born doubted one person could have placed Josh in the chimney alone.