Nearly 30 years after JonBenet Ramsey's 1996 death, advances in DNA testing and renewed focus from Boulder Police have raised hopes that the cold case could progress. Chief Stephen Redfearn emphasized evolving forensic techniques, and John Ramsey urged use of investigative genetic genealogy and private lab assistance. Key physical evidence, including the garrote, may still yield usable DNA. Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to contact Boulder Police.
New DNA Techniques Renew Hope in JonBenet Ramsey Cold Case as Boulder Police Recommit
JonBenet Ramsey case could benefit from new DNA technology as police renew commitment
Nearly 30 years after JonBenet Ramsey's death during the 1996 Christmas season, advances in DNA technology and a renewed commitment from Boulder police have given family members and investigators fresh optimism that the long-unsolved case could move forward.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said this month that the investigation "remains a top priority," noting that "techniques and technology constantly evolve," and specifically highlighting improvements in DNA testing and forensic genetic methods.
JonBenet Ramsey sits with her father John Ramsey in an undated family photo.
"Techniques and technology constantly evolve. This is especially true with technology related to DNA testing," Chief Stephen Redfearn said in a recorded statement.
John Ramsey, JonBenet's father, has actively pushed the department to adopt newer forensic approaches and to accept assistance from private genetics laboratories experienced in solving cold cases. He has repeatedly advocated for investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), which uses DNA and genealogical research to identify potential suspects from minute biological samples.
At public events and in interviews, Ramsey emphasized that IGG can produce results from extremely small samples and said he believes there is a substantial chance—he estimated roughly 70%—that a name could be identified within months if the right testing is undertaken. He also referenced a list compiled decades ago by veteran detective Lou Smit, which reportedly contains hundreds of potential persons of interest.
John and Patsy Ramsey, the parents of JonBenet Ramsey, meet with a small selected group of the local Colorado media after four months of silence in Boulder, Colorado, on May 1, 1997.
Ramsey has singled out several pieces of physical evidence that have not been fully tested with modern methods, including the garrote believed to have been used in the strangulation. He said experts have observed the knot was complex and unlikely to have been tied while wearing gloves, suggesting it could retain usable DNA.
Investigation History and Public Appeal
JonBenet, a six-year-old pageant participant, was reported missing by her mother, Patsy Ramsey, on Dec. 26, 1996, after a ransom note demanding $118,000 was found in the family home. John Ramsey found her body later that day in the basement. An autopsy determined she died from strangulation and a blow to the head, and early DNA testing excluded immediate family members as suspects.
JonBenet Ramsey, found murdered in her Boulder home in 1996, may see her case revived as new DNA technology offers hope for answers.
Over the years, Boulder investigators say they have pursued every lead: they have interviewed more than 1,000 people and reviewed over 21,000 tips. Despite extensive efforts, the case remains unsolved and continues to draw public attention.
Chief Redfearn urged anyone with information to come forward. Contact the Boulder Police Department at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or call the department tip line at 303-441-1974.
With new leadership in place and ongoing advances in forensic genetic genealogy and DNA analysis, both investigators and the Ramsey family say there is renewed hope that previously untestable or inadequately tested items could produce fresh leads and potentially identify who was responsible for JonBenet's death.
