Police deny sitting on evidence in JonBenét Ramsey’s killing in wake of Netflix doc

Amid renewed interest in the unsolved murder of JonBenét Ramsey, police in Boulder, Colorado, have dismissed claims that there are viable leads and evidence in the case that they are not pursuing. JonBenét, a six-year-old beauty pageant contestant, was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in Boulder on December 26, 1996. The case garnered national attention due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death and the media frenzy that ensued.

The Boulder Police Department recently provided an update on the investigation, ahead of the 28th anniversary of JonBenét’s killing. Police Chief Steve Redfearn stated that while they welcome the attention generated by documentaries like the Netflix series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey,” they must be cautious about sharing too much information to protect the integrity of a potential future prosecution. Redfearn emphasized that they are actively pursuing new leads and investigating tips that come in.

The Netflix documentary delves into the mishandling of the initial investigation and the scrutiny faced by JonBenét’s family, particularly her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey. Despite suspicions surrounding the family’s involvement in the murder, a prosecutor cleared them of any wrongdoing in 2008 based on DNA evidence found on JonBenét’s clothing. The DNA pointed to an unidentified third party as the likely perpetrator.

John Ramsey, JonBenét’s father, has been a vocal advocate for justice in his daughter’s case. He has supported efforts to conduct additional DNA testing and explore new avenues for solving the mystery. In 2022, he backed a petition urging Colorado’s governor to assign an outside agency to handle DNA testing and analyze the results using genealogy databases.

Over the years, advancements in DNA technology have led to breakthroughs in cold cases. Police have not ruled out the possibility of using DNA evidence to crack the JonBenét Ramsey case. They have sought input from external experts and conducted reviews to explore new leads and investigative strategies. While progress has been made, the case remains unsolved, leaving many questions unanswered.

As the anniversary of JonBenét’s tragic death approaches, the Boulder Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for the young girl. The renewed interest in the case serves as a reminder that unresolved mysteries like JonBenét’s continue to captivate the public and drive efforts to bring closure to her family and the community.