John Ramsey Pushes for DNA Testing in JonBenét Murder Case

BOULDER, Colo. — Nearly three decades after the murder of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, her father, John Ramsey, is urging Boulder police to utilize advanced DNA technology to solve the cold case. Ramsey met with local law enforcement Monday to advocate for new testing of crime scene evidence, including genetic genealogy, a method that has successfully cracked other high-profile cases.

“I’m very satisfied and impressed with the leadership now in place at the Boulder Police Department,” Ramsey told CNN after the meeting. “They are committed to using the latest technology and available resources to identify the killer. That is all we can ask for.”

JonBenét was found dead in the basement of her family’s Boulder home on Dec. 26, 1996, hours after her mother, Patsy Ramsey, discovered a ransom note demanding $118,000. The case, which has remained unsolved for 28 years, has been plagued by controversy, including early suspicions directed at the Ramsey family.

In 2008, new DNA evidence led prosecutors to publicly clear John and Patsy Ramsey, as well as their son Burke, of any involvement. However, no other suspects have been charged. Ramsey believes genetic genealogy, which combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogy, could be the key to identifying the killer. “I think it is the key. I think it’s the only way this case will be solved,” he said.

Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that the department is actively working with federal, state, and local partners on the case. “The assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing – to include DNA testing – is completely false,” Redfearn said in a November statement.

Ramsey has criticized the Boulder Police Department for what he describes as a lack of experience and resistance to outside help in the early years of the investigation. However, he expressed optimism about the current leadership. “He didn’t create this mess, but he can fix it,” Ramsey said of Redfearn.

JonBenét’s murder has remained one of the most infamous unsolved cases in U.S. history. The 6-year-old, who frequently participated in child pageants, was found with a ligature around her neck and an 8.5-inch skull fracture. The ransom note, written on paper from the Ramsey home, has long puzzled investigators, as the killer left JonBenét’s body in the house.

Ramsey, now 81, said he hopes to find answers for his family before his time runs out. “I have five grandchildren that are wonderful, and this cloud needs to be removed,” he said. “It’s not going to change my life at this point, but it will change the life of my kids. That’s why I want to get it solved. We need to close this chapter.”

Ramsey also appealed to the public for help. “Please help us. I’m not vindictive. I just want an answer,” he said. “If somebody knows something that’s key – there’s no doubt about it – we just ask that person to come forward.”