First on Fox: JonBenet Ramsey's father, John Ramsey, says he plans to meet with the chief of the Boulder Police Department in Colorado next month, along with a representative from an independent genetic genealogy research lab, as he pressures local authorities to allow an outside lab to test crime scene evidence. From the unsolved 1996 murder of his daughter.
Thursday marks 28 years since 6-year-old JonBenet was found strangled and bludgeoned to death in the basement of her family's Boulder home on Dec. 26, 1996, with her killer still unknown.
“We asked for a meeting with Boulder (Police Department) Chief (Steven) Redfearn in January. He said yes, sure, let's get together,” John Ramsey, 80, told Fox News Digital. “We haven't set a date for today yet, but we will. It's an important meeting. We'll have a representative of one of these advanced labs with us to explain what they can and can do.” “We hope he accepts their help.”
Ramsey added that if the BPD chief agreed to allow an independent laboratory to conduct testing on crime scene items dating back nearly three decades — something he has been pushing to do for years — he would feel “relieved that things are moving forward.”
JONBENET RAMSEY'S DAD PROPOSES TO KILLER'S DAUGHTER WITH MONEY IN REVIEW INTERVIEW
JonBenet Ramsey, John Ramsey, John Andrew Ramsey, and Patsy Ramsey in “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey” (Netflix)
“The reason I'm doing these media interviews — Netflix, this documentary — is to keep the pressure on the police. We're not going away, guys,” Ramsey said.
“Colorado has over a thousand unsolved murders, and we won't be one of them.”
Ramsay wants police to retest certain evidence for traces of DNA, including exogenous male DNA uncovered by federal officials in 1997, and test other elements for the first time.
John and Patsy Ramsey, parents of JonBenet Ramsey, meet with local media in Boulder, Colorado, on May 1, 1997. (Helen Richardson/The Denver Post)
Private genetic genealogy databases have grown dramatically over the past decade, and the technology used to identify and link DNA to specific individuals is more advanced than ever before, making the possibility of identifying a JonBenet murder suspect using genetic evidence more promising than ever. before.
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There are more than 20 items in the case that have never been tested, including, but not limited to, the hole found around JonBenet's neck, a ransom note found in Ramsey's home the morning of the murder, and a suitcase found on the floor Bottom. Authorities believe the killer used to escape through a window, an unknown flashlight found on the Ramsey family's kitchen table the morning of the murder, and an unknown rope found in brother Burke Ramsey's room that day, according to the public. The records were initially obtained by journalist Paula Woodward, who has published two books about the Ramsay case.
While it is unclear whether officials will be able to find or identify any suspects in the case by partnering with an independent lab that has access to private databases, Ramsey hopes this is the next step for him in his quest for justice. To his daughter. Whether it produces results or not.
“DNA is a very complicated thing. I've learned that, but that's why retesting is needed. That's the only step we're asking police to do is to involve one or two of these cuts,” Ramsey said. Edge Labs out in the world and see what we come up with… and come up empty-handed, and then I'll say, “Thank you, I tried.” But until we do, we have not done everything we can do.”
JonBenet's father challenges Colorado governor to meeting: 'Time for answers is running out'
JonBenet Ramsey (Ramsey family)
Ramsey said he finally feels hopeful that he and BPD can make “progress” in the case 28 years after his daughter's murder.
BPD told Fox News Digital that the department “has met regularly with the family and plans to do so in 2025.”
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Chief Redfern is the fifth police chief to take on the case since 1996, and was officially appointed in September after serving as interim. Chief of the Boulder Police Department Starting in January. BPD investigators followed up on more than 21,000 tips, emails and letters and traveled to 19 states to interview or speak with more than a thousand people in connection with the case.
“JonBenét’s murder was an unspeakable crime, and this tragedy has never left our hearts,” Redfern said in a statement issued in November, 28 years after JonBenet’s murder. “We are committed to pursuing every lead and continue to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners across the country until this tragic case is solved. This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department.”
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Local authorities have partnered with federal officials — including the FBI — and DNA experts from around the country, according to BPD.
Scanned image of JonBenet Ramsey from the Ramsey's personal family collection (Discovery+)
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District Attorney Michael Dougherty said: “The murder of JonBenet Ramsey is a terrible tragedy and has raised years of unanswered questions and theories. Our office has successfully prosecuted other cold case murders and numerous murder cases.” “In each of these cases, it was evidence that proved the defendant(s) guilty. Whether it was DNA or other evidence, more is needed to solve this murder. I appreciate the cooperation with the FBI and Boulder.” . Police Department.”
Officials sorted through 2,500 pieces of evidence and about 40,000 reports with more than a million pages documenting the investigation. The Colorado Cold Case Review Team also provided BPD with a list of tips the department should follow up on, according to Redfern.
