New DNA technology could help solve JonBenet Ramsey case — as family implores Trump to get involved
Nearly 30 Years After JonBenet Ramsey’s Death, New Hope Emerges for Boulder Police
Almost three decades have passed since the mystery‑shrouded murder of six‑year‑old JonBenet Ramsey in her Boulder, Colorado, home. Police investigators say that advances in crime‑scene science—particularly DNA technology—may finally bring the case to a resolution.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn told reporters in a recent video that the jurisdiction’s top priority remains the search for a killer. “Techniques and technology constantly evolve,” he said. “This is especially true with technology related to DNA testing.”
John Ramsey, JonBenet’s father, met with Boulder police last January and describes the meeting as “an important meeting.” Earlier, he urged the department to consider collaborating with a private genetics lab that has a history of cracking cold cases. In a September Fox News Digital interview, Ramsey implored President Donald Trump to help propel the investigation forward. “I told the DA that money should not be a restrictor here,” he said, adding that he needed Trump’s involvement to “stir things up one way or the other.”
Ramsey believes forensic genetic genealogy—sometimes abbreviated IGG—is likely the key. “I am absolutely convinced that’s the gold standard today,” he told a Daily Mail interview, adding that he thinks there’s a 70 percent chance the killer could be identified within months if the technique is applied. “IGG is a very powerful tool – just use it,” he told the outlet. “If you do it and it comes up empty‑handed, at least that way I can say thank you, you’ve tried everything you can so far.” “It’s that simple. But if you’re just following up leads that come in, that’s primitive.”
Ramsey also referenced a 1990s list of potential suspects compiled by the famed homicide detective Lou Smit. Smit theorized that the killer likely held a grudge against the Ramsey family. “Lou Smit’s list [of potential persons of interest] is 700 people long,” Ramsey told the Mail. “There’s so many leads – but using DNA makes this case solvable.”
Although once critical of the department’s handling of the case, Ramsey now praises the new leadership under Chief Redfearn for the fresh energy and focus on the investigation. “It’s encouraging,” he said to NewsNation. “The key really in progress has been the addition of new leadership there. It was not very good for 25 to 26 years. And now, knowing Chief Redfearn from the outside, I’ve met with him three or four times. I’m impressed with him. I think he’s sincere and honest.” “The problem with the old leadership was the old guard. These people that were in that police department had never investigated a murder.”
While Boulder police’ve historically resisted passing scarce evidence to new labs, the new chief may change that stance. Several items in the case, including the garrote used to strangle JonBenet, remain untested. Ramsey said the garrote should contain DNA since it was a complex knot that likely could not be tied with gloves on. “That had to have DNA evidence on it… so that was a real piece we want to either tested or re‑tested,” he explained.
In the days after JonBenet’s disappearance on December 26 1996, her mother Patsy Ramsey reported her missing and found a ransom note demanding $118,000. Later that day, John Ramsey located her body in the basement of their home. An autopsy determined she died from strangulation and a blow to the head, and early DNA testing ruled out the immediate family as suspects.
Boulder police maintain that they have pursued every lead received over the years—interviewing more than 1,000 people and reviewing over 21,000 tips. They urge anyone with information about the cold case to reach out. Cases can be reported via email at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the tip line at 303‑441‑1974.
“It is never too late for people with knowledge of this terrible crime to come forward,” Chief Redfearn said. “I urge those responsible for this murder to contact us.”
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
