BOULDER, Colo. – In a renewed effort to solve the 1996 homicide of JonBenet Ramsey, the Boulder Police Department (BPD) has engaged an external panel of experts to review the case. The Colorado Cold Case Review Team, consisting of professionals from various fields, including the FBI and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, is re-examining the case with updated forensic technologies.
This intensive review, spanning a year, involved digitizing all evidence into a searchable database. This database encompasses over 21,000 tips, more than 1,000 interviews across 17 states and two countries, and samples from over 200 individuals. The case file, containing nearly 2,500 pieces of evidence and about 40,000 reports, now totals over one million pages.
BPD, in collaboration with the Boulder District Attorney, is currently reviewing the team’s recommendations. Specifics of these recommendations remain confidential to maintain the investigation’s integrity.
A primary focus of the investigation is DNA testing. With the rapid advancement in DNA science, BPD is working with leading experts to apply the latest forensic techniques to remaining DNA samples. This evidence, well-preserved, awaits testing with any new validated technology relevant to the case. Active preparations are underway for future DNA testing.
Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold expressed gratitude for the team’s independent assessment and recommendations. “We will continue to pursue all leads and explore technology advancements to identify JonBenet’s killer,” Herold stated, committing to keeping the community and family informed of any new evidence.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives and the latest developments in forensic science in solving cold case homicides. Dougherty highlighted the collaboration and expertise of the multi-agency group and the Cold Case Review Team in generating constructive recommendations for this unresolved case.