John and Patsy Ramsey, the parents of JonBenet Ramsey, meet with a small selected group of the local Colorado media after four months of silence in Boulder, Colorado on May 1, 1997. Patsy holds up a reward sign for information leading to the arrest of their daughter’s murderer. Their 6-year-old daughter was found dead on Christmas night 1996. (Photo By Helen H. Richardson/ The Denver Post) (Getty Images)
At an earlier CrimeCon in Las Vegas, Ramsey announced the start of a petition asking Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to allow an independent agency to conduct modern DNA testing in the case — rather than the Boulder Police Department.
JonBenet was reported missing by her mother, Patsy Ramsey, on Dec. 26, 1996, after finding a ransom note demanding $118,000. John Ramsey found her body later that same day in the basement of their Boulder home.
An autopsy revealed that JonBenet died of strangulation and a blow to the head.
Ramsey has long criticized the department for its “arrogance,” “pride,” “ego” and inexperience at the time his daughter was killed.
The department said investigators assigned to the case have followed up on more than 21,016 tips, letters and emails and traveled to 19 states to interview or speak with more than 1,000 individuals.
Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey. John Ramsey, Patsy Ramse, JonBenet Ramsey and John Andrew Ramsey in Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix (Netflix)
“The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said in a November 2024 video message. “We are committed to following up on every lead and we are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country until this tragic case is solved. This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department.”
