Homicide Investigation

JonBenet Ramsey school portrait

JonBenet Ramsey was 6 years old when she was reported missing from her home in the 700 block of 15th Street on Dec. 26, 1996. Tragically, she was later found dead in that house, and an autopsy revealed the cause of her death as strangulation.

Since JonBenet’s murder, detectives have followed up on every lead that has come into the department, to include more than 21,016 tips, letters and emails and traveling to 19 states to interview or speak with more than 1,000 individuals in connection to this crime.

“The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said. “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.”

This case has been under constant review with federal, state, and local partners as well as in consultation with DNA experts from around the country. Boulder Police have sought out and worked regularly with multiple stakeholders across the country, to include the FBI, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Colorado’s Department of Public Safety, Colorado’s Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and several outside forensic labs. That collaboration continues to this day.

“The murder of JonBenet Ramsey is a terrible tragedy and sparked years of unanswered questions and theories. Our office has successfully prosecuted other cold case homicides and many murder cases,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. “In every one of those cases, it was the evidence that proved the defendant(s) guilty. Whether it is DNA or other evidence, more is needed to solve this murder. I appreciate the collaboration with CBI, the FBI, and the Boulder Police Department.”

A Note for Members of the Media and Others Who Inquire About This Crime

Because this is an open and ongoing investigation, the Boulder Police Department is unable to give any interviews or comment on specific aspects of this crime. We continue to investigate and encourage anyone with any information to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974.

As we approach the 28th anniversary of the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, the Boulder Police Department is providing its annual update about the ongoing homicide investigation.

“The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said. “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.”

The assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing—to include DNA testing—is completely false.

Additionally, it was the Boulder Police Department—not the Colorado Bureau of Investigation—who convened the Cold Case Review Panel as part of its investigation efforts.

Though we usually put out an update in December, this year we’re sharing our update earlier due to the increased attention on this investigation. The Boulder Police Department encourages anyone with any information to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974.

Interim Chief Redfearn remains committed to transparency, communication, and the continuation of pursuing all leads into the murder of JonBenet. He has been an integral part of the Cold Case Review team process in addition to meeting with John Ramsey with Chief Herold last year. That transparency and communication will continue moving forward.

- A note about the case from Interim Chief Redfearn