Homicide Investigation

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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.

“This crime has left a hole in the hearts of many, and we will never stop investigating until we find JonBenet’s killer,” Police Chief Maris Herold said. “That includes following up on every lead and working with our policing partners and DNA experts around the country to solve this tragic case. This investigation has always been and will continue to 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

News Releases

Previously Released Information and News

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