Nearly three decades after the brutal killing of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, the case remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history.
The child beauty queen was found dead inside her family’s Boulder, Colorado home on December 26, 1996, just hours after she was reported missing.
Her death, later ruled a homicide by strangulation, sparked years of public fascination, controversy, and speculation that has never truly faded.
Despite the passage of time, Boulder Police insist the investigation has never been shelved.
The department continues to treat the case as an active homicide, with detectives regularly reviewing materials, following up on tips, and working alongside law enforcement partners across the country, according to WCAX.
Thousands of tips and nationwide interviews over the years
Since JonBenét’s murder, investigators have pursued every credible lead that has come their way.
Police say more than 21,016 tips, letters, and emails have been logged in connection with the case.
Detectives have also traveled to 19 states and spoken with or interviewed more than 1,000 individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case has been subject to constant review with federal, state, and local partners, including the FBI, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Colorado’s Department of Public Safety, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Multiple outside forensic laboratories have also been consulted as technology and investigative techniques have evolved.
Credit: Axel Koester/Sygma/Getty Images.
Annual review highlights continued focus on unsolved murder
As the anniversary of JonBenét’s death approaches, Boulder Police routinely issue a public update outlining their continued commitment to solving the case.
Officials stress that while public interest has waxed and waned over the years, the department’s focus has remained consistent.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the case has never left the department’s conscience.
“The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts,” he said, via Live 5 News.
Police confirm new evidence has been collected and tested
In their latest update, investigators revealed a significant development: new evidence has been collected and examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police confirmed that detectives have also tested and re-tested additional pieces of evidence in an effort to generate new leads, though they declined to disclose specifics.
“This past year, our detectives have conducted several new interviews as well as re-interviewed individuals based on tips we’ve received,” Redfearn said.
“We have also collected new evidence and tested and re-tested other pieces of evidence to generate new leads. Techniques and technology constantly evolve.
"This is especially true with technology related to DNA testing.”
Prosecutors stress evidence remains key to solving case
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty emphasized that evidence, particularly forensic evidence, will ultimately determine whether the case can be solved.
“Whether it is DNA or other evidence, more is needed to solve this murder,” he said, adding that his office continues to collaborate closely with state and federal partners.
Because the investigation remains open, police say they are unable to comment on specific aspects of the case. Anyone with information is urged to call the tip line at 303-441-1974.