JonBenét Ramsey’s Family Clings to Hope as New DNA Testing Revives 30-Year Murder Mystery
Nearly three decades after the tragic death of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, her family believes new evidence testing could finally uncover the truth behind her killing.
JonBenét was reported missing from her Colorado home on December 26, 1996. A ransom note demanding $118,000, eerily close to her father John Ramsey’s work bonus, was discovered inside the house. Later that same day, her body was found in the basement. She had been sexually assaulted, strangled with a garrote fashioned from cord and a paintbrush, and suffered a skull fracture.
The Ramsey family quickly came under suspicion but were never indicted. A 2008 DNA breakthrough excluded family involvement, instead pointing to an unidentified third party. Still, contaminated evidence and investigative missteps left the case unsolved.
Now, as the 30th anniversary approaches in 2026, John Ramsey and his attorney, Hal Haddon, continue pressing authorities for fresh DNA analysis. Speaking at CrimeCon in Colorado, Haddon emphasized the potential value of testing the knots in the garrote and its wooden handle, which have never been examined despite splinters being found on JonBenét’s body.
Ramsey has met with Boulder’s new police chief, Stephen Redfearn, describing him as experienced and open-minded. Yet, frustrations remain. Police have resisted using advanced forensic genealogy despite the family offering to raise $1 million to fund it.
“We have unidentified male DNA,” Ramsey said, “but it’s not in a format compatible with databases.”
For the grieving father, the hope for justice—and answers—remains alive.
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