A new Netflix documentary exploring the unsolved murder of JonBenet Ramsey has prompted Colorado law enforcement to address allegations about untested evidence.
According to LiveNOW from FOX, Boulder police are pushing back against claims made in the three-part Netflix series "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey" regarding potential evidence they allegedly haven't investigated.
The police department's response comes as part of their annual case update, released earlier than usual due to increased attention surrounding the Netflix documentary. The series examines investigative missteps and the intense media coverage that followed the 1996 murder of the 6-year-old pageant contestant.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn has expressed openness to media coverage and documentaries about the case, viewing them as potential sources for new leads. The department maintains its commitment to solving the decades-old murder while emphasizing the need to protect sensitive information for future prosecution.
The department recently concluded a review by outside experts who were tasked with examining the investigation and recommending new approaches. Officials are currently working through these recommendations, though specific details remain confidential.
DNA testing continues to play a crucial role in the investigation. In previous updates, authorities indicated that while DNA analysis remains a viable option, some evidence could be depleted if certain testing procedures are conducted.
The murder of JonBenet Ramsey shocked the nation when her body was discovered in her family's Boulder basement the day after Christmas in 1996. The discovery came hours after her mother reported her missing and found a ransom note.
Initial speculation focused on family involvement, leading to years of scrutiny for JonBenet's parents and brother. However, in 2008, then-district attorney Mary Lacy officially cleared John and Patsy Ramsey, along with their son Burke, based on DNA evidence suggesting an unknown third party's involvement.
John Ramsey has remained actively involved in pursuing justice for his daughter, who would have been 34 today. In 2022, he supported a petition requesting Colorado's governor to assign an outside agency to handle DNA testing in the case.
John Ramsey has advocated for more extensive DNA testing of previously unexamined items and the retesting of other evidence. He specifically suggests using genealogy databases to analyze the results, potentially opening new investigative avenues.
Boulder Police Chief Redfearn stated:
We welcome news coverage and documentaries exploring this case as they may generate tips that could advance our investigation.
The department's approach to evidence handling reflects their long-term perspective on the case. They continue to balance public interest with the need to preserve evidence integrity for potential future legal proceedings. The case has maintained its position as one of America's most enigmatic unsolved crimes, fueled by the combination of JonBenet's pageant visibility and the investigation's controversial handling.
The Netflix documentary's release has reignited public interest in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case, prompting Boulder police to address claims about their investigative methods and evidence handling procedures. The department continues to process recommendations from its expert panel review while maintaining careful control over sensitive case information. As the 28th anniversary of JonBenet's death approaches, authorities remain committed to solving the case while preserving the integrity of potential future prosecution.
