The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey

On December 26, 1996, six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her family's home in Boulder, Colorado, hours after her mother reported finding a ransom note and the child missing.

A flawed early investigation

The initial police response has been widely criticized for contaminating the crime scene, and investigators considered multiple theories, including involvement by family members, none of which resulted in charges. A grand jury in 1999 was reported to have voted to indict two family members on lesser charges, but the local district attorney declined to pursue prosecution, citing insufficient evidence.

DNA evidence

Touch DNA recovered from the scene, belonging to an unidentified male, has never been matched to a known suspect. In 2008, DNA testing led prosecutors to formally clear the immediate family of suspicion.

Current status

The case remains open with the Boulder Police Department. It continues to be the subject of extensive media coverage, documentaries, and renewed calls for advanced DNA testing.