Nearly Three Decades After JonBenét’s Murder, New Leads Emerge
Nearly three decades after 6-year-old JonBenét was found dead in her home in Boulder, Colorado, on Dec. 26, 1996, the identity of her killer remains a mystery.
Investigation Continues with New Documentary Series and Forensic Technology
A new three-part Netflix documentary series, “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” examines how the actions of law enforcement and the media at the time may have influenced the investigation.
Tips and leads have emerged in the case over the years, and experts are still piecing them together in the hopes of solving her murder.
“I believe this crime can be solved,” Joe Berlinger, the documentary’s director, tells TODAY.com.
Re-examining Evidence with Modern DNA Testing Technology
Berlinger says he created the documentary partly to “put some pressure” on police to reexamine evidence from the original crime scene using today’s more advanced DNA testing technology.
“There were items that were tested, but the DNA technology back then was so primitive that it’s time to retest those items,” he says.
Autopsy Report Reveals Details of JonBenét’s Death
According to the autopsy report, JonBenét Ramsey’s cause of death was “asphyxia by strangulation associated with craniocerebral trauma,”
Other findings from the autopsy report include ligature strangulation, a deep ligature furrow around her neck, and a fracture on the right side of her skull.
What Else Did the Autopsy Find?
The autopsy report also noted abrasions on her right cheek, right shoulder, left lower back, and left lower leg, as well as an “area of abrasion” involving the “hymen and distal right lateral vaginal wall,”
Investigation Update
In December 2023, the Boulder Police Department brought together the Colorado Cold Case Review Team to examine the original homicide investigation.
“One focus of the new investigation is DNA testing. While forensic testing was available in 1996, the science behind DNA testing continues to rapidly evolve,” Boulder police said in a 2023 release, adding they are “working with leading DNA experts from across the county to ensure the latest forensic techniques are used to analyze remaining DNA samples.”
Conclusion
The investigation into JonBenét Ramsey’s murder remains ongoing, with new leads and evidence emerging in recent years. While the identity of her killer remains unknown, the case continues to fascinate and frustrate the public.
FAQs
Q: Who was JonBenét Ramsey?
A: JonBenét Ramsey was a 6-year-old girl who was found dead in her home in Boulder, Colorado, on December 26, 1996.
Q: What was the cause of JonBenét’s death?
A: According to the autopsy report, JonBenét Ramsey’s cause of death was “asphyxia by strangulation associated with craniocerebral trauma.”
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation into JonBenét Ramsey’s murder remains ongoing, with new leads and evidence emerging in recent years. The Boulder Police Department and the Colorado Cold Case Review Team are working together to reexamine evidence and identify potential suspects.
Q: Can JonBenét’s killer be caught?
A: Yes, the investigation is ongoing, and new DNA testing technology may help identify potential suspects. The police are working to reexamine evidence and follow up on new leads.
Q: What is the significance of the documentary series?
A: The documentary series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” examines the investigation and evidence surrounding JonBenét’s murder, and may help to shed new light on the case and potentially identify potential suspects.
