John Ramsey, the father of JonBenét Ramsey, continues his relentless pursuit of justice nearly 28 years after his daughter’s tragic murder. Despite facing resistance and alleged apathy from authorities, Ramsey remains determined to find answers in the unsolved case.
JonBenét, a 6-year-old beauty queen, was found murdered in the basement of her family’s Boulder, Colorado home on December 26, 1996. The case quickly captivated the nation, and despite initial suspicion falling on the Ramsey family, they were eventually cleared.
John Ramsey continues to fight for justice for his daughter, JonBenét. (CrimeCon)
A Father’s Unwavering Determination
At CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, the 80-year-old Ramsey revealed a disheartening allegation. A source informed him that a member of the Boulder Police Department (BPD) allegedly said, “We’re just waiting for John Ramsey to die,” implying that the pressure to solve the case would disappear with him. Interim Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn denied the allegation, stating that the department remains committed to solving the case and maintains regular communication with Ramsey.
Undeterred, Ramsey insists he will continue to fight for justice. He has vowed to keep pressure on authorities and expressed confidence that his son, John Andrew Ramsey, will carry on the fight should he be unable to.
John Ramsey with investigative journalist Paula Woodward at CrimeCon 2024. (CrimeCon)
The Fight for Advanced DNA Testing
Ramsey’s current focus is pushing for advanced DNA testing of crucial evidence, including a pair of JonBenét’s underwear containing traces of an unknown male’s DNA. He advocates for an independent forensic genetic genealogy company to conduct the testing and urges the BPD to hand the case over to the FBI.
Investigative journalist Paula Woodward, a long-time expert on the case, revealed at CrimeCon that several key pieces of evidence were never analyzed for DNA, including the garrote used to strangle JonBenét, the ransom note, a suitcase potentially used by the killer, a flashlight found in the kitchen, and rope found in Burke Ramsey’s room. Ramsey fears that some of this potentially crucial evidence may have been lost over time.
JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in her family home in 1996. (CrimeCon)
Seeking Answers Through Legislation and Collaboration
Beyond DNA testing, Ramsey is also advocating for the federal Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act, which would empower families to take legal action against negligent police departments in unsolved homicide cases. He recalled a conversation with famed Colorado detective Lou Smit, who worked on the JonBenét case before his death in 2010. Smit believed the case would be solved through DNA and urged Ramsey to remember a specific suspect’s name.
John Ramsey speaking at CrimeCon 2024, advocating for justice for JonBenét. (CrimeCon)
In 2022, Ramsey petitioned Colorado Governor Jared Polis to allow independent DNA testing, garnering over 30,000 signatures. While the governor expressed optimism about the case being solved, the BPD maintains that they are utilizing the latest forensic techniques and working with leading DNA experts. They claim to have digitized all evidence, creating a searchable database with thousands of files and are open to new technologies for DNA analysis.
The Ramsey family. John and Patsy Ramsey were initially suspects in their daughter’s murder but were later cleared. (CrimeCon)
Hope Remains for Justice
Despite the years that have passed and the obstacles encountered, John Ramsey remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice for JonBenét. His unwavering dedication, coupled with advancements in DNA technology and renewed public interest, offers a glimmer of hope that the case may one day be solved.
JonBenét Ramsey would have turned 33 in 2023. (Ramsey family)
John and Patsy Ramsey speaking to the media in 1997, four months after JonBenét’s murder. (Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post) Anyone with information about the JonBenét Ramsey case is urged to contact the Boulder Police Department or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers.
