JonBenet Ramsey Case Returned to Bolder Police

Saying they will use new technology, expertise and an advisory task force to try to solve the crime, the Boulder Police Department has taken the reins again in the investigation of the JonBenet Ramsey murder. For the past six years, the investigation has been handled by the district attorney's office.

The 6-year-old JonBenet was killed in the basement of her home on Christmas 1996.

Six years ago, the investigation was taken away from the police department over criticism about how it was being handled. Police investigators were accused of focusing on members of the Ramsey family, while ignoring evidence that pointed to an intruder.

Former district attorney Mary Lacy last year cleared the family in the investigation saying that newly analyzed DNA evidence pointed to an unknown intruder. The announcement came two years after JonBenet's mother, Patsy Ramsey, lost her lengthy battle with cancer.

Exploring All Possible Theories

Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner promises a new look at the 12-year-old case.

"Some cases never get solved, but some do," Beckner told reporters. "And you can't give up." Beckner has invited a team of veteran investigators to join a JonBenet task force to "explore all possible theories about what happened the night JonBenet was killed."

They will approach the case with no preconceived notions, Beckner said. "We are open to all possibilities."

An attorney for JonBenet's father, John Ramsey, said the family welcomes the renewed interest in the case.

L. Lin Wood said the move is a "positive sign in terms of my hope that the Boulder Police Department will take not only a new review in terms of a cold case review, but that it will go in this time with an objective review."

See Also:
Boulder Police Take Back JonBenet Investigation

Background:
JonBenet Ramsey Investigation
Profile of JonBenet Ramsey
The Ransom Note
The Autopsy Report

See Also:
Family Cleared in JonBenet Ramsey's Death

^{Photo: Family photo}