JonBenet Ramsey’s father, John Ramsey, plans to meet with Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn in January 2025 to discuss the possibility of using independent labs to retest crucial evidence in his daughter’s unsolved 1996 murder case, Fox News reported.

JonBenet Ramsey’s tragic death on December 26, 1996, remains one of the most haunting unsolved cases in U.S. history. Her father, John Ramsey, is pushing for new efforts to advance the investigation by advocating for the retesting of critical evidence using the latest DNA technology. Ramsey has arranged a meeting with Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn in January 2025, aiming to involve independent labs in the investigation.

For years, John Ramsey has urged the Boulder Police Department (BPD) to allow independent labs to test evidence from the case. He has expressed frustration with the investigation but continues to emphasize the need to take advantage of new forensic techniques. Recently, Ramsey revealed that he and Chief Redfearn have agreed to meet, though the date is still pending. During this meeting, Ramsey hopes to have a representative from one of the leading forensic labs explain how their advanced technology could help retest the case’s key evidence.

Focus on DNA Retesting and Unexamined Evidence

John Ramsey actively pursues retesting DNA evidence, including external male DNA discovered in 1997. Although this genetic material could not identify a suspect at the time, he believes modern DNA analysis, such as genetic genealogy, could make it valuable. Ramsey also seeks to test more than 20 previously unexamined items, such as the garrote found around JonBenet’s neck and the ransom note left at the family’s home on the morning of the murder.

He emphasizes other untested items, including a suitcase the killer likely used to flee the scene, an unknown flashlight investigators found in the Ramsey family kitchen, and a length of rope discovered in JonBenet’s brother Burke’s room. Ramsey asserts that advanced forensic testing on these items could uncover critical evidence.

Seeking Resolution After 28 Years

While John Ramsey is hopeful that new testing might lead to new findings, he remains realistic about the potential outcomes. "DNA is pretty complicated stuff," he said, acknowledging the complexities of the process. However, he insists that it’s crucial to use the best available technology before concluding that further progress is impossible. Ramsey maintains hope that advancements in DNA testing could provide answers after nearly three decades.

Ramsey has used media interviews, including participation in a Netflix documentary, to keep public attention on the case. "The reason I’ve done these media interviews… is to keep pressure on the police," he said. "We’re not going to go away, folks." He views his upcoming meeting with Chief Redfearn as a significant opportunity to push for progress in the investigation and continue seeking justice for his daughter.

Ongoing Efforts by Boulder Police

The Boulder Police Department has been working on the case for over 28 years. Since 1996, there have been five police chiefs overseeing the investigation, with Stephen Redfearn becoming the fifth in September 2024. Redfearn, who became interim chief in January 2024, has emphasized that solving JonBenet’s murder remains a top priority for the department.

In November 2024, Redfearn expressed the department’s dedication to solving the case. "The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime, and this tragedy has never left our hearts," he said. "We are committed to following up on every lead and are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country."

The Boulder Police have collaborated with federal agencies, including the FBI, and enlisted DNA specialists from around the nation to help solve the case. Despite these efforts, the murder remains unsolved. The department has followed up on over 21,000 tips and reviewed more than 40,000 pages of reports in search of answers.

Challenges in the Investigation

Despite these extensive efforts, District Attorney Michael Dougherty has stated that more evidence is needed to solve the case. "Whether it is DNA or other evidence, more is needed to solve this murder," he said. Dougherty has praised the ongoing collaboration between the Boulder Police, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the FBI.

Investigators have reviewed over 2,500 pieces of evidence and received valuable tips from the Colorado Cold Case Review team. However, they have not achieved any major breakthroughs yet. Authorities remain hopeful that modern DNA testing will unlock the key to solving the case.

Hope for Genetic Genealogy Progress

Genetic genealogy has emerged as one of the most promising methods in recent years, solving numerous cold cases. Investigators trace familial DNA connections to identify potential suspects through distant relatives using this technique. John Ramsey acknowledges the complexity of genetic genealogy but believes it could play a key role in identifying JonBenet’s killer.

"If we come up empty-handed, then I’ll say, 'Thank you. You tried. That’s the best we can do right now with today’s technology,'" Ramsey remarked. "But until we do that, we haven’t done everything that could be done." This sentiment underscores his determination to pursue every avenue of investigation, no matter how difficult it may be.

Media Attention and Public Pressure

Media attention has been a key factor in keeping JonBenet’s case in the public eye. John Ramsey has participated in various media projects, including documentaries and interviews, to maintain public interest in the case. He believes that continued media exposure can help keep pressure on authorities to pursue new leads and make progress in the investigation.

Despite the years of media scrutiny, John Ramsey remains focused on his goal: finding justice for his daughter. He believes that technological advancements and continued perseverance may eventually lead to identifying JonBenet’s killer.

The Investigation’s Future

As the investigation continues, both the Boulder Police Department and the Ramsey family remain hopeful that new evidence and advancements in forensic technology will bring closure to one of the most tragic and perplexing cases in recent history. With a crucial meeting scheduled for January 2025, the next steps in JonBenet Ramsey’s case could mark a significant turning point in the decades-long search for justice.