Since 2016, investigative genetic genealogy has made its (explosive) name solving cold case rapes and murders that were previously considered unsolvable. The identification of the Golden State Killer was the case that put IGG on the map, and is also arguably the most infamous to date. But a recent statement from the City of Boulder and the Boulder Police Department has people wondering if IGG can solve an even more well-known case that captivated the nation 25 years ago and still today—the murder of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey.
“As the [Colorado Police] Department continues to use new technology to enhance the investigation, it is actively reviewing genetic DNA testing processes to see if those can be applied to this case moving forward,” the City of Boulder said in a statement on the 25th anniversary of Ramsey’s murder.
Although genetic genealogy is not specifically referenced, it is one of the great advancements in DNA testing and analysis since 1996. Next-generation sequencing is another, as well as the development of equipment like the M-Vac collection system, for example.
In the Ramsey case, the Boulder Police say the department has worked with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) to ensure the DNA in the system can be compared correctly with new DNA samples that have been uploaded to ensure accuracy. In fact, CBI says it has updated over 750 reference samples with the latest DNA technology. That DNA is checked regularly for new matches.
As of December 2021, the Boulder Police Department says it has processed more than 1,500 pieces of evidence related to the murder of Ramsey. The Major Crimes Unit has received, reviewed or investigated more than 21,016 tips, letters and emails, and detectives have traveled to 19 states to interview or speak with more than 1,000 individuals in connection to the crime.
Ramsey was 6 years old when she was reported missing on Dec. 26, 1996 after her family found a ransom note inside their home. That same day, her body was found in a basement room of the house, and an autopsy the next day revealed the cause of death to be strangulation.
The case became a media sensation overnight due to a number of factors, including Ramsey’s participation in youth beauty pageants, her family’s wealth and suspicion, and the fact that her body was found inside the family home. In subsequent years, the police cleared Ramsey’s parents of wrongdoing through DNA testing. But even 25 years later, most people can vividly recall what the blonde-hair, blue-eyed little girl looked like in her pink dress, red lipstick and beauty pageant crown.
The Boulder Police have asked anyone with information related to the Ramsey investigation to contact the tipline at 303-441-1974, [email protected] or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or www.nococrimestoppers.com.
Photo: JonBenet Ramsey. Fair use photo.