JonBenét Ramsey murder case: the ransom demand and other evidence

Let’s take a closer look at what police found at the Ramsey family’s home in Boulder, Colorado, after their 6-year-old daughter. Jon Benét Ramsey was found bludgeoned and strangled in the basement on December 26, 1996.

A mysterious ransom demand

In the early morning hours of December 26, 1996, Patsy Ramsey called 911 to report her 6-year-old daughter JonBenét missing and found a rambling ransom note left in their Boulder, Colorado, home.

The crime scene

A few hours later, JonBenét was found dead in the basement of the house. The police found no signs of a break-in.

An unusual murder weapon

JonBenét had been bludgeoned over the head and strangled with this complex device known as a tourniquet.

More evidence at the scene

JonBenét’s body was wrapped in this white blanket and her mouth was covered with duct tape.

An investigator’s theory

Retired homicide detective Lou Smit, who was hired to work on the case by the Boulder District Attorney and later worked for the Ramsey family, believed an intruder had entered the Ramsey home and killed JonBenét.

Did the killer come in?

Smit believed the killer entered the basement through this window and used the suitcase to get out.

Evidence left behind?

Authorities found this rope in a bedroom near JonBenét’s. The Ramseys said it didn’t belong to them.

John Ramsey’s Quest for Answers

The DNA recovered from JonBenét’s body and clothing came from an unidentified man. His father, John Ramsey, believes that new technologies can and should be used to determine who owns them. He calls for new tests on the tourniquet, suitcase, blanket and other evidence.

The ongoing investigation

In November 2024, the Boulder Police Department stated: “The claim that there is viable evidence and leads that we are not following up on – including DNA testing – is completely false.” »

If you have any information about the case, please call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-1974 or email BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov.