Police responded, on December 26, 1996 to the home of John and Patsy Ramsey, 755 15th Street in Boulder following a 9-1-1 call. The call, from Patsy Ramsey, stated a note had been found indicating their daughter had been kidnapped.

5:30 a.m.: When Patsy gets up to make coffee, she discovers a two-and-a-half page handwritten ransom note on the back stairs leading to the kitchen that says her daughter has been kidnapped, the note demanded

“You will withdraw $118,000.00 from your account. $100,000 will be in $100 bills and the remaining $18,000 in $20 bills,” 

6 a.m. Police officer Rick French arrives at the home and does a search. Officers initiated an investigatory response to a possible kidnapping for ransom. 

• The Boulder and Denver offices of the FBI were requested to assist, as was the District Attorney’s Office.
• The initial stages of the investigation were directed towards preparing to comply with the ransom note instructions. Detectives remained on the scene with the family.

2 p.m. Detective Linda Arndt, told John Ramsey and his friend White, to do a “top to bottom” search of the home. John opened the door to the basement’s spare room and saw JonBenét’s body. She had been strangled and her mouth and neck were covered with duct tape. John picked up the body and ran screaming upstairs. Arndt later moved the body closer to the Christmas tree upstairs.

10:45 p.m. The Boulder County coroner’s team removed JonBenet’s body from the house.

An autopsy was conducted on Friday, December 27, 1996 and the Boulder Co. Coroner’s Office has determined the cause of death is asphyxia due to strangulation. The manner of death is homicide. Report

• Findings include skull fracture, ligature marks, and evidence consistent with prior sexual injury. 
• The victim, JonBenet Ramsey, as a student at High Peaks elementary school, 3740 Martin Park Drive.
• The parents are John Ramsey, CEO and President of Access Graphics and Patsy Ramsey.
• There is an older brother who lives at home and two adult siblings who live outside the home.
• Scenes are processed and additional search warrants are initiated.

December 29, 1996

• A second authorized search warrant is executed for the Ramsey residence at 755 15th Street to collect additional physical and documentary evidence. Source

Detectives announce that the note was written on a paper pad from inside the house, meaning it was likely written after the murder. Reportedly there was an evidence that the person who wrote the ransom note first practiced it on another piece of paper.  1996-12-26 JonBenet Ransom Note

January 5, 1997

• Michigan authorities execute a search warrant at the Ramsey vacation home in Charlevoix, Michigan, seeking tapes, answering devices, mail, surveillance indicators, and documents potentially relating to threats or communications.

January 8, 1997

• Detective Linda Arndt’s comprehensive supplemental report is filed.
• Report documents early scene conditions, screening of household and business associates, emotional behavior of family members, timeline confirmations, and statement detail including household lock status, communications, and family movement.

January 30, 1997

• Search warrant obtained for Ramsey family computers and electronic media.
• Investigators seek potential sexually oriented material, communication records, and electronically stored content for forensic review.

CBI processes seized computer systems and storage media. January 5, 1997

• Michigan authorities execute a search warrant at the Ramsey vacation home in Charlevoix, Michigan, seeking tapes, answering devices, mail, surveillance indicators, and documents potentially relating to threats or communications.

January 8, 1997

• Detective Linda Arndt’s comprehensive supplemental report is filed.
• Report documents early scene conditions, screening of household and business associates, emotional behavior of family members, timeline confirmations, and statement detail including household lock status, communications, and family movement.

January 30, 1997

• Search warrant obtained for Ramsey family computers and electronic media.
• Investigators seek potential sexually oriented material, communication records, and electronically stored content for forensic review.
• CBI processes seized computer systems and storage media.

March 6, 1997

• Additional affidavit and search authority secured in Michigan for handwriting exemplars and documentary comparison materials.
• CBI handwriting expert Chet Ubowski reviews handwriting samples from John Ramsey, Patsy Ramsey, and Burke Ramsey.
• Analysis finds John Ramsey and Burke Ramsey are not indicated as writers of the ransom note.
• Patsy Ramsey’s handwriting shows indicators that do not eliminate her and suggests further historical exemplars are necessary for full comparison.

March 7, 1997

• A handwriting analysis eliminates John, but not Patsy. Based on expert analysis, detectives confirm that John didn’t write the ransom note, but say there is a chance Patsy may have

April 19, 1997

• JonBenét’s parents become the prime suspects

April 30, 1997

• Formal interviews were conducted with both parents, John for two hours and Patsy for six-and-a-half hours

June 7–9, 1997

• Boulder Police confirm that the secured Ramsey “war room” computer showed evidence of unauthorized access during early morning hours of June 7.
• Investigation launched with Colorado Bureau of Investigation technicians.
• Investigation later determines there was no data theft, and the incident was caused by equipment failure, not human tampering.

June 17, 1997

• Boulder Police confirm they plan to re-enter the Ramsey residence.
• Purpose: to create an architectural model of the home to assist investigative work.
• Ramseys give consent, so no warrant is required.

June 26, 1997

• Colorado Bureau of Investigation formally reports findings regarding the June computer incident.
• CBI confirms no criminal tampering occurred.
• Confirms issue was hardware failure, not an intrusion.
• Boulder Police continue increasing case security controls.

September 1997

• A reported incident involving a threatening statement about harming JonBenét comes to investigators’ and the Ramseys’ attention and is later referenced in investigative discussions as potentially significant.
• Investigators begin examining individuals with past connections to the Ramsey home, including laborers and prior household service workers.

March 12, 1998

• A grand jury investigation was assembled.

September 15, 1998

• The grand jury begins their investigation

October 13, 1998

• The grand jury begins hearing forensic evidence and also toured Ramsey’s family’s home in Boulder.

May 19, 1999

• Grand Jury declared JonBenet Brother a witness

September 30, 1999

• JonBenet’s half siblings John Andrew and Melinda testified in front of the grand jury.

October 13, 1999

• Grand Jury reached a decision stated no sufficient evidence to charge anyone with the murder

April 10, 2000

• Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner issues a public update.
• Police confirm consultation with the District Attorney and FBI regarding whether to offer polygraph examinations to John and Patsy Ramsey.
• Police note ongoing investigative efforts and continuing evaluation of evidence.

April 11, 2000

• Boulder Police officially accept John and Patsy Ramsey’s public offer to take polygraph examinations.
• DA’s Office and FBI agree with the decision.
• Police begin coordinating testing logistics in accordance with conditions demanded by the Ramseys.
  

April 25, 2000

• The Ramseys’ attorney informs Boulder Police that John and Patsy Ramsey will NOT take the polygraph examinations.
• Police confirm arrangements had been made and conditions agreed to, but the Ramseys withdraw from participation.

August 29, 2000, Formal Interview of John Ramsey in Atlanta

• John Ramsey participates in a videotaped investigative interview in Atlanta with Boulder authorities, prosecutors, and federal participants.
• Present are representatives of the Boulder Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and federal investigators.
• Ramsey discusses:
• His continuing efforts to remain involved in the investigation.
• Private investigative efforts and received leads.
• His position that he and his family did not harm JonBenét.
• Development of stun gun injury discussion raised by investigative figures.
• Suspect leads including individuals previously known to the family or with household access.
• Continued emphasis on locating an unknown perpetrator.
• This is considered a major investigative contact with the Ramsey family after the grand jury period.

October 3, 2001

• Boulder Police confirm that an online “confession” posted on AOL claiming involvement in the murder was a hoax.
• Police identify the individual responsible and confirm they have no connection to the homicide.
• The person posting the “confession” is determined to be a 14-year-old juvenile.

December 17, 2001
Fifth Anniversary Case Status

• Police issue a detailed statistical update:
• More than 650 formal interviews conducted
• More than 60 outside experts involved
• About 140 individuals investigated as potential suspects
• About 1,400 evidence items logged
• Case file approximately 43,000 pages
• About 5,300 phone tips received
• More than 4,800 letters received
• Investigation reached 18 states
• Total investigation cost: $1,705,251.21
• Boulder Police confirm the case remains open and active, with detectives assigned as needed.

December 20, 2002

• Boulder Police provide additional budget and investigative activity summary.
• Confirms investigative expenses through 2002 and continued active status of the investigation.
• Confirms ongoing review of evidence and forensic developments, maintaining readiness to act upon credible leads.

2006
Transition, False Confession Event, and Case Oversight Issues

• Boulder District Attorney’s Office enters a period of administrative change.
• August 2006
• John Mark Karr is detained overseas after claiming involvement in JonBenét’s murder.
• Colorado authorities transport him for testing and investigation.
• Karr is ruled out after DNA comparison does not match the unidentified male DNA profile.
• Prosecutors formally clear him and dismiss the claims.
• The event reinforces the requirement for credible forensic corroboration in addition to statements or confessions.

July 9, 2008

• Boulder District Attorney announces new DNA findings using advanced “touch DNA” testing.
• Testing is conducted by Bode Technology Group on JonBenet’s long johns using scraping collection methods.
• Male DNA profile recovered from both sides of the long johns matches the previously identified male DNA profile from the underwear.
• This creates three matching locations of the same unknown male DNA on two separate garments JonBenet was wearing at the time of her murder.
• The DA states there is no innocent explanation for this DNA and concludes the items were handled by an unidentified male perpetrator.
• As a result of these findings, the Boulder District Attorney formally informs John Ramsey that he, Patsy Ramsey, and Burke Ramsey are no longer considered under suspicion in the commission of the crime.

2010
Case Management Shift

• After years of debate between DA and Boulder Police regarding control of the investigation, case responsibility returns to Boulder Police.
• Boulder Police state they will continue to retain forensic materials, evaluate DNA capabilities, and review investigative strategy going forward.

2013
Grand Jury Documents Revealed

• Previously sealed grand jury documentation from the late 1990s becomes public.
• Records confirm:
• The grand jury had voted in favor of charging John and Patsy Ramsey with offenses related to child abuse resulting in death.
• Boulder DA Alex Hunter declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence to successfully obtain conviction.
• This revelation establishes what the grand jury actually concluded and confirms the prosecutorial declination was discretionary.

Mid-2010s
Debates Over DNA Interpretation and Case Strategy

• Disputes arise publicly over reliability, interpretation, and source likelihood of the unidentified male DNA profile.
• Discussions include:
• Whether the DNA profile could represent secondary transfer or manufacturing contamination.
• Whether DNA alone should control investigative direction.
• Despite debate, Boulder Police continue to treat the unidentified DNA profile as significant forensic evidence.

2019
Boulder Police Department Public Status Update

• Boulder Police reaffirm:
• The case remains open and active.
• DNA continues to be retained in CODIS.
• Investigators monitor evolving forensic technologies.
• Any credible lead continues to be examined.

2021 – 2022
Genetic Genealogy Era and Renewed Forensic Interest

• With breakthroughs in genealogical forensics in other cold cases nationwide, Boulder investigators begin working with CBI to reassess options.
• Late 2022 announcements confirm:
• Evidence is being reviewed for possible genealogical DNA viability.
• Boulder Police, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and FBI continue joint efforts.
• No public disclosure of results, but law enforcement confirms testing strategies are ongoing rather than dormant.

Police Reports

• 1996-12-26 Police report JonBenet Ramsey
• 1996-12-26 Supplemental Police Report
• 1997-01-08 Supplemental Report Linda Arndt 

Forensics

• JonBenet Ramsey autopsy
• 2004-01-07 DNA Examination
• 1996-1997 CBI Reports

Other Records

• 1996-12-26 JonBenet Ransom Note
• 1996-2002 Case Update on Homicide Investigation
• 2008-07-09 Letter from Boulder County DA

Investigation Records:

• The Ransom Note: The ransom note was discovered in the Ramsey home, written on Patsy Ramsey’s notepad. However, several pages from the notepad were missing and were never found within the house. 
• A male DNA profile: A male DNA profile was developed from samples found on JonBenét’s underwear, pajamas, and fingernails, which did not match either John or Patsy Ramsey. The source of this DNA unidentified.
• A climbing rope: A climbing rope was discovered in a paper bag in the spare bedroom adjacent to JonBenét’s room. The Ramsey’s stated that the rope did not belong to them, and it is unclear if the rope was ever tested.
  Two sets of stun gun marks were found on JonBenét’s body. However, no stun gun was found in the Ramsey home, nor is there any evidence suggesting the Ramsey’s owned one.
  A white piece of adhesive was found on JonBenét’s face, indicating the stun gun was applied over duct tape that was previously placed on her face. The stun gun’s heat may have melted the adhesive 
  A baseball bat, containing a fiber consistent with the carpet in the Ramsey’s basement, was found outside in the yard near the butler’s door on the north side of the house. The Bat was not Ramseys. 
• Black Duct Tape: Black duct tape was placed over JonBenét’s mouth, but the roll from which it came was never located. Red fibers were found on the tape, matching fibers from Patsy Ramsey’s sweater. However, Patsy had worn the sweater while sitting on a blanket in JonBenét’s bedroom, suggesting the fibers could have transferred to the blanket and then onto the tape after it was discarded on the blanket post-discovery. No black fibers from Patsy’s sweater were found on the duct tape. Other fibers, including brown ones possibly from the perpetrator’s gloves, were found on the tape, but their source was never determined.
• White Cord and Brush: White cord (olefin) was used to bind JonBenét’s hands and neck. The source of this cord was never found.
  A paintbrush from Patsy’s paint kit, stored near the room where JonBenét’s body was discovered, was broken into three pieces. 
  One piece was used to fashion the garrote handle. The second piece, with the brush attached, was found at the scene. The third piece was never located.
  Red marks on JonBenét’s neck indicated she was alive when the injuries were inflicted. The half-moon shaped marks, located above the white cord, suggest JonBenét tried to release the pressure of the garrote with her fingernails while she was still conscious.
  A beaver hair was found on JonBenét’s thigh. Although it was speculated that Patsy Ramsey may have owned boots lined with beaver hair, no additional hairs were found during a search. 
  Several animal hairs were discovered at the crime scene, but their source was never identified.
  A hard-sided suitcase was found out of place beneath a broken basement window, five feet above the floor and 20 inches in size, fibers inside the suitcase matched JonBenét’s clothing, she may have been placed inside the suitcase. The FBI did not reach the same conclusion regarding the fibers. A piece of glass was found on top of the suitcase, someone stood on the suitcase and transferred the glass from their shoe. A close-up photo of the suitcase showed what appeared to be a shoe print impression.
• Open Window: Disturbances in the debris around the basement window suggested an entry point. This window was found open, and crime scene photos depict it in this position. Styrofoam packing material from the window well was found inside the room where JonBenét’s body was discovered, raising the question of how it got there.
  A Hi-Tec brand shoe print was found in the mold in the storage room where JonBenét’s body was located, but its source was never determined.
  Neighbor reported someone trespassing in their yard and storage shed around the time of the incident. Cigarette butts were collected as evidence, but it is unclear what happened to them or if they were tested for DNA.
  Neighbors also reported seeing two suspicious vehicles in the neighborhood—one on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day. One neighbor observed a white male walking around the Ramsey home at dusk on Christmas.
• JonBenet Ramsey: The following items were never found, indicating the perpetrator likely took them: 
• The duct tape, 
• The white cord, 
• The third piece of the paintbrush handle, 
• The stun gun, 
• Hi-Tec shoes, 
• The missing pages from Patsy’s notepad.
• The following items found at the crime scene, which did not belong to the Ramseys, suggest they were brought there by the perpetrator: 
• Male DNA found on JonBenét’s clothing and under her fingernails, 
• A beaver hair, 
• Animal hairs, 
• Hi-Tec shoe print.
• Items did not belong to Ramsey’s and were left by the perpetrator: 
• Climbing rope in the spare bedroom
• Maglite flashlight found in the kitchen, 
• Baseball bat in the yard near the butler’s door, which contained fibers consistent with the basement carpet.