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A mystery that’s gripped the entire nation for decades could potentially be solved in hours. All thanks to the latest DNA technology. JonBenet Ramsey has been on the cover of every magazine since her murder in 1996. Her murder has been one of the toughest and most complicated investigation this country has ever seen. 

But scientists are only hours away from learning the identity of 6 year old beauty pageant queen, JonBenet Ramsey, if the Boulder Police Department allows the DNA to be tested by an independent DNA lab.

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JonBenet Ramsey, six years old, from Boulder, CO, was reported missing by her family on Dec.26, 1996. Her family discovered a ransom note and alerted the police. The body of JonBenet was discovered several hours later in the family basement. She was strangled to death. 

Her murder sparked a nation-wide investigation that spanned decades. On the 25th anniversary of her death, the Boulder police department announced they had over 1,500 of evidence and more than 1,000 DNA samples. 

“The BPD 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 this crime.” Said the police department in a press release. 

JonBenet’s own family members were suspects at some point or another. Both her mother and father were questioned intently, but detectives didn’t have enough evidence to charge them with her murder. 

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In more recent years, 60 Minutes on CBS interviewed a crime expert who suggested JonBenet’s brother, Burke Ramsey, could be the killer. According to the expert, Burke was jealous of all the attention JonBenet was receiving from the parents. 

An allegation Burke Ramsey and his father have both denied. In fact, Burke filed a defamation law suing against 60 Minutes and CBS seeking damages in the amount of $750 million. 

JonBenet’s half-brother John Andrew Ramsey is now petitioning the Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, to allow an independent DNA lab to test the DNA samples collected from JonBenet’s crime scene. 

Gov. Polis has agreed to review the petition. He’s expected to make a formal decision in the next several weeks. If Polis gives his approval, Nano Labs, will be able to provide the Ramsey family with the results of the killer’s identity within hours. 

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact our tipline at 303-441-1974BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or www.nococrimestoppers.com

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By Jolene Grace

Jolene Grace was a journalist for ten years, interning for CBS evening news, working as a beat report for Oklahoma Public radio, and eventually transitioning into managing digital content for a radio corporation. Currently, she writes crime fiction full time and blogs for the Crime Room. Jolene is fortunate enough to be able to tell the stories of those who no longer can. She’s passionate to write about cold cases being solved. You can read her blogs on thecrimeroom.com or listen to The Crime Room Podcast wherever in the world you happened to be. Let’s Talk Crime.

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