The ransom note and other evidence

On December 22, 2024By Littum

A closer look at what police found in the Ramsey family’s Boulder, Colorado, home after their 6-year-old daughter JonBenét Ramsey was found beaten and strangled in the basement on December 26, 1996.

A mysterious ransom note

A two-and-a-half-page note left on the steps of the Ramsey family's home demanding a ransom of $118,000. / Credit: AP/Boulder Police Department — A two-and-a-half-page note left on the steps of the Ramsey family’s home demanding a ransom of $118,000. / Credit: AP/Boulder Police Department

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 walking ransom note left inside their Boulder, Colorado, home.

The crime scene

Boulder, Colorado, home where the Ramsey family lived at the time of the murder. / Credit: CBS News

Several hours later, JonBenét was found dead in the home’s basement. The police found no signs of a break-in.

An unusual murder weapon

The garrote used to choke JonBenét. / Credit: CBS News

JonBenét had been stabbed in the head and strangled with this intricate device known as a garrote.

More evidence at the scene

JonBenét's father found her in the basement of their home, wrapped in this blanket. / Credit: CBS News — JonBenét’s father found her in the basement of their home, wrapped in this blanket. / Credit: CBS News

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 the case by the Boulder District Attorney and later worked for the Ramsey family, believed that an intruder entered the Ramsey house and killed JonBenét.

The killer’s way in?

Evidence in the JonBenét Ramsey murder case includes an open basement window and a suitcase. / Credit: CBS News

Smit believed that the killer entered the basement through this window and used the suitcase to climb back out.

Evidence left behind?

Rope found in a guest room at the Ramsey home. / Credit: CBS News

Authorities found this rope in a bedroom close to JonBenét’s. The Ramseys said it did not belong to them.

John Ramsey’s Search for Answers

DNA found from JonBenét’s body and clothes comes from an unidentified man. Her father, John Ramsey, believes that new technology can and should be used to find out who it belongs to. He calls for retesting of the garrote, suitcase, blanket and other evidence.

The current study

Boulder Police Department / Credit: CBS News

In November 2024, Boulder Police Department said: “The claim that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing – to include DNA testing – is completely false.”

If you have information about the case, please call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-1974 or email [email protected]

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