Why this matters
This development could potentially break decades of stagnation in the Ramsey case by leveraging new DNA analysis techniques that have solved other high-profile cold cases.
The bigger picture
Advances in forensic genetics and genetic genealogy are increasingly transforming cold case investigations by providing new avenues to identify suspects or confirm identities. The push to re-examine JonBenét Ramsey's DNA reflects a broader trend of applying cutting-edge science to long-unsolved crimes.
Need the context?
JonBenét Ramsey was a six-year-old girl found murdered in her Colorado home in 1996, a case that remains officially unsolved despite extensive investigations. David Mittelman, CEO of Othram, a forensic genetics company, is urging law enforcement to use his lab's genetic genealogy technology to analyze her DNA for fresh leads.
What happens next?
- Law enforcement agencies respond to Mittelman's call and decide whether to submit JonBenét Ramsey's DNA to Othram for testing.
- Othram conducts genetic genealogy analysis and searches for familial matches in public and private DNA databases.
- Investigators release updates on the progress or results of the new DNA testing efforts.
- Media outlets and true crime programmes such as Investigation Discovery or Oxygen feature renewed coverage of the case following any breakthroughs.
Readers currently think
Most readers are leaning positive, although not everyone is convinced.
