A newspaper headline about the murder pictured on January 7, 1997, in Boulder, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
The family was officially cleared of any involvement in 2008. By that time, Patricia had passed away from ovarian cancer in 2006 and was laid to rest beside JonBenét.
Over the years, numerous suspects have been linked to JonBenét’s case, but none were charged. Shortly after Patsy’s passing, schoolteacher John Mark Karr, then 41, was arrested after claiming, “I was with JonBenét when she died. Her death was an accident.” However, Karr was later cleared.
John Mark Karr pictured on August 24, 2006, in Boulder, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
John has since suggested several possible suspects, including Bill McReynolds, a man known to the family as “Santa Claus,” who had visited their home.
John recalled Bill saying, “He and JonBenét had a kind of special little bond.” Adding to suspicions, Bill’s daughter had been kidnapped a decade earlier, and his wife had written a play about a murdered little girl. However, DNA tests ruled out Bill and his wife.
The Ramsey residence pictured on January 7, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
John also pointed to the family’s housekeeper, Linda Hoffman Pugh, who had borrowed $2,000 from Patsy before Christmas. Police searched Linda’s home and found duct tape and cord similar to what was used in the crime, but her alibi held up. Neither her DNA nor handwriting matched evidence from the scene.
Other suspects included a convicted sex offender, Gary Olivia who carried JonBenét’s photo in his wallet and a Boulder journalist who had previously written about John’s company, but none were ever charged.
Gary Oliva appears in court on June 21, 2016, in Boulder, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
One case that stands out to John is a masked intruder who raped a 12-year-old girl in Boulder, Colorado, nine months after JonBenét’s murder. The man fled when the girl’s mother intervened. “To me, it could easily have been the same person,” John said, but added, “The police blew it off as, ‘No, it’s not the same.'”
Despite the numerous suspects and theories over the years, John, 80, remains hopeful that the truth about JonBenét’s murder can still emerge. In a recent interview, he expressed his belief that the key to solving the case may already be in the hands of law enforcement.
He strongly urged authorities to permit external experts to assist, convinced this collaboration could finally bring resolution to the decades-old mystery. John has voiced frustration with Boulder police for refusing to allow advanced DNA testing on key evidence, including material found on the garrote used to strangle JonBenét.
In another interview, he urged, “We’re begging the police to engage,” noting that modern labs are ready to assist. Criticizing the department’s inaction, he added, “Nobody can come in and help unless the chief of police asks. […] Just do your job. Test the DNA,” he pleaded.
Since Patsy’s passing, JonBenét’s family has worked to move forward while pursuing justice. John got married again in 2011 with wedding fashion designer Jan Rousseaux in Michigan. He reflected on JonBenét, saying, “I have no doubt she will be smiling.” By 2016, John and Jan were living between Michigan and Las Vegas.
Moreover, John once described Burke as leading a quiet life, working as a software engineer, and taking pride in his independence. Meanwhile, JonBenét’s half-brother, John Andrew Ramsey, has been vocal about the case, criticizing the Boulder Police Department but remaining hopeful that DNA advancements will lead to answers.
John and Patsy Ramsey pictured leaving their home on February 20, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
JonBenét Ramsey’s tragic death continues to captivate the public as her family fights for justice nearly 30 years later. With advances in DNA technology offering new hope, her loved ones remain determined to uncover the truth and bring closure to this enduring mystery.
