JonBenét Ramsey cops urged to re-test DNA on 3 key pieces of evidence including her underwear as huge update revealed
THREE crucial pieces of evidence in the JonBenét Ramsey case need to be re-tested with modern technology, according to a team of volunteer investigators and a detective's daughter.
That includes the six-year-old beauty pageant queen's long johns, panties and under the fingernails, the group insisted.
Cindy Smit-Marra, who is the daughter of late detective Lou Smit, is on a mission to solve the cold case along with investigator John Anderson.
The two are part of a team of about 12 that continued the late Lou Smit's work.
The renowned detective introduced the "intruder theory" that shook the JonBenét case by showing how the six-year-old's parents were innocent.
Before Smit's involvement, Boulder, Colorado police and the court of public opinion believed John and Patsy were involved in JonBenét's 1996 Christmas time murder.
Smit died before he found a suspect, but he left behind a treasure trove of information that the team didn't want to go to waste
"The Ramseys' didn't do it, and this case can be solved using the DNA evidence the killer left at the crime scene," they said.
JONBENET RAMSEY STORIES
Smit-Marra and Anderson said JonBenét's long johns, in the panties and under the fingernails need to be retested "under the specific format required to do forensic genealogy research."
"We request that the lab that did the testing on the long johns use their current technology to potentially identify more markers and/or separate any comingled DNA," they said.
"This would simply take a phone call from the Boulder Police Department."
Or they want Boulder police to bring in the most advanced private companies that specialize in forensic genealogy like Parabon or Othram.
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The team has been using their own money - and money raised through their GoFundMe - to test DNA and cross potential suspects' names off the list.
Smit-Mara and Anderson said they also want Boulder police to "coordinate with experts who can re-evaluate all of the physical evidence in this case to determine if that evidence may yield further identifying and/or corroborating DNA."
This is part of JonBenét's family's call for the governor to take the case from Boulder PD and bring in an outside agency.
Last week, the Gov. Jared Polis told The Sun in an email that no determination has been made, despite an online petition with more than 20,000 signatures that support the Ramsey family's wish.
"New DNA markers found could then be tested in the format required to do forensic genealogy," Smit-Mara and Anderson said.
"Then retain an expert to conduct a 'familial' DNA search for relatives of the killer in CODIS using the DNA profile of the killer currently in CODIS."
They said their relationship with Boulder police has been "disappointing."
WHAT THEY WANT BOULDER PD TO DO
"Our team met twice with the Boulder Police Detectives and the Boulder District Attorney to share what we were doing and the results of our independent DNA analysis," Smit-Marra and Anderson said.
"Our team met twice with the Boulder Police Detectives and the Boulder District Attorney to share what we were doing and the results of our independent DNA analysis," Smit-Marra and Anderson said.
"Unfortunately, our last request for a meeting was rejected when I confirmed the purpose of our meeting was related to Lou Smit's Intruder Theory, which eliminates the Ramsey family and focuses on efforts to identify her killer."
BOULDER PD'S SURPRISE TWITTER RESPONSE
Boulder police department has largely remained silent on JonBenet, despite the case's notoriety.
The department issued statements on major anniversaries and after the Ramsey family set up the petition to take the case from them.
Someone Tweeted at the Boulder police on July 28: "Get JonBenét’s DNA retested!!!! Why wouldn’t you want to put the murderer behind bars?! Either it will prove what the police thought or it won’t! You’re the problem!"
Boulder responded by saying, "Your information is not accurate. The Boulder Police Department regularly meets with multiple entities regarding this investigation, to include private labs, the FBI, CBI, the District Attorney's Office and others.
"In this ever- and quick-changing field of DNA analysis and testing, we are constantly speaking with these investigative stakeholders to evaluate how best to proceed given legal and scientific rules and limiations.
"Due to the length of time since this crime first occurred, Boulder police must be extremely cautious with handling of evidence and analysis.
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"The Boulder Police Department has spoken with members of the Ramsey family in the past few years who have provide (sic) information to investigators.
"Detectives have never stopped investigating leads that continue to come in and having the DNA tested daily in CODIS."
JONBENET'S FAMILY RESPONDS TO BOULDER
On Tuesday, John Andrew Ramsey, JonBenet's half brother, retweeted Boulder police's comment with a statement of his own.
"Holy Moly! A real life response from @boulderpolice!
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"So here is the issue…they talk a big game but every feeler I got out there tells me otherwise. Not to mention a terrible track record.
"Do you give them the benefit of the doubt?"