Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: JonBenét Ramsey Murder: Police Confirm New Evidence and DNA Re-Testing

Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Guest: John Ramsey (father of JonBenét Ramsey)

Episode Overview

This episode marks the grim 29th anniversary of JonBenét Ramsey’s unsolved murder, a case that has haunted the true crime community for nearly three decades. Host Ashleigh Banfield provides updates on new developments announced by Boulder police, including the discovery of new evidence and the retesting of old evidence with advanced DNA technology. Special guest John Ramsey joins the conversation to discuss his ongoing hope for resolution and justice, recent cooperation with law enforcement, and his perspectives on advancements in forensic science.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Emotional Weight of the Anniversary

• (01:39-01:54)
  Ashleigh reflects on the juxtaposition between personal holiday joy and the darkness this time of year brings for the Ramsey family and the true crime community, as December marks 29 years since JonBenét’s murder.

The Latest Official Update: New Evidence & Retesting

• (03:27-04:20)
  Ashleigh summarizes the Boulder Police Department’s annual statement, citing new evidence collection, retesting of previous evidence, and collaboration with state, federal, and external experts. Importantly, specific details are withheld to protect the investigation.

  “Police are not saying what that evidence is or who has been interviewed or re interviewed, but they are confirming that new and follow up interviews have been conducted and that new evidence has been collected.”
  — Ashleigh Banfield, (04:01)

Interview with John Ramsey: Details, Hopes, and Frustrations

Communication from Boulder Police

• (05:17-05:46) Ashleigh asks about communications with the police regarding new and retested evidence.

  “Chief Redfern told us...that he had submitted evidence for additional DNA testing. He didn’t say what evidence it was but that it was submitted. Submitted again or perhaps new.”
  — John Ramsey, (05:46)

Advocacy for Advanced Forensic Testing

• (05:55-07:22) John highlights the importance of outside experts and advanced labs like Othram, known for their successes in recent cold cases.

  “No. Othram is one of the few cutting edge labs that can do investigative genetic genealogy... It’s been very successful in solving old cold cases. It’s kind of the latest and greatest use of technology and DNA to solve crimes.”
  — John Ramsey, (07:22)

Ongoing Struggles with Public Perception

• (08:01-09:04) Ashleigh confronts the persistent public suspicion toward the Ramsey family, despite official exoneration and apologies. She calls for empathy and informed commentary.

  “Let me repeat this loud and clear that the Boulder police and everybody else involved in investigating the murder of your daughter, they have cleared you over and over and over again and they’ve gone so far as to apologize...”
  — Ashleigh Banfield, (08:21)

The Value of New Leadership

• (06:54-09:04) John Ramsey expresses hope under Chief Redfern’s leadership, noting improvement after years of stagnation and “old guard” police culture in Boulder.

  “The key really in progress has been the, the addition of new leadership there... I’m impressed with him. I think he’s, he’s sincere and honest and so I’m encouraged.”
  — John Ramsey, (06:26)

The Importance of Genetic Genealogy

• (10:00-11:24) John underscores the significance of unknown male DNA found on JonBenét’s clothing and the need for the latest DNA family-tree tracing technology. He points out the limitations of traditional DNA databases like CODIS.

  “This new technology...is really truly an investigative tool that allows police to investigate and look for the killer...CODIS federal database of DNA is... frankly a little obsolete, in my opinion.”
  — John Ramsey, (10:38-11:24)

• Ashleigh adds context referencing the Golden State Killer’s eventual capture through genealogy databases, illustrating the frustration when vital information is missed with outdated systems.

Ongoing Communication & Hopes for Resolution

• (09:04-12:13) John Ramsey details ongoing efforts to stay in communication with police and advocate for updates, feeling more optimistic than in past years despite decades of disappointment.

  “They’ve been fairly quiet about what they’re doing. I think if I read between the lines...there’s some encouraging words there. And so I’m, I’m more optimistic than I’ve been a long time, certainly with new leadership.”
  — John Ramsey, (09:33)

• Ashleigh closes the interview with renewed hope for an impending breakthrough in 2026.

  “I pray for you, I pray for you in Jan that you will get resolution, you will get justice. And I’m feeling that it’s, you know, getting closer, especially with the positive vibes you’re getting from the Boulder police.”
  — Ashleigh Banfield, (11:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• “This month marks 29 years since 6 year old JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered inside her family’s home in Boulder, Colorado…one of the most haunting unsolved cases in American history.”
  — Ashleigh Banfield, (01:54-02:15)

• “I think if they do [use investigative genetic genealogy] we’ve got a probably a 70, 80% chance of getting an answer.”
  — John Ramsey, (07:22)

• “Unknown male DNA on JonBenét’s clothing...multiple different pieces of her clothing have the same unknown male DNA...that’s a critical piece of this mystery.”
  — Ashleigh Banfield, (10:00)

• “I’m very optimistic at this point. I really am.”
  — John Ramsey, (12:01)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 01:39 — Ashleigh reflects on the contrast between the holidays and the Ramsey family's tragedy.
• 03:27 — Boulder Police Chief statement on new evidence and technological advances.
• 05:17 — Interview with John Ramsey begins.
• 06:54 — John describes the impact of new police leadership.
• 07:22 — The potential for breakthrough using genetic genealogy.
• 08:21 — Ashleigh directly addresses public misinformation and clears the family.
• 10:00 — Discussion of critical DNA evidence.
• 11:24 — Reflection on the inadequacy of old DNA systems.
• 12:01 — Closing: renewed optimism and hope for justice.

Overall Tone & Language

Ashleigh Banfield balances compassion and directness, breaking down complex forensic advances for listeners while calling for empathy toward the Ramsey family. John Ramsey speaks with a mixture of hope, frustration, and determination, displaying faith in new investigative avenues and expressing cautious optimism after years of disappointment. The conversation remains earnest, clear, and approachable throughout.

Summary Takeaways

• New Developments: Boulder police report new evidence and interviews, and retesting of older evidence with advanced DNA methods.
• Cutting Edge Forensics: There’s a strong push for using investigative genetic genealogy, offering real hope for resolving cold cases like JonBenét’s.
• Ongoing Family Advocacy: The Ramsey family remains engaged, hopeful, and in ongoing dialogue with law enforcement.
• The Importance of Public Understanding: Both Banfield and Ramsey stress the harm of lingering suspicions, urging the public to stay informed and compassionate.
• Cautious Optimism: For the first time in years, there is genuine optimism rooted in new leadership and forensic technology, raising hope that the case might see resolution as the 30th anniversary approaches.

For further information and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Ashleigh Banfield and Drop Dead Serious.