Introduction

Nearly three decades after JonBenét Ramsey’s murder, there is still no arrest. JonBenét’s family, along with thousands of other Colorado families in similar positions, are still waiting for answers.

We’re asking Colorado to adopt a version of the federal Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act so loved ones can request a fresh, timeline-bound cold-case review using today’s investigative tools. Justice can be delayed, but it must not be optional.

Petition

In 1996, six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was murdered in her home. Colorado—and the world—has waited for justice ever since. But while JonBenét’s name is well known, most families living this same nightmare cannot say the same. They wake up each day to silence, paperwork, and endless reminders of their loss.

Colorado has dedicated teams and a statewide cold-case database. What families don’t have, however, is a clear, enforceable right to trigger a new, timeline-bound review by investigators who were not part of the original case. That gap leaves hope to chance, publicity, or whoever picks up the phone.

We can fix this—right now.

What We’re Asking

Colorado should draft and pass a version of the Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act (HVFRA), a 2021 federal law that guarantees:

• Right to review: When a homicide is unsolved for 3+ years and leads are exhausted, an immediate family member (or similarly situated person) may apply for a case-file review.
• Fresh eyes: The review is conducted by a new investigator or team uninvolved in the original investigation.
• Modern Forensics: The review must evaluate whether updated DNA methods—including, where appropriate, forensic-genetic genealogy—could produce leads.
• Deadlines & Transparency: A written decision within 6 months (with limited extension for good cause), periodic updates, and a final meeting to explain the outcome.
• Accountability: Training for reviewers, an internal complaint process, and annual public reporting of requests, reviews, and reinvestigations.
• Reasonable Timelines: A subsequent request after 5 years, unless new, material evidence emerges sooner.

Why This Matters

Fairness over favoritism. Families shouldn’t need media attention to get a second look. A right-to-review makes the process consistent and transparent statewide.

Today’s tools change cases. DNA and genealogy techniques have solved murders decades later. Families deserve a process that keeps pace with science.

Trust through timelines. Clear clocks, written decisions, and updates prevent the quiet drift of “maybe later” into “never.”

How the Process Works

1.                  A family member applies.

2.                  A new team reviews the file, evidence, and testing options.

3.                  Within 6 months, the agency issues a written decision to reinvestigate (or not) with reasons, provides updates, and  offers a final meeting to walk through the outcome.

4.                  Try again later if needed—so cases aren’t shelved indefinitely.

Safeguards

This bill would create a practical administrative right—not automatic litigation. It complements the Colorado Cold Case Task Force and CBI efforts by giving families a predictable on-ramp to a modern review.

Our Ask of Colorado Leaders

Legislators: Introduce and pass the Colorado HVFRA this session.

Governor & Attorney General: Support implementation with CBI and local agencies.

CBI & local law enforcement: Help design training and review protocols so it works on day one.

This petition is for the Ramseys—but it’s also for the many Colorado families whose names you may never know, but whose love and patience deserve the dignity of a real, modern review.

Justice can be delayed but it cannot be optional.

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