Timeline: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey

Dec 23, 1996

The Ramseys host a Christmas Party

The Ramseys host a Christmas party at their home in Boulder, Colorado. About 30 people attend.

Dec 25, 1996

The Ramseys attend a Christmas Dinner

The Ramsey family visit their neighbours, the Whites, for a Christmas dinner at around 5:00 PM. They return home at about 10:00 PM.

Dec 26, 1996

JonBenet is found missing from her bedroom

Patsy Ramsey places a 911 call to the Boulder Police Department explaining that her daughter, JonBenet, is not in her room and that a ransom note was left behind.

Dec 26, 1996

The police arrive at the Ramsey home

At approximately 6:00 AM, the Boulder Police arrive at the Ramsey house after Patsy's call. They order a search of the mansion.

Dec 26, 1996

JonBenet is found dead

John Ramsey discovers JonBenet's body in the basement at around 1:00 PM. The Ramsey home is declared a crime scene.

Dec 27, 1996

JonBenet's cause of death is ruled a homicide

The county coroner determines that JonBenet died from asphyxiation due to strangulation.

Dec 28, 1996

Evidence and handwriting samples are collected from the Ramseys

Dec 31, 1996

JonBenet is buried in Marrieta, Georgia

Jan 1, 1997

The Ramseys declare their innocence on CNN

Jan 4, 1997

Police finish collecting evidence from the Ramsey home

Jan 14, 1997

John and Patsy Ramsey hire handwriting analysts

Feb 12, 1997

Police collect DNA samples from Bill McReynolds

Bill McReynolds dressed up as Santa Claus at the Ramseys' Christmas party on December 23.

Mar 6, 1997

Two of JonBenet's half-siblings are cleared

John Ramsey's children from a previous marriage, John and Melinda Ramsey are cleared of any involvement in the crime.

Apr 4, 1997

Beginning of DNA tests on evidence found at the crime scene

Apr 13, 1997

JonBenet's full autopsy report is released

Apr 18, 1997

The Ramseys are outed as possible suspects

Apr 30, 1997

The Ramseys are interviewed by police in formal sessions

Oct 10, 1997

Boulder Police Chief, Tom Koby, admits to making mistakes in the investigation

Jun 26, 1998

JonBenet's brother, Burke, is questioned for 6 hours by police

Sep 15, 1998

A grand jury overhears evidence

Oct 13, 1999

The District Attorney announces that there will be no indictment issued for the case

Mar 13, 2000

The debate over whether a stun gun was used on JonBenet begins.

Mar 17, 2000

The Ramseys publish their book "The Death of Innocence"

Apr 21, 2001

Fleet White attempts to press charges

Fleet White seeks to press criminal charges against journalists who implied his involvement in the killing of JonBenet.

May 3, 2001

Detective Andrew "Lou" Smit states that DNA evidence was found underneath JonBenet's fingernails

Jun 17, 2001

The Ramseys try to sue CourtTV

John and Patsy Ramsey seek to sue CourTV for mentioning Burke as a possible suspect in the slaying of his sister. Burke was only 9 years old at the time of the murder.

Feb 16, 2002