Governor Won’t Appoint JonBenet Special Prosecutor

Gov. Bill Owens said Wednesday he has decided not to appoint a special prosecutor to look into the JonBenet Ramsey slaying, saying police are working with new evidence and headed in the right direction.

Owens also had strong words for the little girl’s parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, asking them to “stop hiding behind their attorneys” and return to Colorado to help authorities solve the case.

“To the killers, let me say this: You only think you have gotten away with murder. There is strong evidence to suggest who you are,” Owens said. “I think investigators are moving closer to proving their case. They will keep pursuing you. You will reap what you have sown.”

The Ramseys, who moved to the Atlanta area after the killing, have insisted they are not guilty.

Denver legal analyst Andrew Cohen said the governor’s references to the killers was the strongest accusation yet against the Ramseys. He called it a “cheap shot.”

“I don’t think anyone, even a governor, should be allowed to accuse people of doing something, which they have a constitutional right to do, which is hide behind their lawyers,” Cohen said.

Two weeks ago, a Boulder County grand jury ended a 13-month investigation of the slaying without issuing any indictments. Dist. Atty. Alex Hunter said there was not enough evidence to charge anyone, although he and police said the Ramseys remain under suspicion.

Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner vowed two weeks ago to keep looking for the killer.

Owens also asked a task force to recommend whether a special prosecutor should be appointed. The group was made up of a former Colorado Supreme Court chief justice, Owens’ chief legal counsel, a deputy attorney general and four district attorneys.

Early on Dec. 26, 1996, Patsy Ramsey told police she found a ransom note demanding $118,000 for her daughter’s safe return. Eight hours later, JonBenet’s father said he found his daughter’s body in the basement.