Reports leak out that JonBenét had duct tape on her mouth, a cord that strangled her to death, and was sexually assaulted.

"Some" family and friends reportedly have given hair and blood samples by this time. One such person reported was John Ramsey.

It was reported that John Ramsey had been temporarily relieved of his position at Access Graphics, and was replaced by Gary Mann.

The Ramsey parents give an interview over National TV on CNN.

John Ramsey states they "need to find out who did this so they can go on, NOT because they are angry."

John Ramsey states that he, Patsy, Burke and "every family member" had given hair, blood, and handwriting samples".

CNN reports (after interview) that the Ramseys told them they would return to Boulder shortly and "sit down with the police and tell them anything they want to know."

January 2, 1997

BPD Press Release: Boulder Police were completely taken by surprise by the Ramsey's CNN interview, but have no comment on the contents of that interview. However, they do concur with Mrs. Ramsey's statement that she has provided police with hair, blood and handwriting samples.

January 3, 1997

Sources reveal that the head blow may have come before the strangulation.

Sources reveal that the investigators found the notepad the ransom note was written on.

It is revealed that the note suggests a parallel to the movie "Ransom."

Sources confirm that the cause of death was asphyxiation caused by strangulation.

The Ramsey parents returned to Boulder early this A.M.

Nedra tells Channel 4 that Patsy will "never return to that hellhole".

Aaholm reports investigators are trying to establish an interview with the parents.

Durgin reports that residents have nothing reason to fear that a killer is on the streets of Boulder.

Investigators go to Michigan to search the Ramsey property there.

January 4, 1997

BPD Press Release: Boulder Police made arrangements to return possession of the Ramsey home to the family and their representatives effective 6:30 p.m. tonight.

BPD Press Release: The tip line has received over 250 calls as of today.

Police establish a toll-free hot line: 1-800-444-3776. Local calls can phone in tips to this number: 441-4310.

Patsy Ramsey is administered a handwriting exam by Det. Arndt

January 5, 1997

A planned Public Relations stunt is carried out, with the Ramseys attending St John's Episcopal Church in Boulder, with congregation members forming a support line on the sidewalk.

Koby states "our guy won't walk."

Michigan home of the Ramseys is searched.

Sgt Mason is put on "other duty" as punishment for talking to reporters.

Nedra Paugh was quoted as sayign: "We've lost our little girl, and now the press is trying to destroy my son-in-law. I don't know why they're doing that."

Nedra was also quoted as sayign: "I was so thankful that her little body was left behind. There is someone out there who is vicious and a monster, and if he can do this once, he can do it again."

Nedra also stated that JonBenet had never been spanked in her life, claiming that John Ramsey disciplines with love.

Nedra claims JonBenet wanted to be an artist and a professional ice skater.

January 6, 1997

Marc Klaas speaks out and states the Ramsey parents should take a lie detector test.

Investigators finish their search of the Michigan property.

January 7, 1997

Eller stated the ransom note was "typical of what you would see in a movie."

Eller would not confirm the dollar amount of the ransom request, but other reports have it as $118,000.00.

Barnhill is quoted as saying he saw John Andrew Ramsey enter the Ramsey house on Christmas Day.

Barnhill is quoted as saying he saw Burke Ramsey outside on his bike on Christmas Day.

Barnhill is quoted as saying he did not see JonBenét on Christmas Day.

It is reported that the Ramseys own a powerboat, which is kept docked in Round Lake, and a sailboat named "Miss America", which is moored at Lake Charlevoix.

It was again confirmed that JonBenét had duct tape on her mouth, had a fractured skull, was sexually assaulted, no evidence of a break in existed, and the ransom note came from a pad of paper found in the home.

Boulder District Judge Diane MacDonald ruled that the search warrant for the Ramsey house contains information that has not been disclosed to the public and could jeopardize the investigation. The warrant was sealed for 30 days.

January 8, 1997

It is reported that JonBenét's body had been behind a door that was stuck shut when police first searched the house.

It is reported that the cord on her neck matches the cord found on her wrist.

Reports surface that a "practice" ransom note was found in the home on the same legal pad as the ransom note came from.

Reports surface that the Michigan home was searched for any possible threats that may have been made against the Ramseys.

Aaholm confirms that an interview with the parents does not "appear to be any time soon."

Aaholm confirms that the Ramseys have offered to answer questions in writing.

Burke was interviewed by a child psychologist

January 9, 1997

Rumors surface that John Ramsey had confessed to the murder.

Koby holds his first public appearance and states that police do not believe a serial killer is on the loose.

Koby states the allegiance of the BPD is to JonBenét Ramsey.

News surfaced that a 911 call was made from the Ramsey residence on Dec 23 1996

January 10, 1997

Boulder police release a statement pertaining to the review of the 911 call hangup from Dec 23, 1996.

January 12, 1997

An analysis of "and hence" is discussed, and the grammatical incorrectness of its use is pointed out.

Report of a stun gun video surfaces.

January 13, 1997

Newsweek cover story expected to hit stating handwriting experts had ruled John and Patsy out as authors of the ransom note.

January 15, 1997

Arrest of Lawrence Smith and Brett Sawyer is made in connection of sale of pics of JonBenét's body to Globe Magazine.

Globe returns crime scene photos to Boulder County officials.

January 16, 1997

Reported that there was blood found on JonBenét's lower body and that there is a definite possibility that the fluid is not just belonging to JonBenét.

Officials denied that there were only 7 suspects in the case.

January 21, 1997

RMN reports that John Andrew had been living at the Boulder home residence with his father and stepmother

Korten stated that John Andrew had spent Dec 23, 24, and 25 with his biological mother in Atlanta GA

Korten disputed the Globe tabloid's report that someone might have abused JonBenet. He also defended Ramsey attorney, William Gray, in his actions for writing the Globe and stating the DA's office had publicly stated it had no knowledge of a history of child abuse of JonBenet. Bill Wise stated the DA's office has never issued such a written statement nor had they made such an oral statement concerning the prior history of abuse at all.

In Gray's defense, Korten stated that at the time Gray wrote his letter to the Globe he believed it to be accurate and true.

Korten also was quoted as saying that Boulder law enforcement officials have medical records that "show conclusively that there is no evidence of abuse of any kind". Kelvin McNeill would not comment on the medical records information.

January 22, 1997

John Ramsey's bonus from 1995 of $118,000 was revealed to be the match to the ransom note amount.

Ramsey received this bonus in February 1996.

Report surfaces that an internal Access Graphics investigation finds no evidence that a present OR former employee was involved in the murder.

Gray sent a letter to Globe stating that the DA had done a comprehensive review of JonBenét's medical records and photographs of her; DA Bill Wise denied these statements to be true.

January 23, 1997

Laurie Wagner confirms that Access Graphics recently did an internal probe to see if there had been any threats to the business and found NOTHING either domestically or internationally.

Officials dispute a report that the BPD asked the Ramseys to take a polygraph test.

Lucinda Johnson submits a notarized statement indicating that her two children were with her at the time of the murder.

It it confirmed that authorities are investigating the possibility of past child abuse in the murder of JonBenet.

Shirley Brady, the Ramsey's nanny in Georgia from 1986 to 1989, said authorities asked her if the first divorce ended because of child abuse or if she had heard anything about child abuse ever mentioned. She also said they asked her how the children acted when they were around John Ramsey.

Brady said: "They never hit their children. I never heard them even speak a harsh word to their children. It's insane to think that the family could do anything like this."

Police refuse to name any suspects, stating they have not ruled any possibility out at this point.

Police still have not formally interviewed the Ramseys. According to Leslie Aaholm: "It's a matter of scheduling".

January 24, 1997

Authorities are investigating the possibility of past child abuse, it is now reported.

Reported that the sexual assault "most likely occurred with some kind of instrument."

Aaholm reports again that it is a "matter of scheduling" with respect to interviewing the parents.

A "raspy voiced caller" threatens the lives of employees at Access Graphics if Ramsey returns to work.

January 27, 1997

Nedra tells Time magazine that the bruise on JonBenét's arm came from a hamster cage that fell on her.

January 30, 1997

Another search warrant is signed and executed.

Boulder authorities make no denial or claim to the report that Ramsey family had an autopsy report with which to share with him.

Douglas had stated that he believed the child's killer was angry at her father. He based this claim, he said, on an interview with John and Patsy Ramsey, as well as a briefing on the autopsy report.

February 1, 1997

Douglas admits that the only briefing he received on the JonBenet Ramsey autopsy report came from the Ramsey family lawyers.

February 4, 1997

Reported that JonBenét's killer wiped her body with a cloth.

Ressler reports this wiping indicates a person who is overly concerned with having themselves identified through forensic evidence.

Reported that the family is establishing the JonBenét Children's Foundation.

Sheriff Epp stated there will be no more arrests in the sale of crime scene photos to Globe Magazine.

February 7, 1997

Authorities visited McReynolds at his home to get "non-testimonial evidence" from him

McReynolds stated he was asked to give handwriting samples in block lettering

It is reported that Boulder Police are seeking the author of an anonymous, handwritten letter that may provide insight into the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. The letter was mailed from Shreveport, La., and postmarked Jan. 27. It, according to reports, contains details relevant to the homicide.

An unnamed source was quoted as saying: "There's a good possibility that it has facts in it that the media haven't reported yet.It'd be very helpful to find out what exactly the author knows so we can use the information, along with things like DNA test results, and arrest a suspect."

To date the police department has received 600 letters and more than 1,300 calls about the murder,

February 10, 1997

Patsy Ramsey called in a complaint with the Sheriff's office citing "being stalked by the media."

Jay Elowsky was arrested for threatening members of the media. He was arrested on suspicion of felony menacing and carrying a concealed weapon. He was found with a bat, a loaded 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine.

Elowsky reportedly chased two men with a bat. He was released from jail on $2,500 personal recognizance bond

February 12, 1997

Investigators requested additional handwriting samples from the parents and obtained a handwriting sample from "Santa Clause" McReynolds

February 13, 1997

Hunter states that the case is "narrowing", that the "killer will be found," and "that person should expect no mercy."

Hunter stated that Dr Henry Lee and Barry Scheck would be working with the task force team.

Hunter stated that DNA evidence was going to Cellmark for further testing.

Hunter stated he has consulted with state legal experts on the death penalty in order to do preliminary work now that may be necessary later for a death penalty case.

Boulder officials arrive in Atlanta to talk to people who might confirm John Andrew and Melinda Ramseys whereabouts during the time of the murder.

February 14, 1997

Autopsy report, with redacted sections, was released to the public.

Aaholm stated that Boulder officials have returned to Atlanta to question family members again.

Lucinda Ramsey reportedly stated that Boulder police wish to speak with her and several local friends and family of which she spent the Christmas holiday with.

Moving van was spotted outside the Ramsey home loading furniture.

Aaholm reported they still have not heard from the anonymous letter writer from Shreveport.

Det Thomas stated the letter contained details of the homicide which "could be important to the case". A plea was stated for the author to come forward.

Glowinsky agreed to seal the autopsy's remaining portions for an additional 90days.

Dr Wecht states that "chronic inflammation of the vagina means more than a couple days old."

Report surfaces from Dr Beuf that JonBenét had visited his office 30 times in the past 3years.

February 17, 1997

Patsy and Burke return to Boulder from Georgia.

Kelvin McNeil reported that Detectives while in Georgia on their recent visit, conducted 20 formal taped interviews totaling about 35 hours in conversation. The total number of interviews at this point reported at 110.

Detectives did not speak with Lucinda, John Andrew, or Melinda. Family lawyer James Jenkins would not allow them to speak to the authorities. They used other people to help verify John and Melinda's whereabouts.

Detective Mason is cleared of allegations that he leaked information to the press

Marietta resident Judy Crowder reportedly told detectives that the adult Ramsey children had Christmas dinner with her.

Ramsey parents are still resisting an interview with Boulder authorities.

February 18, 1997

Korten confirmed that authorities have asked for a third handwriting sample from John Ramsey

February 19, 1997

Barnhill reports that detectives wish to review his medical records to confirm he has palsy. He granted them this permission.

Boulder police asked Cook County coroner's office in Illinois to seal Elizabeth Ramsey's autopsy report and her death certificate

February 21, 1997

Boulder Police release a statement pertaining to Elizabeth Ramsey's death report:

February 26, 1997

David Duffy, Natl Enquirer reporter covering the Ramsey case, died of pneumonia in his hotel room

February 27, 1997

Marilyn Van Derbur Atler confirmed she had been interviewed by Boulder authorities. She would not disclose what questions were asked of her saying only that investigators asked about the details of her family and her history of incest as well as what she has learned about incest survivors nationwide.

Detectives reportedly spoke with Atler about three weeks ago and a second time last week. She is considered a "resource" in the investigation, according to Atler.

Atler said police gave no indication whether JonBenet had been sexually assaulted or not and that: "it took a great deal of restraint for me not to ask" she was quoted as saying.

Kelvin McNeill Boulder city spokesperson Kelvin McNeill confirmed that Atler met with detectives as a noted expert in several areas that may or may not be of interest to our investigation.

February 28, 1997

Police receive a third handwriting sample from Patsy Ramsey.