JonBenet Ramsey was found beaten and strangled in the family's basement in Denver on Christmas night 1996

June 17, 1999
Web posted at: 2:29 p.m. EDT (1829 GMT)

BOULDER, Colorado (CNN) -- The grand jury investigating the death of JonBenet Ramsey could end up issuing no indictments in the 1996 murder case, sources tell CNN.

The Boulder County panel was formed last September but has met only a few times in recent months. Sources say it may be September of this year before any significant grand jury activity.

The grand jury's term runs through October 22.

Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, one of four area prosecutors consulted by Boulder authorities on the case, told CNN he wouldn't be surprised if no indictments are issued.

"If you've done all you can to investigate and there's insufficient evidence under the standards that are put in place by our Constitution (and) by our Supreme Court, that may be justice," he said.

"That's not justice for JonBenet Ramsey, but that may be justice -- as much as you're going to have in this case -- for this time."

The 6-year-old girl, a frequent entrant in youth beauty pageants, was found beaten and strangled in the family's basement in Boulder on Christmas night 1996.

John and Patricia Ramsey talked with CNN on New Year's Day in 1997

Police have said that the parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, remain under suspicion. The Ramseys have not been called as witnesses, but still could be, sources say. Their son, Burke, reportedly has testified.

Besides JonBenet's parents, Burke is the only other person known to have been in the house when JonBenet died. Burke, who was 9 at the time, is not a suspect, authorities have said.

The family moved to Atlanta seven months after JonBenet's death.

Should the grand jury issue indictments, it doesn't necessarily mean prosecution. It will be up to Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter to decide if there is enough evidence to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt.

Correspondent Greg LaMotte contributed to this report.

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