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Police costs relating to JonBenet homicide top $1.3 million
Grand jury reconvenes Tuesday
October 12, 1999
Web posted at: 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT)
In this story: Forensics expert met with prosecutors Annual costs RELATED STORIES, SITES 
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BOULDER, Colorado (CNN) -- Police expenditures related to the murder investigation of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey have topped more than $1.3 million, making it the most expensive case in Boulder's history, city officials revealed.
The news came as an adviser to Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter said JonBenet's parents "are a target" of the grand jury investigation into the murder. The grand jury is to reconvene Tuesday.
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JonBenet, a onetime "Little Miss Colorado," was found dead December 26, 1996 in a closed basement room of the family's Boulder home several hours after her mother, Patsy Ramsey, called 911 to report her missing. Police said JonBenet had been strangled and severely beaten.
JonBenet's mother told police she had found a two-and-a-half page note demanding $118,000 for JonBenet's return.
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Forensics expert met with prosecutors
No one has been arrested or charged in the case. The grand jury has an October 20 deadline to issue indictments, issue a report or disband without taking action.
Henry Lee, a top forensic scientist, recently met with a prosecution team led by Boulder County District Attorney Alex Hunter to discuss the case. There was no word on the outcome of the talks, said Suzanne Laurion, a spokeswoman for Hunter. The district attorney has, however, hinted that an announcement might be imminent.
Lee, director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Lab, is an expert in crime-scene reconstruction and DNA analysis. He has been advising Boulder investigators as they present evidence to the grand jury, which was first convened in September 1998.
Even if the panel disbands without taking any action, prosecutors could still seek an indictment at a later time because there is no statute of limitation for murder.
John and Patsy Ramsey have both said they are innocent.
Annual costs
Police expenditures into the homicide, according to the city, are as follows:
Total cost: $1,382,701.44
Asked if this was the most expensive police investigation, Boulder city spokeswoman Jana Petersen said, "Absolutely."
Expense figures from Boulder County, including costs compiled by the sheriff's and district attorney's offices, were $568,327.76 through September 21, 1999.
RELATED STORIES:
JonBenet grand jury nears end of term
October 11, 1999
Forensic expert meets with Ramsey case prosecutors
October 10, 1999
JonBenet grand jurors expected to reconvene for first time in months
September 23, 1999
New Boulder County grand jury unlikely to work on Ramsey case
September 15, 1999
Accused lawyer ordered back to court in JonBenet case
September 8, 1999
New funding approved for JonBenet Ramsey grand jury
August 5, 1999
RELATED SITES:
Connecticut State Police Forensic Lab
Boulder District Attorney
Inside Denver - Ramsey Story Archive
Ramsey Family Statements
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