In its most recent public statements, the Boulder Police Department has described an investigation that has never stopped, involving more than 21,000 tips, letters, and emails reviewed or investigated, interviews or contacts with more than 1,000 individuals across 19 states, and the processing of thousands of pieces of evidence. Approaching the 26th anniversary, officials noted ongoing collaboration with the FBI, the district attorney’s office, Colorado’s Department of Public Safety, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and private DNA laboratories.
The amount of DNA available is extremely small and complex; testing could consume part or all of the sample. Discussions about continued testing of crime-scene DNA and genetic genealogy analysis continue, with the explicit position that additional analysis will be conducted whenever proven technology can reliably handle samples consistent with those in the case. In the December 2025 annual update, Chief Stephen Redfearn stated that over the preceding year detectives conducted several new interviews, re-interviewed people based on incoming tips, collected new evidence, and tested or re-tested other items to generate leads, while consulting outside experts and state and federal partners on evolving DNA technology.
He described the case as remaining a top priority, with direction to leave no stone unturned, follow leads wherever they go, and use outside resources. Earlier statements indicated that a multi-agency meeting occurred as recently as March 2022 with DNA experts, that reference samples have been updated with newer technology, and that DNA is regularly checked for matches. The department has digitized extensive case files containing tips, interviews, reports, and evidence items including handwriting, fingerprints, and shoe prints. Officials have rejected claims that viable evidence or leads, including DNA testing, are being ignored, and have said the investigation benefits from outside expert perspectives such as cold-case review teams.
The district attorney’s office has reiterated that more evidence is needed to solve the murder and that collaboration continues. Public tips are still requested through the department tip line, email, or Crime Stoppers. The statements make clear that while new work has been performed and technology continues to be evaluated, the limited nature of the ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal DNA sample imposes a permanent practical constraint on how aggressively it can be consumed.
