Special Prosecuter for JonBenet?

In the wake of scathing allegations that the JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation has been badly bungled, the governor is considering appointing a special prosecutor to oversee the case.

Gov. Roy Romer "is consulting with district attorneys in the metro area that are familiar with the case and has requested their insight into whether further action should be taken," his spokesman Matt Sugar said Friday.

"He is interested in the district attorneys' opinion of what, if any, intervention is necessary" Sugar said.

Bob Grant, one of four prosecutors consulting on the case, said the group plans to meet next week and will forward their recommendation to Romer. Under Colorado law he can appoint a special prosecutor if a district attorney refuses to file charges.

The governor's interest in the Ramsey case was renewed by an eight-page resignation letter from Boulder police Detective Steve Thomas, a 13-year veteran who was one of the investigators on the case for a year and a half.

Thomas claimed District Attorney Alex Hunter's office is "thoroughly compromised" and accused Hunter of ignoring evidence collected by investigators, blocking police efforts to subpoena key records and improperly sharing details of the case with Ramsey lawyers.

A spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, Suzanne Laurion, said Thursday that Thomas' letter "is outrageous and is substantially false and misleading."

In January, Romer turned down a request from a friend of the Ramsey family that a special prosecutor be named. Fleet White, who was with John Ramsey when he found his daughter's body, accused Hunter of misconduct and asked Romer to replace him.

Laurion said the district attorney's office is willing to provide any information the governor's advisers might need to determine whether to appoint a special prosecutor.

"We welcome the governor's interest," she said.

There have been no arrests since JonBenet, a 6-year-old Little Miss Colorado, was found beaten and strangled in the basement of her family's Boulder home on Dec. 26, 1996. JonBenet's parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, remain under suspicion. They have maintained their innocence.

Hunter, who is vacationing with his family, could not be reached for comment.

Written by Jennifer Mears