BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 18, 1999 (AP) — The grand jury investigating JonBenet Ramsey's slaying may have turned its attention away from prosecutors' focus on the little girl's parents after late testimony from witnesses, Newsweek reports.

The magazine reports in the issue hitting newsstands on Monday that the testimony may have led to their decision not to bring charges against John and Patsy Ramsey.

After meeting in secret for more than a year, the panel investigating the 1996 slaying ended its work last week. No indictments were returned and prosecutors announced that the Boulder Police Department would resume the investigation.

According to the Newsweek report, which cites unnamed sources, prosecutor Michael Kane was nearing the end of his presentation to the grand jury when several witnesses "with strong evidence pointing away from the parents" asked to be heard.

After testimony by former Colorado Springs homicide detective Lou Smit, who has spoken publicly about DNA found under JonBenet's fingernail and her underwear that did not match the family's, grand jurors reportedly asked prosecutors to explain the DNA, the report said. Smit believes an intruder killed the girl.

Suzanne Laurion, spokeswoman for the Boulder District Attorney's office, said Sunday: "I would question any report that purported to know what went on in this grand jury because the proceedings were secret."

Authorities have said that the Ramseys remain under an "umbrella of suspicion" in the December 1996 slaying of JonBenet, 6, at their Boulder home.

The Ramseys have steadfastly maintained their innocence.