Community College Student Arrested as a Murder Suspect in Jessica Ridgeway’s Case

A community college student, Austin Reed Sigg, 17, has been arrested for the abduction and murder of Jessica Ridgeway.

Police officers have found enough evidences to believe Sigg abducted, murdered and later dismembered 10-years-old Ridgeway who disappeared on Oct. 5 on her way to school. Sigg will be formally charged this week. However, since he is considered a minor under Colorado law, the affidavits in the case have been sealed under court order.

‘Law enforcement received the major break in the Jessica Ridgeway investigation they have been hoping for," the Westminster Police said today. "Late Tuesday evening police received a call that led them to a home near the Ketner Lake Open Space.

Sources close to the case said that Sigg’s aunt called the media and told them that Sigg turned himself in and has been cooperating with the police. The alleged murder in currently at the Mountain View Detention Facility.

‘We notified the Ridgeway family this morning of this arrest and we hope and pray this arrest gives them some measure of closure in dealing with this horrible tragedy and loss they have suffered," Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk said.

Sigg will be charged with two counts of first degree murder, one count of second degree kidnapping and two counts of criminal attempts. It’s unclear yet if the prosecutor’s office will seek the death penalty.

Ridgeway vanished on her way to school, which lead to extensive national search. Her backpack and water bottle were found only a few miles from her home. Later police discovered her body in an Arva, CO. park.

[Source: ABC News]