UPDATED: Westminster Police announce arrest in Jessica Ridgeway case

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Austin Reed Sigg

This story is part of Boulder Weekly‘s Jessica Ridgeway package.

Map of Arvada and Westminster with Jessica’s home, where her body was found and where her backpack was found

Map of Jessica’s neighborhood

Killer’s ‘awareness space’ might lead to clues, by Joel Dyer and Jefferson Dodge

Sketches of a killer, by David Accomazzo and Elizabeth Miller

Local schools respond to Jessica’s death, by Elizabeth Miller

Boulder County sheriff: trick or treat with your kids this year, by Jefferson Dodge

Westminster Police: Ketner Lake attempted abductions may be linked to Jessica Ridgeway, by Boulder Weekly staff

Jessica Ridgeway: Local law enforcement reacts to murder, by Jefferson Dodge

Westminster Police Department has announced an arrest in the Oct. 5 abduction and murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway.

Police confirmed that their suspect lives near the girl’s home. He is identified as Austin Sigg, 17. He lives only a few blocks from Ketner Lake and less than a mile from Jessica Ridgeway’s home.

Read the press release below:

Arrest Made in Ridgeway Case – Press Conference at Noon
(Oct 24, 2012)

JOINT PRESS RELEASE: WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT, JEFFERSON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY & FBI

Law enforcement received the major break in the Jessica Ridgway
investigation they have been hoping for. Late Tuesday evening police
received a call that led them to a home near the Ketner Lake Open Space.
With this discovery, police are able to announce we have made an arrest
in the Ridgeway murder investigation. Additionally, authorities will
file charges against the attacker in the May 28, 2012, attempted
abduction at Ketner Lake.  

Police will release additional information about the arrest at a press
conference in front of the Westminster Police Department at 12:00 pm,
today. (9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031).

Speakers:

  • Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk
  • FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Rankin
  • Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey

At the press conference, media will be provided with a copy of the
arrest and booking custody along with a photograph of the suspect.  A
digital copy of both will be forwarded by email once the press
conference has concluded.

Police believe the public may view the suspect’s photograph and have
additional information to provide to the investigation.  The release of
the photograph may also help authorities determine if this individual is
responsible for any other crime/s, either reported or unreported.  The
police tip line is still operating: 303-658-4336 or email:
PDamberalert@cityofwestminster.us     

The identification and apprehension means residents will see increased
police activity in very focused areas of our communities.  A tremendous
amount of investigation and follow up still needs to be conducted and
police ask the public and media for their continued cooperation and
understanding.  Limited information can be released as both cases move
into courts for prosecution.

A limited number of questions will be addressed by Investigator Trevor
Materasso following the press conference.  If you have any questions
regarding this press release, please contact Investigator Trevor
Materasso at 303-658-4427 or through email at: tmateras@cityofwestminster.us.

Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com