Austin Reed Sigg, Jessica Ridgeway suspect arrested in her abduction, murder

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - Westminster Police announced Wednesday they have arrested a 17-year-old in the abduction and murder of Jessica Ridgeway.

"I'm pleased to announce that today I believe we have taken a significant step toward justice for Jessica. We have made an arrest in the Jessica Ridgeway case:  17-year-old Austin Sigg is in our custody," Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk announced during a noon news conference.

Westminster police said they received a call late Tuesday evening that led them to  Sigg's home near the Ketner Lake Open Space, which is about 1 mile from Ridgeway's home.

He was arrested at his home around 7:45 p.m. and cooperated with police and waived his rights. Sigg's aunt told 7NEWS that he turned himself in.

Investigators said they will file charges against Sigg in the death of Ridgeway and the May 28 attempted abduction at Ketner Lake.

Sigg does not appear on any sex offender lists and since he is a juvenile, his previous record has been sealed.

He is being held at the Mountain View Juvenile facility.
 
"We hope and pray that this arrest gives them (Jessica's family) some measure of closure in dealing with this horrible tragedy and loss that they have suffered. We hope also that know that an arrest was made in this case will help our community to rest a little easier," Birk said.

Jessica's great-grandmother said she was elated to hear the news.

"Grateful to God that the community pulled together and the police department didn’t quit," said Donna Moss, who lives in Independence, Mo.

Moss said she's thankful police didn't let any tips slip though the cracks.