AMBER ALERT for Missing 10 YO Jessica Ridgeway, Westminster, CO(BODY FOUND)

[Bearlyhere]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/12/new-sex-assault-charge-for-colorado-suspect-in-kidnap-murder-10-year-old/
New sex assault charge for Colorado suspect in kidnap, murder of 10-year-old
December 12, 2012

GOLDEN, COLO. –  Prosecutors said Wednesday they have filed an additional sexual assault charge against a teen accused of kidnapping and killing a 10-year-old Colorado girl.

The additional charge and a sentence enhancing charge of a crime of violence alleges that 17-year-old Austin Sigg used physical force and threats to sexually assault 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway.
 ::snipping2::
Also during a hearing Wednesday, District Court Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger said he would bar the public and the media from a preliminary hearing for Sigg, saying he wanted to avoid influencing any potential jurors if Sigg's case goes to trial. Sigg's public defender, Mitchell Ahnstedt, argued for closing the Feb. 22 hearing because of "massive and pervasive" media coverage of the case.

Prosecutor Hal Sargent objected, arguing that juries in Jefferson County have fairly tried a number of high profile cases.

"I don't think having it (a preliminary hearing) in public will impact having a fair trial," Sargent argued.

Preliminary hearings are where prosecutors present evidence against a suspect, sometimes publicly revealing previously undisclosed information. A judge decides whether to hold a trial or release the suspect.
 ::snipping2::
Munsinger issued several orders in the case, including the preservation of evidence and investigator notes and emails sent between prosecutors and law enforcement.

 Munsinger also barred prosecutors from using the jail's electronic record keeping system to keep track of his defense team's visits to the jail or to get updates on Sigg's medical and mental condition. Munsinger granted the request after public defender Katherine Spengler raised concerns that such tracking has happened in other cases.

The next hearing in the case will be Feb. 8.

I hope they keep everything they can away from the public.  No need to re-victimize this poor child.  Let her rest in peace and get the justice she deserves without the 'rubberneckers' (for lack of a better word) hanging around.  No need to glorify the crime.

[grace-land]

http://kdvr.com/2012/12/12/austin-sigg-faces-new-charges-in-jessica-ridgeway-murder-case/

Austin Sigg faces new charges in Jessica Ridgeway murder case
Posted on: 12:01 pm, December 12, 2012, by Will C. Holden, updated on: 12:03pm, December 12, 2012

 ::snipping2::
One charge for sexual assault on a child and another for crime of violence will run the total list of charges against Sigg to 19.
 
Sigg’s defense team, which already lost its appeal to have their client tried as a juvenile, didn’t stand by quietly Wednesday. SIgg’s attorney said the media coverage of this trial has become “massive and pervasive,” and that the publicity has made it “nearly impossible to seat an impartial jury” in Jefferson County.
 
The judge agreed in part with the defense’s argument. He banned the media and the public from the court room for Sigg’s preliminary hearing, which is set for Feb. 22.
 
However, the judge issued no decision on the change of venue request Wednesday.
::snipping2::

[Kermit]

The monster has a Public Defender, yet daddy lives like a millionaire??  Guess that says something!

Its a case that is interesting to study and uncover what went wrong in this kids life and the fact that the father
isn't doing anything to help his son is just, as you point out, one big sign. The public is probably lucky that there
isn't a dream team, but still a kid doesn't go from sex addict to killer overnight imo.

[cookie]

The monster has a Public Defender, yet daddy lives like a millionaire??  Guess that says something!

Its a case that is interesting to study and uncover what went wrong in this kids life and the fact that the father
isn't doing anything to help his son is just, as you point out, one big sign. The public is probably lucky that there
isn't a dream team, but still a kid doesn't go from sex addict to killer overnight imo.

agree Kermit

[grace-land]

Video at link

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/12/22/strangers-join-forces-to-rename-park-for-young-murder-victim/

Strangers Join Forces To Rename Park For Young Murder Victim
December 22, 2012 11:59 PM


(credit: CBS)

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) – Chelsea Park held an important place in the life of Jessica Ridgeway. It’s where the 10 year old met her friends as they headed to school, it’s where she was heading the morning she was snatched off the street.
 
As the search for the missing girl turned into the hunt for her murderer, the park became a focal point for the community’s grief.
 
And a plan to rename it in Jessica’s memory united strangers Linda Mitchell and Jon Johnston in a common cause.
 
“Every time I saw Jessica’s picture on TV,” Johnston said, “I thought of my granddaughter and the terrible consequences and felt badly about it.”
 
Johnston belongs to the Westminster Rotary Club, and that’s where he started his push.
 ::snipping2::

[KittyMom]

Wow.  They were able to rename that park and get a sign up very quickly.  Sounds like a very supportive community.

[grace-land]

Wow.  They were able to rename that park and get a sign up very quickly.  Sounds like a very supportive community.

 

[grace-land]

http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/DA-seeks-to-open-hearing-in-Jessica-Ridgeway-case-4149794.php

DA seeks to open hearing in Jessica Ridgeway case
Published 2:29 pm, Thursday, December 27, 2012

GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — The district attorney prosecuting a teen charged with killing a Westminster girl who was abducted on her way to school says the teen's preliminary hearing should remain public.
 
The Denver Post reports (http://bit.ly/ZEiV5W ) District Attorney Scott Storey has filed a motion asking Judge Stephen Munsinger to reconsider his decision to close Austin Sigg's preliminary hearing, scheduled for February. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Jessica Ridgeway in October and of attacking a jogger in Jessica's neighborhood in May.
 ::snipping2::
Media organizations also are contesting Munsinger's decision.

[grace-land]

http://**/breakingnews/ci_22275662/media-asks-judge-open-hearing-jessica-ridgeway-case

Media asks judge to open hearing in Jessica Ridgeway case
Posted:   12/28/2012 02:58:26 PM MST
December 28, 2012 10:2 PM GMTUpdated:   12/28/2012 03:02:13 PM MST

 ::snipping2::
On Friday, the media groups, including The Denver Post, filed a motion asking Munsinger to keep the hearing open. The motion argues that closing a court hearing to the public can only be done in rare circumstances. The motion notes authorities have already said that Sigg confessed to the killing and that DNA tied him to the crime.
 ::snipping2::

[Sister]

Wow.  They were able to rename that park and get a sign up very quickly.  Sounds like a very supportive community.

 

   

[grace-land]

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/300k-raised-150k-needed-for-jessica-ridgeway-park-in-westminster

$300K raised, $150K needed for Jessica Ridgeway Park in Westminster
Posted: 01/07/2013
Last Updated: 8 days ago


(Photo courtesy: www.westminsterlegacyfoundation.org)
None

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - Officials in Westminster hope to raise another $150,000 to honor a school girl who was abducted and killed.

The city has already renamed Chelsea Park to Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park and improvements are planned, including new swings and gardens.

According to the Denver Post, the total cost is estimated at $450,000. The city has already committed $200,000 in cash and donations and the Jefferson County Commission is donating $100,000.
 ::snipping2::
Learn more about the park's plans and how to give on the Legacy Foundation's website.
-------------------------------
Legacy Fondation's website link:   http://www.westminsterlegacyfoundation.org/

[grace-land]

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/01/11/huge-donation-made-in-jessica-ridgeways-honor-to-help-community/

Huge Donation Made In Jessica Ridgeway’s Honor To Help Community
January 11, 2013 6:57 PM

 ::snipping2::
Members of the Community Financing Credit Union donated $10,000 to the Jessica Ridgeway Legacy Foundation. Jessica’s mother and aunt say the money will be used to bring joy to other children in the community.

“We are already setting up plans to have a summer camp for children ages six to 12 through the Westminster city recreation (department),” said Rebecca Ridgeway, Jessica’s aunt. “So this summer we’re planning on having a one-week cheer camp for children.”
 ::snipping2::

[grace-land]

What fun!  A beautiful and colorful Jessica's park for the children and the community! 

http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/westminster/news/grant-boosts-funds-for-jessica-s-park/article_c72179b4-f9c3-5651-a2ba-383181b5a0fd.html
 
Grant boosts funds for Jessica’s park
Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 12:46 pm | Updated: 2:39 pm, Wed Jan 30, 2013.

Westminster Legacy Foundation received a $50,000 grant from Colorado Garden Show Inc. to help build a park to memorialize Jessica Ridgeway, the 10-year-old Westminster girl who was killed in October 2012.

With the Colorado Garden Show donation, the total raised to date is $353,000 through monetary donations and in-kind contributions. The fundraising goal for the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park is $450,000.

“We’re delighted to have this major donation from the Colorado Garden Show, and it moves us much closer to our final goal,” said Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally. “It’s fitting that their organization, which gives horticulture-focused grants to so many organizations, will help us build Jessica’s park.”

In addition to the donation, CGS is providing booth space at the 54th Colorado Garden & Home Show, Feb. 9-17, at the Colorado Convention Center.

At booth 1513, Westminster Legacy Foundation representatives will lead fundraising efforts for the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park.
 ::snipping2::
Construction of the park will begin in the spring of 2013 with the park dedication taking place later this year.

Complete details on the park, including proposed designs, are on the Westminster Legacy Foundation website, www.westminsterlegacyfoundation.org.
 ::snipping2::

[grace-land]

http://**/breakingnews/ci_22500330/lawmakers-bill-prevent-judges-from-closing-preliminary-hearings

Lawmaker's bill to prevent judges from closing preliminary hearings
Posted:   02/01/2013 02:59:20 PM MST
February 1, 2013 10:1 PM GMT  Updated:   02/01/2013 02:59:20 PM MST
The Denver Postdenverpost.com

A state senator has proposed a bill he hopes will prevent judges from closing preliminary hearings to the public like a judge did in the case against a man accused of killing Jessica Ridgeway.

"I want to make sure these hearings are open to the public," said Sen. David Balmer, R-Centennial.

Balmer's bill is in response to a decision by Jefferson County District Judge Stephen Munsinger to close the Austin Sigg preliminary hearing to the public. The judge indicated an open hearing could make it difficult to impanel an unbiased jury.

The bill would prevent judges from closing a hearing unless requested by the defense or prosecution and only when the judge determines there is a compelling government reason to do so, according to the bill.
 ::snipping2::

[grace-land]

http://www.starherald.com/news/regional_statewide/supreme-court-to-hear-media-s-case-over-hearing/article_ac0b1b18-6bf2-11e2-aa35-0019bb2963f4.html

Supreme Court to hear media's case over hearing
Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:00 pm | Updated: 3:09 pm, Thu Jan 31, 2013.

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Supreme Court will consider a request by news organizations for access to a key hearing for a teen accused of killing a 10-year-old girl and attacking a jogger.

The court on Thursday granted the organizations' request to argue for access to a Feb. 22 preliminary hearing for 18-year-old Austin Sigg.

Judge Stephen Munsinger says he closed the hearing to ensure a fair trial and to protect the privacy of victims and their families. Prosecutors and media organizations, including The Associated Press, argue that Munsinger didn't consider alternatives to closing the hearing to the public.
 ::snipping2::

The Supreme Court gave Munsinger until Feb. 11 to show cause for his ruling. News organizations have until Feb. 19 to respond.

[texasmom]

Sarah Ridgeway speaks out on missing Dylan Redwine's birthday.

http://youtu.be/a5TZTauz9pk

Vigils held on Dylan Redwine's 14th birthday
7NewsDenver·

Published on Feb 6, 2013
Vigils for a missing Monument boy were held across the state Wednesday night. Marc Stewart says Jessica Ridgeway's mother attended one in Westminster.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/a5TZTauz9pk?hl=en_US&amp;amp;version=3&amp;amp;rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/a5TZTauz9pk?hl=en_US&amp;amp;version=3&amp;amp;rel=0</a>

[grace-land]

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/02/11/judge-defends-decision-to-close-jessica-ridgeway-murder-hearing/

Judge Defends Decision To Close Jessica Ridgeway Murder Hearing
February 11, 2013 8:08 PM

DENVER (AP) – A Jefferson County judge is defending the unusual move of closing a key hearing for a teen accused of killing a 10-year-old Westminster girl and attacking a jogger.
 
Judge Stephen Munsinger on Monday asked the Colorado Supreme Court to clarify standards for closing a hearing.
 ::snipping2::
Sigg’s attorneys say they’ll weigh in by Feb. 19.

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=561728713846355&set=a.544395862246307.85361863.504782636207630&type=1&relevant_count=1

Jessica Ridgeway's Legacy
Valentine's Day in 3rd grade.
February 14

[grace-land]

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/02/19/attorneys-for-jessica-ridgeway-murder-suspect-back-judge-on-closed-hearing/

Attorneys For Jessica Ridgeway Murder Suspect Back Judge On Closed Hearing
February 19, 2013 6:43 PM

DENVER (AP) – Lawyers for a teen accused of killing a 10-year-old Westminster girl and attacking a jogger say a judge didn’t abuse his discretion in closing the teen’s preliminary hearing to the public.

The judge said last year he would close the hearing planned Friday for Austin Sigg, saying he wants to ensure a fair trial and to protect the privacy of victims and their families.
 ::snipping2::

[grace-land]

http://www.9news.com/news/article/318478/339/Hearing-for-accused-Ridgeway-killer-set?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Cbc%7Clarge

Preliminary hearing for accused Jessica Ridgeway killer set
 8:02 PM, Feb 21, 2013

DENVER - The preliminary hearing for the teen suspect accused of killing a 10-year-old Westminster girl and attacking a jogger in May is set to begin Friday morning.

Austin Sigg, 17, will be in a Jefferson County courtroom at 8:30 a.m. to hear the evidence against him.
 
The Colorado Supreme Court overturned a judge's decision to close the hearing.
 
In an opinion issued Thursday, justices sided with media organizations who argued that the judge failed to show that holding the hearing in public would jeopardize Austin Sigg's right to a fair trial or consider other ways to protect Sigg's rights without shutting out the public.
 ::snipping2::