Body found confirmed to be Jessica Ridgeway

A body found in a suburban Denver park was identified Friday as that of a missing 10-year-old girl, as anxious parents kept close and watch over their children because of potential predator in their midst, authorities said.

Westminster police released this photo of missing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway on Tuesday, Oct. 9. (Provided by the Westminster Police Department)

“Our focus has changed from the search for Jessica to a mission of justice for Jessica,” Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk said. “We realize there is a predator at large in our community.”

The body of Jessica Ridgeway was found Wednesday about 7 miles southwest of her home. Authorities said it was not intact, but they did not explain further.

Ridgeway began a short walk from her home to Witt Elementary School on the morning of October 5 but never arrived.

Her mother works nights and slept through the call from the school, so a massive search didn’t begin for eight hours.

“It could be your boss, it could be your friend, and ultimately it could be your family member,” FBI spokesman Dave Joly said. “We suspect someone in the community knows this individual.”

Authorities detailed how most abductions are by people known by the victim.

Officers have searched homes, combed yards and looked in bushes. They kept guard at crosswalks and photographed cars entering the neighborhood. Mailboxes and trees were encircled by ribbons in Jessica’s favorite color, purple.

“I don’t feel safe for my daughter anymore, anywhere,” said Stacey Oppie, who lives in the neighborhood.