Body found in Arvada, Colorado but unconfirmed as Jessica Ridgeway
Authorities investigate the discovery of a body in Arvada on Oct. 10, 2012.
A body was found in the hunt for Jessica Ridgeway, but authorities have not confirmed it was the missing girl. Screenshot of CBS video coverage
Police have discovered a body during the ongoing search for Jessica Ridgeway Wednesday night. They wouldn’t say if it was the missing child’s body.
Westminster police spokesman Trevor Materasso came out to address the media with Arvada police spokeswoman Jill McGranahan at 7:30 p.m.
“This afternoon a body was discovered near the Pattridge Park open space in the city of (Arvada),” Materasso said. “The Arvada Police Department and the Westminster Police Department are working jointly with additional resources to process that crime scene.
“At this time we’re unable to make any connection to the disappearance of Jessica Ridgeway.”
Materasso said the crime scene would exist through the evening and into Thursday morning. He said police wouldn’t offer any additional information.
The Thursday morning briefing offered no new details. Police spoke little about the body but said they were working on identification. They did not say whether the cases may be linked, or if they believe the body is Jessica Ridgeway. Police did not answer any questions during the press conference.
Investigators sorted through trash, peered over fences, kicked up debris and took a closer look at parked cars. A Subaru was thoroughly searched because authorities said it was a vehicle they missed in earlier rounds.
Neighbors have now tied purple ribbons around trees and posters with her pictures remain.
Jessica’s mother, Sarah Ridgeway, stayed inside her home on Wednesday. Her father, Jeremiah Bryant, and some friends went out of the home for about a 90-minute visit. Victims Assistance workers were seen coming and going from the Ridgeway home.
“Investigators have been working thru the night and into today to positively ID the body found at Pattridge Park on Weds. #jessicaridgeway,” the Westminster Police Department tweeted.
With the developments in the case, the Arvada Police Department is also providing case updates through their official Twitter account.
The Arvada Police confirmed, “@ArvadaPolice and @WestminsterPD continue to work the crime scene at Pattridge Park Open Space. #JessicaRidgeway.
Photo from CBS coverage, check it out here
[…] was found belonging to the girl was planted. This has been the growing sentiment since before the girl’s remains were found. Depew, and other officials, feel that the girl’s killer is taunting investigators and […]
[…] 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) […]