WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Colorado police looking for a 10-year-old girl who disappeared on her walk to school have found a body in a park, but are not saying whether it is linked to the case and noted Thursday that officers are still searching for her.
The discovery of the body is the latest turn in the disappearance of Jessica Ridgeway that has seen police look for clues in a reported sighting in a car with Colorado plates in Maine and a Wyoming abduction. The FBI said Thursday that abduction was unrelated.
Police spokesman Trevor Materasso said the body “is not intact,” and that has slowed the work of identification. Materasso said no other information would be released until Friday, and he left a brief midday news conference without answering any questions.
Police earlier declined to say whether the body was that of a child.
The body was found late Wednesday at Pattridge Park in park in the Denver suburb of Arvada, about seven miles from where Jessica disappeared in the nearby suburb of Westminster on Oct. 5.
Materasso said investigators were processing evidence from the park and that no additional information was available. He left without answering questions.
In tweets, Westminster police said investigators had worked overnight to identify the body. Officers searched more of the park Thursday as well as areas closer to Jessica’s home. Police said photo radar vans — normally used to detect and photograph speeding vehicles — were being used to monitor some streets around the girl’s house.
Police have ruled out her parents — Sarah Ridgeway, who lives Colorado, and Jeremiah Bryant, who lives in Missouri. Authorities believe Jessica was kidnapped by an “unknown suspect.”
Jessica’s mother last saw her daughter walking to school. The girl never arrived, setting off a frantic search by hundreds of law enforcement officials and residents.
Aurelio Florez, who has lived in Jessica’s neighborhood for six years, said it was shocking that Jessica could have vanished during a two-block walk to a park where she usually met friends before continuing on to school.
“You can see the park from her front door,” he said.
Fliers about the fifth-grader were posted on nearly every house in her neighborhood of modest, two-story homes with single-car garages. Purple ribbons, a symbol of hope for her return, were tied around trees.
It was a lively area where children played outdoors, said another neighbor, Luis Pena, but since Jessica disappeared, parents are keeping their children inside and people look at each other with suspicion.
“Nobody trusts anybody anymore,” he said.
The only real clue police have revealed in Jessica’s disappearance is the discovery over the weekend of a backpack and water bottle that she had with her when she disappeared. Police won’t discuss what was found in the bag or test results on it.
The items were found in the town of Superior, some six miles from her home. The spot where the possessions were found is about 7 miles from the park.
Police initially said the public didn’t need to fear a kidnapper, then that they were investigating whether the case might be related to that of another girl who was abducted for several hours Monday in Wyoming.
In that case, a man lured the girl into a sport utility vehicle, saying he needed help finding his puppy. The girl was discovered by hunters. The FBI said it does not believe the cases are related. Police are searching for a suspect.
Adding to the mystery was a reported sighting more than 2,000 miles away in Maine — one of hundreds of leads being investigating from at least five states.
Westminster police repeatedly have urged the public to study the details of Jessica’s face in a photo — a small, gap-toothed grin, a slight bruise on her nose — and a short home video, hoping someone may have seen something.
Additional police were sent to Jessica’s school, said Lynn Setzer, spokeswoman for Jeffco Public Schools. The district has its own security officers at other middle schools and high schools.
Steve Saunders, a spokesman for nearby Adams County schools, said the district is trying to strike a balance between reassuring students and their parents that they are safe, while encouraging them to be vigilant.
Saunders said the district has security officers at all middle schools, but not elementary or high schools. He said the district will seek more help if authorities believe it is warranted.
Sending healing thoughts to the parents of this little girl, as they await answers.
http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/Portsmouth-police-investigate-vehicle-possibly-linked-to-missing-girl/-/8792012/16946326/-/1wamis/-/index.html?absolute=true
looks like they found the car that was spotted in Dexter…
I saw that! Thanks for sharing the link!
This innocent little girl did not deserve this at all. Poor little thing! Thoughts with her family!
This is a sad and tragic ending. But at least her fate is known, sad as it is.
They have yet to announce if the body is in fact that of Jessica. I, for one, will continue to think positive thoughts and pray she is found alive.
did I miss something in the article? NOBODY has said it is her body?
As of 10:10 today they have not said the body is hers. Lets hope it is not.
I hope it is not her as well, but regardless, the body is someone’s loved one.
Undoubtedly (though whether she was loved is anybody’s guess), but thanks to the alleged sighting in Maine and subsequent coverage by a local paper, this one has become ours, right? It’s interesting to observe how these events, which happen somewhere all the time, become our concern in the particular, rarely the universal. How many kids who were loved have been killed outright, starved or died of preventable disease during the time it takes to post this comment, and why is it that organizations dedicated to alleviating those problems have considerable difficulty finding resources with which to do the job?
“resources” are available. People who do this work well are rare.
They have NOT announced that this is her body! I am remaining positive they find her alive and well. Prayers go out to the family
Will there be equal public anguish if the corpse turns out to be someone else? What do you think?
I’m sure there will be. Common sense indicates it’s a child’s body,perhaps?
The article says the search for her is continuing ….
Sending my prayers to this family. I hope it is not her and she is found alive. This just makes me sick to my stomach to think it could be her, so young, so much to look forward too.
It’s the same gruesome story that happens repeatedly with America’s children. Because responsible parents don’t want their children to be rude, ill-mannered monsters, we set out to teach them truthfulness, manners and respectful behavior toward others. When these evil creeps stop to ask directions or whatever ploy they are using, an innocent 10 year olds training of politeness kicks in. That’s the small window of time their perpetrator’s have to hurriedly and quickly snatch them off the street. Children need to go through self-protective classes on a regular basis. The same as we practice fire-drills with them in our homes. They need to have it drilled into them when a stranger stops beside them in a vehicle and begins to ask them something, they need to immediately run off screaming. If their would-be perpetrator gets their hands on them, they need to scream, kick , fight, stick their fingers in their perpetrator’s eyes or nose, and bite, bite, bite as hard as they can. If their perpetrator is operating solo and covers their mouth with a chloroform rag while snatching them, the child has no chance.
They also need to be trained to protect themselves from the people who hurt kids that are not strangers, like the family members and “friends of the family” who take advantage of the trust children have in them.
And adults need to be trained to listen to children.
I have watched shows like 20/20 and Dateline where they stage this scenerio and the majority of the kids would go with the abductor even after being taught not to. Still parents need to continually teach this to their children and practice it often! This has got to be a parents worst nightmare. Prayers for this family!
The fact remains that in over 90% of these cases the “kidnapper” is someone known to the child. Maybe even someone who has access to the codeword.
You are so right! Don’t forget children (even young adults) need a CODEWORD…….these animals always have a ploy: “Your Mommy or Daddy wanted me to pick you up”……with an established code word, the response can be…….”Oh then, whats is the code word”?
If the bad guy doesn’t reply the child’s response should include all those survival reactions you have mentioned as at that point it is a life and death situation.
Everyone is praying for Jessica and hope they will be answered.
I’m also praying the animals will be struck down with great vengeance from our God.
A codeword is a great idea, but every piece of literature I’ve read involving their use stresses that the child not ask for it, but let the adult volunteer that information on their own.
Yes! i agree We’ve told our child the codeword would be given first. But if the animal is very convincing in his story, and a codeword is not offered, we’ve told our child to ask for it if not given. It leave no doubt and empowers the child (hopefully enough to get away….also may catch the abductor off guard and throw off the attempt)
There was an abduction attempt in Utah a few years ago. The sister and brother asked for their “codeword” as the guy had his van door open trying to get them to come inside….with the wrong reply they had no doubt and ran away.
I hope this little girl is OK.
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121011-jessica-parents-120a.photoblog600.jpg
What is the story with her father? I note he has brass knuckles tattooed on his hand in this photo. In my experience, parents who play with fire often end up with their innocent children getting burned.
My husband has lots of tattoo’s as well and he happens to be an excellent father! You shouldn’t assume because someone has a tattoo that they are suspicious. I know many fathers and mothers that have many tattoo’s and they find themselves labeled and they happen to be very good parents. Not a nice statement to make when the police have cleared the father of any wrong-doing…
This was not a tattoo that says “I love Jessica.”
Have you given it a thought that maybe he had that tattoo before he had his daughter – not that this really matters. I am so tired of labeling people just because they have “questionable” tattoo’s. Give me a break. If you read the article, it stated that he lives in Missouri and the mother and daughter live in Colorado. He and the mother have been cleared and are not suspects. You shouldn’t make judgements on a tattoo alone!!
I am indeed making an assumption about the kind of person who would tattoo a weapon on their hand. Somehow I don’t think your average banker, lawyer, nurse, teacher or physician would do so. I can’t imagine I’d want my child being taught by someone with a weapon tattooed on their body. So, first of all, yes, I am indeed making an assumption about dad.
But more importantly, I am not making a judgment or suggestion that father did it, simply asking if they have fully investigated the people dad (or, who knows, maybe mom) have been hanging around with cuz I’m pretty convinced that dad’s tattoo means he’s not hanging with choir boys.
http://www.facebook.com/missingcases
I can understand your logic here but, just because someone has a questionable tattoo doesn’t mean that they are affiliated with the wrong people. My husband has faced scrutiny because of a couple of his tattoo’s and I have to tell you that he has never been affiliated with the “wrong people”. He regrets most of his tattoo’s but, to have them removed is quite expensive and painful. So, it is something that he has to live with and he shouldn’t be scrutinized just for that reason. I would be devastated if something like this happened to one of my children and to have someone question my husband because of a tattoo and only because of a tattoo. Do you see my point?
NOT implying the father was involved in kidnapping his own child. Just pointing out that it is possible his affiliations with others deserve scrutiny based on what little can be made of a photo of his hand tattoo. You would agree that there is a vast difference between a tattoo of a butterfly on a man’s hand, and a tattoo of a dangerous weapon? Can we at least agree on that as common ground?
Also, your husband has tattoos that apparently make others scrutinize him. If he doesn’t want to deal with them anymore, there is a very good waterproof makeup used by burn victims and others to hide scars or markings. He might want to look into it. You would, I assume, agree, that there are tattoos that might make one unappealing to potential employers and it might be worthwhile to cover them up if the tattoos are truly negatively affecting your husband?
So in your world, A guy who has a swastika tatooed in the middle of his forehead should not be “judged” by that “youthful indescretion?
It’s the brass knuckles, not the tattoo. Get a clue.
Tell me another one
Huh? What do mean?
Seriously? Are you implying that the father had something to do with it because of a tattoo? What a way to judge a person for one and for another big deal! Having brass knuckles tattooed on your hand doesnt mean shyt. Also doesnt mean he would hurt his little girl. I just cant understand why you posted this…?
Since stranger abduction is VERY RARE, I think every stone should be looked under. And in case you don’t know, lots of tattoos have VERY specific meanings. Ask anyone who has a teardrop tattoo what THAT is supposed to me. My point is that here is a man with an illegal weapon tattooed on his hand. What message is THAT supposed to send? Don’t mess with me? SO maybe someone “messed with” his daughter?? I am asking questions.
So, we can assume that you have googled his name and came up with a criminal record of gang violence in his past, right? I doubt it. Maybe you should not be making those type of “old school” assumptions and get with the 21st century. My grandparents are more open minded knowing that having a tattoo nowadays isn’t all that rare. Sometimes “kids” get a tattoo thinking it will make them look tougher and then regret the decision later on with the choice of body art.
My point is that children are innocent and parents must be their primary protectors and sources of guidance. When parents let other issues become so important–such as having tattoos placed on their bodies of weapons meant to harm or maim–then there’s a high probability the children of these parents are at risk or will suffer.
Not necessarily – it can be used as a learning tool on what not to do. Like I said in an earlier post, my husband regrets getting most of the tattoo’s that he has and he tries to inform our boys that he made a wrong decision and he hopes that they take that in and not do the same. He has thought about having them removed but, the cost is so high and it is painful and does leave scarring.
http://www.9news.com/news/article/293888/339/Body-found-near-attempted-abduction-cases
huh magin that there have been 2 TWO other attempted child abductions in the SAME area within weeks. You are just judging on appearences which is not right. I do not know nor care what a teardrop tattoo means to you it could mean something else to someone else. Just like my Chevy tattoo my daisy tattoo my godsmack tattoo my tigger tattoo means something different to me then to you. Oh brass knuckles are not illegal in all states btw.He could of been some punk and just got that tattoo for no specific reason I dont know but i sure as heck arent judging this case upon a tattoo!! Theres your answers
Sorry to frustrate you, Jaymee, but I am sticking with my condemnation of a parent who has brass knuckles tattooed on their body. I simply think it’s inappropriate.
We will wait and see the outcome they found the car that was spotted in maine in nh they are unsure if it has anything to do with this but I am looking forward to talkin to you after they find out who. Still stand on the tattoos part that you are making bad judgement.
Jaymee, I’ve got no problem with tattoos as a work of art or using one’s body as a message. I simply am stating that I can’t imagine a message that a parent with children would want to send having brass knuckles tattooed. If this was a youthful indiscretion, there are ways to have it removed. And I too pray that if Jessica has been kidnapped, that whoever did it has no relationship to either parent. That would indeed be a living nightmare for those parents.
Thank you, Jaymee!!! If you see my replies, my husband and many close friends have to deal with people like this too often. It infuriates me that there are still people in this world that judge those with tattoo’s and think of them as bad people. I guess it is something that we (the tattooed ones) have to deal with, a shame to have to, but it is a reality. :-(
Right on
http://kdvr.com/2012/10/08/exclusive-jessica-ridgeways-father-on-felony-probation-in-missouri/
Thanks for that website, Jennifer. It begs the question, what was this father like to Jessica’s mother? Was there abuse there? Did she go from one bad choice of a man to another? (My point to all those who will scream at me is that giving birth to children and keeping them is a very serious matter. IF you are not totally prepared to put away your youthful indiscretions, your drug and alcohol abuse, your bad choices in men (or women, for that matter) then do yourself, your children, and your communities a favor and give the infant up for adoption.)
Oh dear God… not the story I wanted to be reading. Thoughts and prayers sent their way.
Thank you! Totally agree!
http://kdvr.com/2012/10/11/n-h-police-abandoned-car-may-be-connected-to-jessica-ridgeway-search/
I hope and pray that the body is not Jessica’s, and that she is found alive and well very soon. If, sadly, this should be Jessica I hope and pray that the direct evidence trail leads quickly and directly to the individual responsible with a nice clean guilty plea occurring very quickly from him or her.
I am so, so sorry Jessica. I am sorry that sick people take little innocent children for their disgusting uses and that this is the end result. I know you are an Angel in heaven, but it is no solace to your family. I also know that my God will be waiting for them and they will be judged.
The article says the search is continuing for her, so the body is not hers.
The body is not intact.. They are not saying if its her or not.. They are not saying if its a child or not.. This should show that its possible that it is her!
was just gonna come on here http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/cops-body-jessica-ridgeway-search-232848989–abc-news-topstories.html
http://www.facebook.com/missingcases
Sadly, reports are coming in that the body found is her : (
We has a society need to protect our children from these monsters and preditors we have failed greatly sadly , such acts against children a message needs to be sent wil not tolerated we can send people to the moon yet our children are being victims in the hands of these monsters how do we allow still not able cannot to protect from devils ..dear God grant us wisdom ,our dear precious children like this sweet little girl ,,, beyond heart breaking
http://kdvr.com/2012/10/08/exclusive-jessica-ridgeways-father-on-felony-probation-in-missouri/Thanks to Jennifer O for posting this, Jaymee, Joy Eaton, what can I say.
You can tell me what i am supposed to see here… all it says is:
Status Update
Thanks for helping FOX31 Denver reach 69,000 fans on Facebook doesnt tell me a thing
Says Dad is on probation for felony domestic violence.
I was just watching CNN and the body they found not too far from Jessica’s home was in a gruesome state and was not intact. My heart goes out to the family of the victim they found. They still are not saying it is Jessica but I cannot begin to imagine what the family and friends of this victim are going through and I send prayers and blessings to all. And may the piece of dung who did this be caught and put in the general population if it gets to prison where its fate can be sealed.
Anyone convicted of murdering/molesting a child should be put away FOREVER, no exceptions. That would cut down on any repeat offenders.
RIP
Jessica Ridgeway
RIP
Jessica Ridgeway