INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The great-grandmother of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway spoke to reporters on Wednesday following news of an arrest in her murder.
Donna Moss and other relatives said they were relieved when police announced they arrested 17-year-old Austin Reed Sigg in connection with Ridgeway’s abduction and murder. However, Sigg’s age surprised many, including Ridgeway’s great-grandmother.
“That did surprise me,” Moss said. “I thought he would be older than that. My heart goes out to his mother because I can’t understand how it would have to feel to be the mother of a monster like him.”
Ridgeway’s family said if Sigg is in fact responsible for her death, they hope he gets the maximum penalty.
“I don’t think I can look at this person, into his face, and not be judgmental,” Moss said. “It’s all I got within me to not want to just burn him … literally light him on fire. Send him to hell in a blaze of glory.”
During the news conference with reporters, Moss and other family members expressed their gratitude toward the community, saying many strangers have reached out to them to show their support and offer their condolences.
Ridgeway’s family said that while an arrest was made, they want more to be done to protect children, ensuring that no other child suffers the way the Jessica did.
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