Police Confirm Body Found is Colorado 10-Year-Old

Posted on: 5:36 pm, October 12, 2012, by 5NEWS Web Staff, updated on: 05:37pm, October 12, 2012

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Police announced Friday afternoon the body of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway has been found, according to a report from our sister station KDVR in Denver.

Jessica disappeared while on her way to school one week ago.

“Our focus has changed from a search for Jessica to a mission for justice for Jessica,” says Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk.

“There is a predator at large in our community. We are doing everything in our power to apprehend that predator,” Birk says.

Workers picking up trash found her body in Pattridge Park Open Space in Arvada Wednesday afternoon. The body was identified using DNA tests.

Jim Yacone of the FBI says the agency’s “commitment to seek justice will only grow.”

Yacone asked everyone to keep reporting tips to authorities. The FBI reiterated “we’ve eliminated the family and we’re looking for an abductor at this point.”

If you have any information regarding the investigation, Westminster police are asking you to call the tip line at 303-658-4336, or email PDamberalert@cityofwestminster.us.