Murder Suspect's Father Releases Statement: 'Devastated'
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4)- Austin Sigg's father released a statement on Thursday afternoon.
Robert Sigg released this statement by email to CBS4, "Dear Denver-area press, I am Rob Sigg, the father of Austin Sigg. I have issued this statement today.
"First, I would ask for your prayers and support for the Ridgeway family. There are no words to express the sorrow that I and my family feel for their pain they are suffering. We are devastated by the knowledge that my son, Austin Sigg, has been arrested and will be charged with the murder of their beautiful daughter Jessica. This horrible event is a tragedy for both the families, as well as the community. I ask also for your prayers and support for Austin's mother, whose courageous act … unimaginably painful for any parent … has put this tragedy on the path to resolution. I am hopeful that as the legal process unfolds, the Ridgeway family may come to know peace."
Austin Sigg, 17, was arrested for the murder and abduction of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. He gave a detailed confession to police about what happened to her.
Sigg's father has been in and out of legal trouble and his mother had financial problems and a history of divorce.
Austin Sigg's father, Robert J. Sigg, has a history of both civil and criminal problems. Court records show the father was arrested for driving under the influence in Douglas County in 2004, domestic violence in the same county, and DUI arrests in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. He also had an assault arrest in Jefferson County and a drug dealing arrest in Weld County.
The FBI arrested Robert Sigg and he was convicted in 2006 for involvement in a mortgage fraud scheme.
Records show Robert Sigg has been married and divorced several times and has been wrapped up in dozens of civil actions over money.
Austin Sigg's parents were divorced 12 years ago.
Jessica Ridgeway Murder Timeline
- Jessica Ridgeway, 10, disappeared on her way to school on the morning of Oct. 5. After leaving home on foot, she never met up with friends she normally walks to school with at Chelsea Park. The park is about three blocks from her home and about a mile from the school.
- When she didn't arrive at Witt Elementary School in Westminster, Jefferson County Schools officials tried to contact her mother. They made a call at 10 a.m. but were only able to leave a voicemail. Ridgeway's mother, who works an overnight shift and sleeps during the day, didn't get the message until 4:30 p.m. and immediately contacted Westminster police.
- It took about five hours before the protocols were met in the case for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to call an Amber Alert.
- Ridgeway's backpack was found on the sidewalk near Alpha Court and Andrew Drive in the Rock Creek neighborhood in Superior. That's 6.4 miles away from her home. It's unknown so far at what point the backpack wound up there.
- The CBI analyzed the backpack for DNA evidence and collected evidence from Ridgeway's home for comparison.
- Searches were taking place around Jessica's home and her school, as well as in open space areas in Westminster. Another area that underwent an extensive search was Rock Creek and open space areas near there.
- A day after their tearful televised plea for help and thanks to the community, police on Oct. 10 ruled out Ridgeway's parents as being involved in her disappearance. Police said Ridgeway may have been abducted by an unknown suspect.
- Late in the day on Oct. 11 Ridgeway's body was found in Arvada on Highway near Pattridge Park Open Space and Highway 93, about seven miles from Ridgeway's home.
- Police arrested Austin Reed Sigg, 17, at his home in the 10600 block of 102nd Avenue on Oct. 23. According to the police report, Sigg confessed to police and waived his rights when taken into custody.
Westminster Police Ridgeway Case Tip Line: (303) 658-4336 or pdamberalert@cityofwestminster.us
