Jessica Ridgeway Case: Austin Sigg, 17, charged as an adult in the murder of 10-year-old Colo. girl

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Austin Sigg

/ AP Photo/Westminster Police Department

(CBS/AP) GOLDEN, Colo. - Austin Sigg, the teenager who prosecutors say confessed to killing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway and attacking a runner has been formally charged as an adult in both cases, reports CBS Denver.

Pictures: Body of 10-year-old Colo. girl found

Prosecutors filed counts against Sigg, 17, on Tuesday, including murder, robbery and sexual assault on a child.

Sigg didn't speak during the hearing and didn't look at his relatives in the courtroom in Golden.

Eight relatives of Ridgeway also watched proceedings, including her mother. They each wore purple which is Jessica's favorite color.

If convicted, Sigg could face up to 40 years in prison, reports the Denver Post. Because he is under 18, neither the death penalty, nor life in prison without parole are options for Sigg. Sources tell the newspaper that DNA evidence against Sigg is overwhelming.

Ridgeway disappeared while walking to school on Oct. 5. Her body was found on Oct. 10.

The next court date for the case is set for Nov. 27.

Complete coverage of Jessica Ridgeway on Crimesider

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Body of 10-year-old Colorado girl found

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by Vigalante777 October 31, 2012 1:52 PM EDT: My Daughter lives in Colorado.She is very Scared.This 17yr old,Needs to be put to death.But no,he will live in prison for 20 or 30 yrs,Then the judge will let him out,And he will be 47 or so.And our system will protect Him.I think some one should blow his brains out right in front of his Family.Sounds Harsh,Well let him kill your child,then tell me about it.I'm tired of this country's laws.Japan would put him to death.; Reply to this comment

by janeyre-2009 October 30, 2012 7:37 PM EDT

Does this state have the death penalty?

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by caljack430 October 31, 2012 8:38 AM EDT: Doesn't matter unfortunately. Supreme Court recently ruled that even though youth can charged as an adult, as long as they are under 18 when the crime was committed... the death penalty and life w/o possible parole are 'unfair'. Which in this case especially, I think is complete bull. He's 17 and full well knew exactly what he was doing.