WESTMINSTER, Colo. — A teen who lived just a mile from a 10-year-old girl who was abducted and killed this month has been arrested in her death, as well as in a May attack on a runner, authorities said Wednesday.
Police in the Denver suburb of Westminster said they took 17-year-old Austin Reed Sigg into custody Tuesday night after receiving a phone call, apparently from his mother. Sigg was formally arrested Wednesday.
Reached by phone, Sigg's mother told the Associated Press that he had turned himself in.
"I made the phone call, and he turned himself in. That's all I have to say," Mindy Sigg said before she broke down in tears and hung up.
Police announced the arrest as agents searched the home of Sigg, an Arapahoe Community College student described by former classmates as a smart "goth kid" who was interested in mortuary science.
Authorities declined to elaborate on the arrest and released few details about the case. Court documents have been sealed, but a police custody report said Sigg was cooperative when he was arrested and waived his rights.
Jessica Ridgeway disappeared Oct. 5 while walking to school. Her remains were found five days later in a field at a park, and police said her body was "not intact."
The arrest came a day after police said Jessica's abduction was connected to the May 28 attempted kidnapping of a 22-year-old runner at another area park.
In that case, a woman fought off a stranger who grabbed her from behind and put a rag that smelled of chemicals over her mouth, authorities said.
Authorities didn't say why they think the crimes are linked but said Sigg will be charged in both.
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