UPDATE: In a deeply emotional revelation, Mindy Sigg, the mother who turned in her son for the brutal murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway, is speaking out for the first time after 13 years. This shocking confession was made on the evening of October 5, 2012, when her son, Austin Reed Sigg, confessed to committing this heinous crime that has haunted the Westminster, Colorado community.
The confession came amidst the search for Jessica, who had vanished while walking to school earlier that month. Mindy Sigg vividly recalls the moment her son, then 17 years old, revealed, “Mom, I’ve got to tell you something.” In an unimaginable moment of parental duty, she called the Westminster Police to report her son’s admission, stating, “My son wants to turn himself in for the Jessica Ridgeway murder.” This decision would change their lives forever.
Mindy faced an overwhelming dilemma, one that many parents could never fathom. Her son would ultimately plead guilty to multiple charges, including murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. The case gained national attention and raised questions about parental responsibility when a child commits a violent crime.
In an interview with CNN, Mindy expressed her years of mental anguish, stating, “I had a horrible sense of guilt… because I brought this child into the world.” Despite her pain, her choice to report Austin has been appreciated by Jessica’s family, who believe her decision helped prevent further tragedies. “Instead of trying to hide him… she turned him in,” said Sarah Ridgeway, Jessica’s mother. “That probably saved other kids.”
The case of Jessica Ridgeway began on October 5, 2012, when she disappeared while walking to school, leading to a massive search effort involving hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement. Tragically, Jessica’s body was later discovered, prompting an outcry for justice. Mindy Sigg, who had initially been unaware of her son’s involvement, described how she felt when she first learned about the suspect’s profile.
At that time, Austin had been studying to be a mortician, and Mindy reflected on their close relationship before the confession. “He was my world… nobody else existed,” she shared. However, the pressures of bullying and academic struggles began to take a toll on him.
When Austin confessed to his mother, she felt immediate horror and disbelief. “I just knew… I fell to the floor, sobbing,” she recounted. The confession led to a frantic call to police, where they waited nearly 18 minutes for detectives to arrive. Austin ultimately received a life sentence with eligibility for parole after 40 years, effectively ensuring he would remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.
Mindy Sigg has since struggled with her mental health, grappling with feelings of guilt and suicidal thoughts. Throughout the years, she has sought therapy and found some improvement but still carries the weight of her decision. “I would literally give my life to change what happened,” she stated, reflecting her enduring pain.
As the Ridgeway family continues to cope with their loss, they express empathy for Mindy. “We understand that she lost a son too,” said Sarah Ridgeway. “It’s a different loss, but she still lost a son.”
This unfolding story highlights the complexities of familial love and accountability in the wake of tragedy. Mindy Sigg’s courageous decision to report her son serves as a stark reminder of the moral dilemmas faced by parents. As the community remembers Jessica Ridgeway, the emotional impact of this case continues to resonate, leaving many to ponder the consequences of violence and the paths of healing for both families involved.
For anyone struggling with mental health issues related to similar situations, help is available. In the US, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
