Prosecutors: Teen confesses in death of Colorado girl

Police said they notified the Ridgeway family of the arrest Wednesday morning. Jessica lived in Westminster with her mother, Sarah Ridgeway. Jessica’s father, Jeremiah Bryant, lives in Missouri.

Jessica’s great-grandmother Donna Moss told Kansas City-area reporters that she feels for Austin’s mother but has to fight the rage she has toward Austin because she knows as a Christian she should forgive.

“I think it’s all I’ve got within me to not want to just burn him, and I mean burn him,” she said.

The arrest brought some relief to the community, where some parents said they were nervous about letting their children play outside as authorities searched for Jessica’s killer.

“Every parent in every Colorado community will rest a little easier tonight,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has a 10-year-old son, Wednesday. “While we still mourn the death of Jessica Ridgeway, we are relieved an arrest has been made and the pursuit of justice can continue.”

Associated Press writer Kristen Wyatt in Denver contributed to this report.

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