CO - Jessica Ridgeway, 10, Westminster, 5 Oct 2012 - #13

[Dr. Know?]

The direction of the orange markings on the road do point towards the area to give light from a vehicle. Or could have to me. jmo

Red is a pretty important color coding in LE. And to find one up in the tree T4T, good eye! But the patteren near the culvert I'm not sure if it's perps tracks or blood evidence. I'm thinking scatter from animals. jmo at the moment.

 

[margarita25]

I wonder whether that area gets car break-ins or anything?

That would be an understatement. Serious burgulary problem there. Like I said, its quiet as a mouse; anyone could do anything there and nobody would notice a thing.

 

[ExpectingUnicorns]

Goodness, I hope that people disagree and challenge me! That's how new ideas are born, in my opinion.

I tend to think that the witness has panned out since LE focus has clearly been on that 3 block walk (and very tiny blocks at that) to the park that morning. To the point where they have gotten DNA swabs from people living in that area. Each DNA test is somewhere around $600 (may have come down in the 3 years since I last checked), so they are putting their money where their suspicions are.

I think victimology also comes into play. Her mother said that Jessica really enjoyed school, loved it, looked forward to going to school, etc. No one has come forward who says "well, actually, I had the impression that Jessica wasn't that keen on school, really." So far as I can gather, the tributes seemed to describe a girl who was doing well in school both academically and socially.

Her mother also described a 10 year old who was clearly in that stage of wanting to prove she was a big girl, capable of getting herself ready for school in the mornings, etc. I can see how that would be a little bittersweet for a single mother with an only child and my impression was that her unspoken message was that it was a little sad for her to see her "little girl' clearly growing up.

That just doesn't sound like the sort of 10 year old who would cut classes, change her clothes on the way to school or go gadding about the neighbourhood when she knew someone was waiting for her.

All in all, what makes the most sense to me is that Jessica left for school as usual and then something very unusual indeed happened before she arrived at the park.

Oh, yes. Agree with all you said. I don't think she was doing anything at all out of line. I just think she might have been heading to meet her friend at his house rather than Chelsea Park. It just seems like it agrees more with what facts we may have from the scanner thread.

 

[writer7]

That would be an understatement. Serious burgulary problem there. Like I said, its quiet as a mouse; anyone could do anything there and nobody would notice a thing.

Oh, thank you! I had to skip some posts early on to keep up at all.

If folks know about break-ins, one thing they know is how likely anyone is to be noticed doing odd things.

I think he might know (or overhears) either someone in that neighborhood or someone who breaks into cars, etc in that neighborhood. He may live there himself, but he sounds more careful than that. Visits folks there? Works with them?

 

[alexandra]

Oh, yes. Agree with all you said. I don't think she was doing anything at all out of line. I just think she might have been heading to meet her friend at his house rather than Chelsea Park. It just seems like it agrees more with what facts we may have from the scanner thread.

I agree EU. The more I read the scanner thread, the more I think it's possible she may have been going to Js house. They talked about doing an article search for her bp between here (her home?) And Js house....paraphrased.

 

[winterrose]

There is an unidentified person who says they saw her enroute to school. Her friend J said he saw her and walked to school with her and then his father said he was mistaken and had the wrong day. A teacher's assistant said she saw her go into the school but never saw her in the building. Also, IIRC, one other little girl. But they all recanted. Or were mistaken.

So the last person, besides her mom (as you asked) is an unidentified person.

That's the thing about everyday routine, days run into each other and in your mind you can see something as the day before, but actually it was yesterday and visa versa. I say that because it happened to me this evening, could have sworn I had a convo with someone yesterday, but actually it was the day before.

People also get a false sense of security/safety in a routine, like normally she walked with J, met with other kids and never a problem. That one day was different and it's the day something horrible happened.

 

[Confusion]

I've missed something along the way. Who was it that said she walked to school with a group of kids? The only thing I've seen/heard is when her mother said that she walked to school with J, and walked home with a big group of kids. If I'm missing something that important, could somebody please point me in the right direction? TIA

 

[ExpectingUnicorns]

You know, this is the first time that I have noticed that red evidence marker hanging in the tree.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jessica Ridgeway -CO-/101112s81.jpg

:noooo: How in hello could that ever happen?

 

[Dr. Know?]

I take that back about "if" the orange markers showing the vehicle pointed towards the culvert. It would be pointing past the culvert. You have some light but can't be seen that well...hmmm

The one picture seems to distort the area but the second picture is from above and you can still see some markers. Even the marker in the tree or beneath it it shows. (due to the angle and all). jmo

 

[writer7]

:noooo: How in hello could that ever happen?

Part of a bag blew up into it, maybe? I'm sure some of those markers are just from trash and stuff from partying kids that was already on the scene. They'd have to collect it and check it all out.

 

[goaskalice]

http://washtimesherald.com/breakingnews/x688432774/Westfall-arrested-in-Illinois

I kind of wonder if he could be related to Jessica's case or not. And why the heck with his record was he on the street? JMO

:fence: Yes it seems he hurt those girls in Illinois on October 6th at night. Could he have driven to Colorado and hurt our precious Jessica on the 5th and after left for Illinois. I am sure LE will figure out where this guy was, and he looks like a charmer too. Very Scary

 

[OwlMom]

If the cases are connected, maybe this is someone who jogs/walks (or leers at people) on trails. There is a trail at Mayfair Park that runs beside Witt Elementary School. Jessica would have crossed the trail just as she and her friends were finishing walking the foot trail on the field that leads to the elementary school.

It's entirely possible. A lot of people in this part of Colorado run, walk and bike, and the trail around Ketner Reservoir is not very long.

Plus, there's a definite brazen element to the Memorial Day incident. Lots of people were going to be at home, outside, and no part of Ketner is all that far from homes.

 

[stealth]

I wonder whether that area gets car break-ins or anything? Are there streetlights out? Is there any reason for someone to expect that they could leave a bag out and not be noticed at all? It's such a bold move if you aren't at all familiar with the neighborhood.

It's a very family oriented neighborhood - lots of kids. No real crime. Also, pretty sleepy - lights off by 9pm typically. Of course this was a Saturday night and the owners of the house where the bag was dropped were reportedly out and saw it when they came home after midnight but didn't do anything about it until the next day. It is not unusual at all for kids stuff to be lying around - bikes, scooters, toys, etc. I think this is why the backpack was ignored for as long as it was -- just not that out of place. One other point that may be important. The weather that evening and day was as cold and wet as it has been since last winter. It had started on the Friday that JR was abducted and really didn't improve until late in the day Saturday. On the typical Saturday morning there would have been lots of people out and about, but that just wasn't the case that day.

As I've posted before, I think in assessing the location of the BP drop, it's worth looking at and considering the path from the body drop to that location. (I for one believe it was done in that order). If you were heading to highway 36 the absolute most direct route would to go north on Indiana (CR5) to McCaslin to 36. The entire area on your left (west) is open space and is basically uninhabited for all of those miles. Similarly, on your right (east) there is really nothing (if you were looking for an area with homes) unless you head back toward JR's neighborhood (via 96th) until you come down the hill on McCaslin and cross Coalton. The FIRST RIGHT is Christensom Ave. (Yes, there is a turn at South Indiana, but there isn't much along there except a school and fire station). This is the entrance to the neighborhood where the bag was dropped. Again, no homes along that short stretch and a choice of either left or right on Andrew Way. If you turn right on to Andrew, the home at the corner of Alpha (where the bag was dropped) is the first house on the right where there are no windows facing the street. (I think it is only 5 houses in -- not very far) Christensom is also the last place that you can turn before you get to the highway that is not a larger road or a commercial area. Unless you've seen it (although frankly the Google Maps show it pretty well), it's hard to believe you could drive 7-8 miles and not see any residential areas but that is the way it is.

http://goo.gl/maps/Ifd6e

I continue to believe that the traffic cameras at the intersection of 86th and Indiana (CR5) hold a crucial piece of evidence. I just don't see how the perp got between the three known locations without passing that intersection at least twice.

 

[ExpectingUnicorns]

Night all ~ Thanks for sharing all the brain cells! Praying for Jessica's justice.

fftobed:​

 

[Dr. Know?]

It's a very family oriented neighborhood - lots of kids. No real crime. Also, pretty sleepy - lights off by 9pm typically. Of course this was a Saturday night and the owners of the house where the bag was dropped were reportedly out and saw it when they came home after midnight but didn't do anything about it until the next day. It is not unusual at all for kids stuff to be lying around - bikes, scooters, toys, etc. I think this is why the backpack was ignored for as long as it was -- just not that out of place. One other point that may be important. The weather that evening and day was as cold and wet as it has been since last winter. It had started on the Friday that JR was abducted and really didn't improve until late in the day Saturday. On the typical Saturday morning there would have been lots of people out and about, but that just wasn't the case that day.

As I've posted before, I think in assessing the location of the BP drop, it's worth looking at and considering the path from the body drop to that location. (I for one believe it was done in that order). If you were heading to highway 36 the absolute most direct route would to go north on Indiana (CR5) to McCaslin to 36. The entire area on your left (west) is open space and is basically uninhabited for all of those miles. Similarly, on your right (east) there is really nothing (if you were looking for an area with homes) unless you head back toward JR's neighborhood (via 96th) until you come down the hill on McCaslin and cross Coalton. The FIRST RIGHT is Christensom Ave. (Yes, there is a turn at South Indiana, but there isn't much along there except a school and fire station). This is the entrance to the neighborhood where the bag was dropped. Again, no homes along that short stretch and a choice of either left or right on Andrew Way. If you turn right on to Andrew, the home at the corner of Alpha (where the bag was dropped) is the first house on the right where there are no windows facing the street. (I think it is only 5 houses in -- not very far) Christensom is also the last place that you can turn before you get to the highway that is not a larger road or a commercial area. Unless you've seen it (although frankly the Google Maps show it pretty well), it's hard to believe you could drive 7-8 miles and not see any residential areas but that is the way it is.

http://goo.gl/maps/Ifd6e

I continue to believe that the traffic cameras at the intersection of 86th and Indiana (CR5) hold a crucial piece of evidence. I just don't see how the perp got between the three known locations without passing that intersection at least twice.

I'm not sure about the traffic cams in CO, but ours here I believe only take photos of a vehicle that has triggered it due to red light running. No recordings sadly. If they did, Isabel Celis might have been found by now! So if you are breaking the law in Tucson by running a red light, you will be given a notice...by mail...

http://tpdinternet.tucsonaz.gov/FAQ/PhotoradarFAQ.pdf

 

[margarita25]

Ok, If I'm seeing this map correctly:

Since "Police said Jessica Ridgeway was last seen walking to Chelsea Park in the area of 107th Avenue and Moore ..."(thedenverchannel.com):

If we take out this open space aspect for a second and look strictly at the driveable roads, where someone could get her in a car, there are 3 areas where she could have been picked up in a vehicle along her way, (assuming she made it to this intersection and not considering Miller Ct. and Lewis Cir before this point, will return to this) :


1. Her continued route along Moore St.
2. On 106 St. (It is here she would now cut across the open space, bringing her to a couple options next, depending on which way she normally entered the school building...)

3. The parking lot behind / and or adjacent to the school (with all the parents and staff here, this would be a really risky/bold move on part of the perp)...
(could he have intercepted her via Kline Way?)

I don't see any reason for her to go over the bridge and coming back around on Moore St, because it appears there is a barrier there between homes and the school on that side..

So, what I'm looking at is like a sandwich...the open space (nondriveable) is the filling, and Moore /106 and the school parking lot are the bread (driveable).


Am I seeing this correctly?
Also, I'm confused, because Chelsea Park is before 107th, so if she was seen in the area of 107th, does that mean she made it past Chelsea Park?

I need to look at rewind again. Sorry if this is hard to understand.

 

[spamelope]

Kim Remmel went missing from Arvada Memorial Day weekend.
"She liked to hike in Jefferson County open space areas and parks, including Golden Gate Canyon State Park."
SBM from: http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/07/kim_remmel_missing_wild_horse_activist.php

 

[Backwoods]

You know, the four marks in a rectangle almost look like a position for a vehicle to have been parked in the road pointing directly at the location the body was left. There are two stakes in the side of the road that would frame that view. Light from headlights pointed that way would strike the place where the flags mark the spot just the other side of the fence.

Hmm, I need to study this pictures more!

I really appreciate your posting the three pics you did for different vantage points. I haven't been able to follow this case as closely as I would have liked, just jumping in here when I can -- so I have missed a lot and your pics were truly helpful.

May I ask -- and this may be something I have just missed, so excuse if it is, please -- are there also red markings adjacent to some of the tires of the waste management truck (well, the large green and white truck -- I'm assuming it is the waste management truck)? If so, do we know why? I do remember reading that it stayed parked there for what seemed an unusually long time, I believe, and some were wondering why. Did the truck's driver inadvertently park over some part of the crime scene?

ETA: Or maybe the tires of the truck were marked so LE could later easily distinguish those treadmarks from any others there that needed to be examined...?

 

[spamelope]

Backwoods, I think that's to clarify that those tire marks are from the waste management truck, and not the perps. Days ago, I saw a blue tarp across the street from the remains site where someone speculated the killer parked. hth

 

[alexandra]

Ok, If I'm seeing this map correctly:

Since "Police said Jessica Ridgeway was last seen walking to Chelsea Park in the area of 107th Avenue and Moore ..."(thedenverchannel.com):

If we take out this open space aspect for a second and look strictly at the driveable roads, where someone could get her in a car, there are 2 areas where she could have been picked up in a vehicle along her way, (assuming she made it to this intersection and not considering Miller Ct. and Lewis Cir before this point (will return to this) )


1. Her continued route along Moore St.
2. On 106 St. (It is here she would now cut across the open space, bringing her to a couple options next, depending on which way she normally entered the school building...) She makes a straight line to the parking lot behind the school, and / or goes through the adjacent parking lot to enter.

I don't see any reason for her to go over the bridge and get back on Moore St, because it appears there is a barrier there between homes and the school...

So, what I'm looking at is like a sandwich...the open space is the filling, and 106 and the school parking lot are the bread.


Am I seeing this correctly?

From what I can gather, she used the bridge when leaving school...they don't mention that she used it going to school...according to her friend . What's confusing me is they say they did an article search between her house and Js for her bp. I have a bad feeling she tried to go to Js house that morning. Also mention that dog went to Chelsea Park then went east....(direction of Js)