Jessica Ridgeway

becasmeca · October 2012

Warning! This is very somber!

Please google Jessica Ridgeway
She is a 10 year old girl taken while walking not even 3 blocks to school. Friday October 12th police confirmed a dismembered body found 7 miles from her home was this sweet girl.

Honestly. I have not followed the case enough even though she was abducted 3 blocks from where I now live. Today it became all too real as my H and I were DNA swabbed and questioned about anything we knew. Obviously policie officials were casing every home in the area but wowza! How scary.
Back to what is important!
My fear of a brutal murderer in our community is nothing compared to what this sweet angel endured. I am speechless and praying for her family.
It just goes to show that you NEVER know what may happen. You can never be too careful, and even though you may think you know someone you really may not.
Hug your baby tonight. Share a moment where you watch their chest raise up and thank whatever you want for their life! I cannot imagine what Jessica's mother is going through. 10 years of everything we ladies talk about. 10 years of moments, smells, and memories. All to end by the hands of a disgusting person who held the capacities of such an egregious nature.
I am locking my doors, windows , and arms around Bowen tonight! Please tell your friends to do the same too!

https://m.usatoday.com/article/news/1630725

babybmom · October 2012

Very sad. I can imagine how traumatizing that is for you, especially if you've just moved there.
A few years ago a young girl was abducted just 20 mins away from our house. Her name was Tori Stafford. You can also Google her story. I won't go into details but it was horrific and thankfully one of the two abductors/murderers, a female if you can believe it, confessed all. Her and the man responsible are now in prison for life. I spent much of this past spring following the case and cried when his guilty verdict came in.
It's sad that our kids can't grow up in a world like we did, walking home from school safely and riding bikes with friends until the street lights come on. But these cases do remind us to hug our babies tight and keep an extra close eye on them at all times.

mnewlee · October 2012

I've been purposefully avoiding this story and whispering prayers for her and her family when I see the story on the news.

I cannot even imagine what her family is going through.

How scary for you to live so close to where this happened. It's crazy that you are involved just by proximity. It's good that the police are going all out to try and find the monster that did this, though. Hopefully they'll catch him soon so you can sleep sounder.

sunflwr0911 · October 2012

Wow. I can only imagine how that makes you feel. And I don't want to imagine how her poor family feels. So so scary. Prayers for her family.

vnstacie · October 2012

Omg, this is just awful!! What a terrible ending.

I am so sad our children have to grow up in such a disgusting world.

GingerNess · October 2012

I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick.

But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

tartertots9725 · October 2012

Wow Becca, that is so crazy! I'm glad that the police are trying so hard to find this disgusting excuse for a human being. Stories like this make me so sick. How can anyone do such a horrible thing to such a precious, innocent child? It just makes my heart hurt so bad.

I'm going to go sneak into the room and give DS a kiss. Many T&P's to the little girls family and your whole community.

covertxxamour · October 2012

How sad, and disgusting. I feel so bad for her family.. And the community. For you to be swabbed for DNA is a good thing, but scary at the same time.

It definitely makes me want to be that insanely overprotective Mom who never let's her child do anything on their own. But at the same time, how do you let them live their lives? Ugh. I want to hold M and give her a million kisses, but she's at Grammys for the night. Insert sad face here!!!

MsCrispy · October 2012

I can't even imagine what the family is going through. It breaks my heart.

I can't believe what some people will do to each other, especially children. I hope they find him before he does this again.

T&HLove · October 2012

So so sad and disgusting. I have heard the story from a few people here.. Apparently her father lives in the area .

I can't even imagine I will be holding the little miss tight tonight, that's for sure

T&HLove · October 2012

GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.

solsburyhill · October 2012

T&HLove:
GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.
umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.

It's a horrible horrible thing that happened to that little girl but blaming the parents doesn't do any good. Nor does not letting your 10 year old walk a couple blocks to school. At some point you've got to give your kids wings to fly. Before letting them walk some place (park, school, friends house) you give them the tools to protect themselves. What to do if a stranger approaches, how to shout for help, give them a cell phone, check in when they get to their destination, whatever it is to help keep them safe. But you can lock them in the house forever. Those poor parents have been through so much, the last thing they need right now is blame that this is their fault. Because it's not, it is the fault of some sick twisted person.

solsburyhill · October 2012

jakstr0808:
solsburyhill:
T&HLove:

GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.

It's a horrible horrible thing that happened to that little girl but blaming the parents doesn't do any good. Nor does not letting your 10 year old walk a couple blocks to school. At some point you've got to give your kids wings to fly. Before letting them walk some place (park, school, friends house) you give them the tools to protect themselves. What to do if a stranger approaches, how to shout for help, give them a cell phone, check in when they get to their destination, whatever it is to help keep them safe. But you can lock them in the house forever. Those poor parents have been through so much, the last thing they need right now is blame that this is their fault. Because it's not, it is the fault of some sick twisted person.
That's exactly what I was trying to say, you put it so eloquently, Sols.

Why thank you : ) Oh and I meant to say you "CAN'T" lock them in the house forever, lol.

manda26 · October 2012

so sad. I know too well what this is like as my 12 year old cousin was murdered on his way to his little league game (16 years ago). Families are never the same. I will pray for them. And I hope to God she did not suffer long

becasmeca · October 2012

manda26:
so sad. I know too well what this is like as my 12 year old cousin was murdered on his way to his little league game 16 years ago. Families are never the same. I will pray for them. And I hope to God she did not suffer long :

Oh manda!!!!! How awful! Why does life suck sometimes? Well said. Families are never the same. I do not know what your family or Jessica's family is going through, but I could imagine the mental torture of the unknown, questioning their support of their child's autonomy, the loss, the discovery, the search for their perp, etc. it is hell. Manda, I really am so sorry for you and your family.

Ginger. When I read your post last night before I went to bed I was shocked!!!!! I honestly have a frog in my throat writing this Ecuador Jessica's mom watched her walk one block. The second block she was taken. And the third block is where se was to meet friends. Would you do any different? As another PP said, she walked this exact walk everyday so why was that Friday any different?
To attack a parent for letting this happen because THEY ignored other missing children stories and with permission allowed their baby to walk to school is mind blowing. I am parent. I am far from perfect. What this mother did was what a protective loving mother does. You watch you let them wobble their way and then you breathe because you know where they are going who they will be with and when they will come back. HOW IN THE WORLD DID THIS PARENT KNOW SOME SICK EFF WOULD ABDUCT AND MURDER HER? This is the fault of one man's : yes, I specified a gender because that is what the community is reporting; pathology and disgusting disgusting behavior.
And if she did walk with her daughter what if the man was larger than the both of them? Have you ever felt powerless? I have to tuck duck and roll out right now. I do not want to be rude, but I am and was offended by the parent comment made by ginger.

tartertots9725 · October 2012

solsburyhill:
jakstr0808:
solsburyhill:
T&HLove:

GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.

It's a horrible horrible thing that happened to that little girl but blaming the parents doesn't do any good. Nor does not letting your 10 year old walk a couple blocks to school. At some point you've got to give your kids wings to fly. Before letting them walk some place (park, school, friends house) you give them the tools to protect themselves. What to do if a stranger approaches, how to shout for help, give them a cell phone, check in when they get to their destination, whatever it is to help keep them safe. But you can lock them in the house forever. Those poor parents have been through so much, the last thing they need right now is blame that this is their fault. Because it's not, it is the fault of some sick twisted person.
That's exactly what I was trying to say, you put it so eloquently, Sols.

Why thank you : ) Oh and I meant to say you "CAN'T" lock them in the house forever, lol.

I agree with this. She was 10 years old, it's not like she was a 2 year old dropped off downtown to fend for herself. She was walking 2 blocks to meet with friends in what sounds like a safe community. Teenage girls are kidnapped and murdered, grown women are kidnapped and murdered, even grown men are kidnapped and murdered. It's not just younger kids. We can't lock our kids in our houses because some psychos decide to do this horrible acts.

It's like car accidents. Every time your child gets in a car they have a chance of being in a fatal car accident(a better chance than them being abducted and murdered). You can't just decide to never let your kids be in a car or drive. You teach them about safety, defensive driving, wearing their seatbelts, etc. But if some person is drunk driving and crashes and kills them, there isn't much you can do.

It's sad that as parents we have to worry about so many things with our children but it's reality. These parents are not to blame, they did what so many parents would do. They let their little girl walk two blocks to meet up with friends in broad daylight. No one could have expected this. It's not fair to blame them, especially with all they are going through.

shelovesfrodo · October 2012

Our family will be buying a handgun soon for this reason. LO's room is closer to the stairs than ours (an intruder would reach his room first), and if someone came to do us harm, you bet I'd put a couple bullets in them before I let them near my baby.

I'm usually a wuss, but the thought of someone hurting my child brings out the bearcat in me.

solsburyhill · October 2012

shelovesfrodo:

Our family will be buying a handgun soon for this reason. LO's room is closer to the stairs than ours (an intruder would reach his room first), and if someone came to do us harm, you bet I'd put a couple bullets in them before I let them near my baby.

I'm usually a wuss, but the thought of someone hurting my child brings out the bearcat in me.

That is one thing I hate about our house. The two kids bedrooms are at the top of the stairs and I'm at the end. As soon as Augie is in a big boy bed I'll be having our dog sleep in his room. She's a great watch dog. As is I feel safer with her in our room because she alerts us to any little sounds but I want her watching out for Augie first and foremost.

GingerNess · October 2012

tartertots9725:
solsburyhill:
jakstr0808:
solsburyhill:
T&HLove:

GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.  

It's a horrible horrible thing that happened to that little girl but blaming the parents doesn't do any good. Nor does not letting your 10 year old walk a couple blocks to school. At some point you've got to give your kids wings to fly. Before letting them walk some place (park, school, friends house) you give them the tools to protect themselves. What to do if a stranger approaches, how to shout for help, give them a cell phone, check in when they get to their destination, whatever it is to help keep them safe. But you can lock them in the house forever. Those poor parents have been through so much, the last thing they need right now is blame that this is their fault. Because it's not, it is the fault of some sick twisted person.
  That's exactly what I was trying to say, you put it so eloquently, Sols.   

Why thank you : ) Oh and I meant to say you "CAN'T" lock them in the house forever, lol.

I agree with this. She was 10 years old, it's not like she was a 2 year old dropped off downtown to fend for herself. She was walking 2 blocks to meet with friends in what sounds like a safe community. Teenage girls are kidnapped and murdered, grown women are kidnapped and murdered, even grown men are kidnapped and murdered. It's not just younger kids. We can't lock our kids in our houses because some psychos decide to do this horrible acts.

It's like car accidents. Every time your child gets in a car they have a chance of being in a fatal car accident(a better chance than them being abducted and murdered). You can't just decide to never let your kids be in a car or drive. You teach them about safety, defensive driving, wearing their seatbelts, etc. But if some person is drunk driving and crashes and kills them, there isn't much you can do.

It's sad that as parents we have to worry about so many things with our children but it's reality. These parents are not to blame, they did what so many parents would do. They let their little girl walk two blocks to meet up with friends in broad daylight. No one could have expected this. It's not fair to blame them, especially with all they are going through.

I understand that "placing blame" may sound offensive. Its not like I am calling the parents up and personally telling them that its their fault. So I know its not "what they need." But this is how I feel about it. It really doesn't matter if they met up with friends or not, or what age they are. The parents probably did feel comfortable letting her walk to school, my question is why? Just on the news yesterday an adult woman got stabbed in the bathroom at a crowded theme park. What's make anyone think that a 10 year old girl would be safe on a street by herself? Nothing has ever happened in my neighborhood, yet I still would let T walk around the block by herself at 10, 12, or even 14. Yes, it sucks that these are the things we have to worry about now. Im not saying to lock your kid up, but im saying parents obviously need to be more careful than they used to. Someone should be walking with her, or riding the bus, or having a family conversation in the car on the way to school. There are other options that do not necessarily squash a childs development. There are too many people taking too many different kinds of drugs that make them act like they shouldn't. Random strangers cannot be trusted..anymore. Things change. When I was a kid, I could walk from door to door selling girl scout cookies. Stuff like that doesn't happen much anymore.

T&HLove · October 2012

I'm sorry to be the one to say it, Ginger, but you sound like an insensitive azzhole. Whether you called up the mother to tell her or not, it's still ridiculous to blame her because "she shouldn't feel comfortable letting her child walk down the street."

solsburyhill · October 2012

Ginger, I feel sorry for you that you are so terrified of the world. If you really think a 14 year old needs to be walked 2 blocks to the neighborhood park, you really really need to consider therapy to discuss these fears. Someday T is going to want to go to the mall with friends or to a concert or to a movie theater - how are you going to handle this? Are you going to tag along and sit in the back row to protect her? Are you going to keep her locked up in the safety of your own home?

GingerNess · October 2012

solsburyhill:
Ginger, I feel sorry for you that you are so terrified of the world. If you really think a 14 year old needs to be walked 2 blocks to the neighborhood park, you really really need to consider therapy to discuss these fears.

Someday T is going to want to go to the mall with friends or to a concert or to a movie theater how are you going to handle this? Are you going to tag along and sit in the back row to protect her? Are you going to keep her locked up in the safety of your own home?

It honestly depends. Actually I have a 13 year old sister. When she wanted to go to the mall with her friends, my mom had me take her. I didn't walk with them, but I knew where they were at all times. Things like this isn't a fear. It precaution. Im not afraid, I am aware.

GingerNess · October 2012

THLove:
I'm sorry to be the one to say it, Ginger, but you sound like an insensitive azzhole. Whether you called up the mother to tell her or not, it's still ridiculous to blame her because "she shouldn't feel comfortable letting her child walk down the street."

I am not trying to sound like an azzwhole by any means. Its not just this story that im talking about though.

I apologize if it sounds rude. Im not talking about this family in particular, im talking about general instances like these happening.

GingerNess · October 2012

MRoss1982:
GingerNess:
tartertots9725:
solsburyhill:
jakstr0808:
solsburyhill:
T&HLove:

GingerNess:
I feel horrible for that little girl. I too have been somewhat avoiding it because its makes me sick. But, it also makes me angry. I mean, how many stories like this have to happen before parents actually STOP letting their kids walk to school or go to the fair by themselves, etc. That poor girl trusted her parents to keep her safe.

umm yea, I find this extremely offensive.  

It's a horrible horrible thing that happened to that little girl but blaming the parents doesn't do any good. Nor does not letting your 10 year old walk a couple blocks to school. At some point you've got to give your kids wings to fly. Before letting them walk some place (park, school, friends house) you give them the tools to protect themselves. What to do if a stranger approaches, how to shout for help, give them a cell phone, check in when they get to their destination, whatever it is to help keep them safe. But you can lock them in the house forever. Those poor parents have been through so much, the last thing they need right now is blame that this is their fault. Because it's not, it is the fault of some sick twisted person.
  That's exactly what I was trying to say, you put it so eloquently, Sols.   

Why thank you : ) Oh and I meant to say you "CAN'T" lock them in the house forever, lol.

I agree with this. She was 10 years old, it's not like she was a 2 year old dropped off downtown to fend for herself. She was walking 2 blocks to meet with friends in what sounds like a safe community. Teenage girls are kidnapped and murdered, grown women are kidnapped and murdered, even grown men are kidnapped and murdered. It's not just younger kids. We can't lock our kids in our houses because some psychos decide to do this horrible acts.

It's like car accidents. Every time your child gets in a car they have a chance of being in a fatal car accident(a better chance than them being abducted and murdered). You can't just decide to never let your kids be in a car or drive. You teach them about safety, defensive driving, wearing their seatbelts, etc. But if some person is drunk driving and crashes and kills them, there isn't much you can do.

It's sad that as parents we have to worry about so many things with our children but it's reality. These parents are not to blame, they did what so many parents would do. They let their little girl walk two blocks to meet up with friends in broad daylight. No one could have expected this. It's not fair to blame them, especially with all they are going through.
I understand that "placing blame" may sound offensive. Its not like I am calling the parents up and personally telling them that its their fault. So I know its not "what they need." But this is how I feel about it. It really doesn't matter if they met up with friends or not, or what age they are. The parents probably did feel comfortable letting her walk to school, my question is why? Just on the news yesterday an adult woman got stabbed in the bathroom at a crowded theme park. What's make anyone think that a 10 year old girl would be safe on a street by herself? Nothing has ever happened in my neighborhood, yet I still would let T walk around the block by herself at 10, 12, or even 14. Yes, it sucks that these are the things we have to worry about now. Im not saying to lock your kid up, but im saying parents obviously need to be more careful than they used to. Someone should be walking with her, or riding the bus, or having a family conversation in the car on the way to school. There are other options that do not necessarily squash a childs development. There are too many people taking too many different kinds of drugs that make them act like they shouldn't. Random strangers cannot be trusted..anymore. Things change. When I was a kid, I could walk from door to door selling girl scout cookies. Stuff like that doesn't happen much anymore.

Ginger, are you going to walk with her everywhere? I'm sorry, but like pp says, stuff like this happens at all ages. I understand being protective of your child, but are you seriously never going to let T walk or ride her bike down the street to a friends house?

Be her mom. Teach her what to do in all types of situations. Even by this post, I still get the sense that you are placing the blame on the parents, which actually makes me sick.

Like I said, im not saying to lock you kids up, im just saying now a days, We as parents have to be more careful.

I am an adult. When I get off work at 9, a manager walks me to my car. A manager walks everyone to their car when they get off work at night. If you don't know, I work at a grocery store. It is sad to think that a grocery store could potentially be dangerous. But like I said, im not going to not work just because something could and may or may not happen, im saying to be more careful..like what we are doing.

GingerNess · October 2012

I am also not trying to start a great argument about it. Its just how I personally feel.

Me personally, I do not feel comfortable letting any of my children ride their bike too far around the neighborhood, or walk to school by themselves. But that's just me. If you feel comfortable doing it, that is fine. People parent differently all the time.

Also, I am not "blaming" the parents. Its not like they wanted this to happen. But like most people, I just merely questioned, with hearing stories like this all the time, why they would feel comfortable. I am not saying that they owe me an explanation, but I do feel horrible for that little girl.

solsburyhill · October 2012

GingerNess:
solsburyhill:
Ginger, I feel sorry for you that you are so terrified of the world. If you really think a 14 year old needs to be walked 2 blocks to the neighborhood park, you really really need to consider therapy to discuss these fears. Someday T is going to want to go to the mall with friends or to a concert or to a movie theater how are you going to handle this? Are you going to tag along and sit in the back row to protect her? Are you going to keep her locked up in the safety of your own home?
It honestly depends. Actually I have a 13 year old sister. When she wanted to go to the mall with her friends, my mom had me take her. I didn't walk with them, but I knew where they were at all times. Things like this isn't a fear. It precaution. Im not afraid, I am aware.

Oh boy.

You are telling yourself that you are aware and you are telling yourself that you are just taking precautions because that's what you've convinced yourself.

It IS fear. Fear is making you act this way. And it's not healthy to live like that and it's not fair to Taylor to grow up so sheltered because her mom is so afriad.

GingerNess · October 2012

solsburyhill:
GingerNess:
solsburyhill:
Ginger, I feel sorry for you that you are so terrified of the world. If you really think a 14 year old needs to be walked 2 blocks to the neighborhood park, you really really need to consider therapy to discuss these fears. Someday T is going to want to go to the mall with friends or to a concert or to a movie theater how are you going to handle this? Are you going to tag along and sit in the back row to protect her? Are you going to keep her locked up in the safety of your own home?
It honestly depends. Actually I have a 13 year old sister. When she wanted to go to the mall with her friends, my mom had me take her. I didn't walk with them, but I knew where they were at all times. Things like this isn't a fear. It precaution. Im not afraid, I am aware.

Oh boy.

You are telling yourself that you are aware and you are telling yourself that you are just taking precautions because that's what you've convinced yourself.

It IS fear.  Fear is making you act this way.  And it's not healthy to live like that and it's not fair to Taylor to grow up so sheltered because her mom is so afriad.

Okay. Whatever you say. Im done making my point. T will grow up just fine. She will not be "sheltered" as you say. She will get many great experiences, but she will do them safely. But thanks for your concern.

solsburyhill · October 2012

GingerNess:
solsburyhill:
GingerNess:
solsburyhill:
Ginger, I feel sorry for you that you are so terrified of the world. If you really think a 14 year old needs to be walked 2 blocks to the neighborhood park, you really really need to consider therapy to discuss these fears. Someday T is going to want to go to the mall with friends or to a concert or to a movie theater how are you going to handle this? Are you going to tag along and sit in the back row to protect her? Are you going to keep her locked up in the safety of your own home?
It honestly depends. Actually I have a 13 year old sister. When she wanted to go to the mall with her friends, my mom had me take her. I didn't walk with them, but I knew where they were at all times. Things like this isn't a fear. It precaution. Im not afraid, I am aware.

Oh boy.

You are telling yourself that you are aware and you are telling yourself that you are just taking precautions because that's what you've convinced yourself.

It IS fear. Fear is making you act this way. And it's not healthy to live like that and it's not fair to Taylor to grow up so sheltered because her mom is so afriad.
Okay. Whatever you say. Im done making my point. T will grow up just fine. She will not be "sheltered" as you say. She will get many great experiences, but she will do them safely. But thanks for your concern.

She'll just have those great experiences with mom 5 yards away keeping an eye on things ...

bets2011 · October 2012

The world is just as safe today as it was when we were kids. It's probably safer. The only difference is that with the internet and 24-hour news stations, you hear about more crimes today than you did in the past. Doesn't mean horrible things were happening any less frequently back then.

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