Balloon release honors 10-year-old killed in Colorado

INDEPENDENCE, Colo. - More than 50 people released balloons Saturday in Jessica Ridgeway's honor.

The 10-year-old was abducted and killed by an unknown person in Arvada, Colo. Police officers announced Friday that a body found in a rural area outside Denver was that of Jessica.

Jessica's father lives in Independence, Mo.

Supporters gathered to release purple and green balloons at McCoy Park in Independence. The attendees wore purple ribbons scribbled with Jessica's name.

Several were distant relatives or complete strangers, but they tell 41 Action News that they gathered for justice. They hope whoever killed Ridgeway is put behind bars.

"There are not even words to express how we would feel to know the person or persons responsible for this are behind bars and justice is served so they can't do this to another kid," Catherine Tiedman, one of Jessica's second cousins, said.

Kathy Moss, another second cousin to Jessica, thanked the Kansas City community for its support.

"The community around here, even though Jessica was not from here, loves her. This community really cares about Jessica," she said.

Jessica's friends and family in Colorado held a similar balloon release Saturday.