Bike & Car Cruise To Raise Money For Jessica Ridgeway's Family
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - While police continue to search for Jessica Ridgeway's killer, the community is keeping the 10-year-old's memory alive as a Westminster bike and car cruise is expected to raise thousands of dollars.
The motorcycle club is getting revved up for a good cause. In less than 24 hours they'll be cruising through Westminster in support of Ridgeway's family.
"I wanted to get the community together to show this family that we are a community and we are behind their back," organizer Tim Beckwith said.
When Beckwith heard of Ridgeway's murder it hit close to home. He has a daughter near Ridgeway's age and wanted to do something to help.
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"It was devastating, devastating. I feel for the family so much," he said.
He contacted Quaker Steak and Lube to organize a bike and car ride. Manager Mark Galinsky knew he wanted to take part.
"It was an immediate 'yes' and it was a horrible situation that happened to a great community, so why wouldn't we want to help?" Galinsky said.
From there it spread. Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend. Beckwith plans to lead the 10-mile ride while wearing a purple helmet, Ridgeway's favorite color. Everyone that attends will ride through her neighborhood.
"We're going to go out and go around the neighborhood," Beckwith said. "We're going to show our support to the neighborhood. They're going to be able to see us."
It's the least the group feels they can do in honor of a little girl gone too soon.
Registration for the cruise is $20. It starts at noon Sunday at the Quaker Steak and Lube near 104th and Church Ranch Road. All money raised goes directly to Ridgeway's family.
Westminster Police Ridgeway Case Tip Line: (303) 658-4336 or pdamberalert@cityofwestminster.us
Jessica Ridgeway Murder Timeline
- Jessica Ridgeway, 10, disappeared on her way to school on the morning of Oct. 5. After leaving home on foot, she never met up with friends she normally walks to school with at Chelsea Park. The park is about three blocks from her home and about a mile from the school.
- When she didn't arrive at Witt Elementary School in Westminster, Jefferson County Schools officials tried to contact her mother. They made a call at 10 a.m. but were only able to leave a voicemail. Ridgeway's mother, who works an overnight shift and sleeps during the day, didn't get the message until 4:30 p.m. and immediately contacted Westminster police.
- It took about five hours before the protocols were met in the case for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to call an Amber Alert.
- Ridgeway's backpack was found on the sidewalk near Alpha Court and Andrew Drive in the Rock Creek neighborhood in Superior. That's 6.4 miles away from her home. It's unknown so far at what point the backpack wound up there.
- The CBI analyzed the backpack for DNA evidence and collected evidence from Ridgeway's home for comparison.
- Searches were taking place around Jessica's home and her school, as well as in open space areas in Westminster. Another area that underwent an extensive search was Rock Creek and open space areas near there.
- A day after their tearful televised plea for help and thanks to the community, police on Oct. 10 ruled out Ridgeway's parents as being involved in her disappearance. Police said Ridgeway may have been abducted by an unknown suspect.
- Late in the day on Oct. 11 Ridgeway's body is found in Arvada on Highway near Pattridge Park Open Space and Highway 93, about seven miles from Ridgeway's home.
