DA seeks to open hearing in Jessica Ridgeway case

The district attorney prosecuting a teen charged with killing a Westminster girl who was abducted on her way to school says the teen’s preliminary hearing should remain public.

The Denver Post reports District Attorney Scott Storey has filed a motion asking Judge Stephen Munsinger to reconsider his decision to close Austin Sigg’s preliminary hearing, scheduled for February. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Jessica Ridgeway in October and of attacking a jogger in Jessica’s neighborhood in May.

Munsinger had decided to close the hearing, saying he didn’t want media coverage of the hearing to influence potential jurors. Sigg’s attorney had cited extensive media coverage of the case.

Storey argues the public has the right to know how the case is proceeding.

Media organizations also are contesting Munsinger’s decision.