Colo. teen pleads not guilty in girl’s slaying

A Colorado teen has pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping in the slaying and dismemberment of a 10-year-old girl – despite police testimony that he has confessed.

Austin Sigg entered the not guilty plea Friday in the death of Jessica Ridgeway in the Denver suburb of Westminster.

Jessica disappeared while walking to school on Oct. 5, leading parents to take extraordinary precautions to keep their children safe. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious behavior by neighbors.

Sigg’s not guilty plea came despite his alleged confession and the discovery of some of the girl’s remains at his home.

He faces life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years if convicted. Sigg, who is 18, cannot face the death penalty because he was 17 at the time of the slaying.