Bail denied for man accused of killing his wife in Amherst County

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Bail was denied Monday morning during a hearing for the suspect in the murder of an Amherst County woman.

Frederick Wiggington Jr. is accused of the premeditated murder of Elsie Wiggington, whose remains were found on the family property more than a year after she was reported missing.

Fred Wiggington is also charged with using a firearm in the commission of a crime and concealing a corpse. He is in the custody of the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.

Victoria Seal, Elsie’s stepsister, made this statement:

“No bail is a victory for Elsie and a huge step forward – towards justice for Elsie. It was great to see Fred today, our eyes met, he could feel my presence, he knows Elsie lives on in her family. Fred could see Elsie deep in my eyes, he finally gets the chance to experience Elsie's wrath.

Fred had no choice but to be in the same room with me today and at every court hearing. Today Fred felt how much justice for Elsie threatens his life, he knows that it is now a reality.

The target here is a life sentence, because what he took with him was an innocent life, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a friend, a positive example of love and life for the community of Amherst and all the other places where Elsie was present. Even as a total stranger, Elsie resembled the love our mother taught us as children.

Elsie I love you sister and I'm sorry this happened to you. I won't stop until justice is served 😞

The candlelight vigil will be held tonight (August 26) at 7:30 p.m. (at the Amherst County Courthouse). We will celebrate your wonderful energy and the love you shared will live on forever in your family and your community.”

Tracey Coleman, Elsie’s foster sister, made this statement:

“We are grateful that Frederick Wiggington was denied bail this morning. By taking this step, the court is not only ensuring that he cannot flee from justice, but it is also protecting other members of the community. There is no telling what people are capable of when they are desperately trying to avoid accountability for their actions. We never know what lengths someone is truly prepared to go to in order to keep their freedom and continue to flee. I am relieved from the bottom of my heart because I feel that we are one step closer to justice for Elsie.”

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