AMHERST COUNTY, Va – A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the tragic death of Elsie Wiggington. Patricia Wiggington, the ex-wife of Frederick Wiggington—who is already in custody facing charges for Elsie’s murder—was arrested on January 12th. She is now facing charges of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.
This arrest comes after Frederick Wiggington was charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm while committing a felony in connection with Elsie’s death. Authorities say Patricia Wiggington’s arrest was triggered by discrepancies in her statements during multiple interviews conducted by investigators.
“We had strong suspicions anyway, we just had to get there,” said Jimmy Ayers, sheriff of Amherst County. “And it took some time to get there. That’s merely how it is, the continuation of interviews and whatnot, and then going back and corroborating statements that were made and stalemate that were previously made and that led us to where we are today.”
The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office said these inconsistencies led them to seek the warrants for her arrest.
Elsie Wiggington’s sister, Victoria Seal, said the news of the arrest was a relief: “It was a good feeling, we knew it was coming, we had to trust the process, but it’s rewarding knowing that justice is going to be served.”
Seal had suspected Patricia’s involvement from the start: “I think it was pretty obvious from the beginning when the timelines came together, with her moving in shortly after everything. I think it was just kind of evident just after the facts came together that the timelines and stuff like that gave us confirmation.”
She believes Patricia’s involvement in the crime goes beyond what she’s been charged with: “I do, I think she was the brains behind it.”
A year ago, the new administration at the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office reopened the investigation. When asked if she believed Elsie would still be alive if the former administration had acted sooner, Seal said, “I can’t say that she would still be here today, but I can say they didn’t take it seriously.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact their office.