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Riggs enters guilty plea in murder case
Tuesday, July 30th, brought a sense of closure to the family and friends of Paula Ferbrache after two years of uncertainty in the court process. Mrs. Ferbrache was reported missing on Aug 25, 2017, and was found in the trunk of her abandoned car with a total of eight stab wounds, in a field behind her home on August 26, 2017, after not returning home from work.
The first long anticipated jury trial was brought to a screeching halt after less than a week of testimony by law enforcement and professionals that were called to the stand by the prosecution. Judge Nancy Baskin was left with no choice when Mr. Kormanik, and Elmore County Public Defender Terry Ratliff, Riggs’ defense team called for a mistrial on February 21, 2019.
The evidence that was introduced to the court had not been presented using proper court procedural law which caused the mistrial. The defense team had not had the opportunity to call any of their witnesses, due to the fact that the state had yet to finish calling their witnesses and presenting all of their evidence and testimony. Prior to the mistrial, strong evidence was presented that included the victim’s blood in Riggs’ pickup, his bloody handprint on the trunk of Ferbrache’s vehicle and other miscellaneous items that were tied to Riggs and his home. Elmore County Prosecutor Daniel Page reiterated to the court at Tuesday’s hearing the strong evidence against Riggs that had been presented back in February.
A second trial in June of 2019, was cancelled due to another unexpected delay and a change of the seated judge. Judge Thomas Ryan then ordered mediation to take place prior to the scheduled Aug. 8th jury trial.
During the Tuesday morning proceedings, Judge Ryan stated that after the prior mediation, the status hearing was changed to a Change of Plea Hearing. Riggs had accepted the State’s plea agreement, in exchange for the charge of Murder I being reduced to Murder II. Riggs was then asked a series of questions, to satisfy the Judge’s understanding that he (Riggs) completely understood all the charges against him and did willingly enter into the agreement. The State then reviewed the evidence in the case and Riggs was asked to verbally acknowledge that he understood it. He again said that he understood the evidence against him and that he also understood that a jury would more than likely find him guilty.
By taking an Alford plea agreement, referencing North Carolina vs. Alford, 400 U.S. 25 (1970) he was pleading guilty without admitting guilt in exchange for reduced charges.
At the satisfaction of the defendant, his council and the court, a sentencing date was scheduled for October 29, 2019.
The state is recommending 45 years with 20 years fixed and 25 years indeterminate. This means that he will serve at a minimum of 20 years and the balance to be determined at the completion 20 years. Judge Ryan informed Riggs that the maximum sentence for the charge of Murder II is life in prison with a $50,000 fine, but he will be going with the State’s recommendation.
Speaking with friends of the victim after today’s proceedings, they were asked if they were satisfied with today’s results. They said “ that justice was not done and they felt it was a slap in the face”.
The family of Mrs. Ferbrache was not present in the courtroom for the hearing.