A Virginia man, Frederick Lewis Wiggington, Jr., has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his estranged wife, Elsie Mae Wiggington, in Amherst County. The 38-year-old man was convicted in May of first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The case, which captured the attention of many, was marked by chilling events and a disturbing confession.
The Murder and Discovery of the Body
Elsie Wiggington’s tragic death began to unfold on June 23, 2023, when she sent a final message to her foster sister, saying, “He’s going to kill me.” Elsie indicated that she was planning to leave her husband and move to Maryland to live with her foster sister, but just days later, she went missing. A few days later, her daughter received a text message from someone pretending to be Elsie, leading family members to report her missing on June 26.
Over a year later, on August 14, 2024, Elsie’s remains were discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property on Pendleton Drive in Amherst County. Her estranged husband, Frederick, was arrested and initially charged with concealing a dead body.
Greeley’s Confession and Lack of Remorse
During the investigation, a key witness came forward—an inmate who claimed that Frederick Wiggington admitted to the murder and said he had planned to frame Elsie’s brother for the crime. According to the inmate, Wiggington said he killed his wife because she was leaving him and that he thought he would gain fame from the crime, even saying, “I’m going to be on Dateline.”
The inmate described Wiggington as someone who lacked remorse, stating, “He ain’t got no remorse, he don’t give a damn.” This chilling lack of empathy contributed to the prosecution’s case, as they argued that Wiggington planned and executed the murder with the intent to control his wife.
Previous Legal Issues and Strained Relationship
The relationship between Frederick and Elsie Wiggington had been troubled for some time. The two were married in April 2019, but they separated in June 2020 after Elsie accused Frederick of adultery. She filed for divorce and sought to break free from a pattern of abusive behavior. Court documents reveal that Frederick had forged Elsie’s signature to take ownership of her mobile home and staged a robbery in September 2019 to steal property, including guns and jewelry, which he took to his ex-wife’s home.
Elsie’s desire to escape the toxic relationship was clear. Despite these actions, she remained a dedicated mother and grandmother, always showing love and care for her children and community.
The Sentencing
In exchange for his guilty plea, several charges were dropped, including charges for criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse. However, Frederick Wiggington was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Elsie Mae Wiggington and the death of their unborn child, who was also killed in the attack. The court’s decision was made clear: there would be no chance for reconciliation or redemption for the defendant.
Elsie’s Legacy
Elsie was remembered by her family as a devoted mother, grandmother, and nurse, who was committed to her community. A GoFundMe page set up in her memory shared the impact of her life, noting that she was a victim of domestic violence who tried to escape her abuser. Her family described her as someone who always doted on her grandchildren and supported those in need, highlighting the devastating loss felt by her loved ones.
The case of Frederick Wiggington, who murdered his wife, Elsie Mae Wiggington, and concealed her body under a concrete slab, serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence. Elsie’s efforts to escape her abusive marriage were tragically cut short. With her murderer now sentenced to life in prison, justice has been served, but the deep scars of loss remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
