In a chilling case that has stunned even veteran law enforcement, a Florida man was arrested for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, followed by an elaborate attempt to cover up the crime with lies, surveillance, and misdirection.
Andrew Ridgeway, 46, now faces homicide charges in Florida after investigators uncovered shocking evidence that he not only killed his girlfriend, Stacy Powell, but also constructed a disturbing false narrative to mislead police and conceal his actions.
The Disappearance That Sparked a Frantic Investigation
Stacy Powell, 49, vanished on February 4 after failing to log in for her remote job. Two days later, concerned coworkers filed a missing person report. Responding officers went to Powell’s home in Auburndale, where they encountered a handyman making cabinet repairs.
The man explained the house appeared empty, but as police looked further, a suspicious detail emerged—Powell had not contacted anyone, and her personal belongings remained untouched.
What initially looked like a missing persons case soon evolved into something far more sinister.
Security Cameras and a Suspicious Phone Call
As police continued investigating, Ridgeway made an unexpected call to the handyman on-site. Authorities later revealed that Ridgeway had installed security cameras at Powell’s residence, enabling him to monitor police activity in real time.
During his call, Ridgeway feigned surprise and claimed he was in North Carolina with Powell’s grandmother. He added that Powell had flown to Jamaica on February 5 to visit her sick father.
But detectives quickly dismantled his story.
The Lies Begin to Unravel
Powell’s father, contacted by police, confirmed he lived in North Carolina—not Jamaica—and had not heard from his daughter. Her grandmother, Ridgeway’s supposed travel companion, lived in Florida.
With the alibi shattered, suspicions intensified. Investigators searched Powell’s home again—this time, they uncovered chilling evidence of a violent and fatal assault.
A Grisly Crime Scene Shocks Investigators
Inside the house, police discovered clear signs of a brutal struggle. According to Auburndale Police Chief Terry Storie, the scene was so horrifying that forensic teams needed until the following day to positively identify the remains.
Authorities believe Ridgeway killed Powell on February 4—the same day she failed to report for work. The evidence suggested a savage attack, one that left even seasoned officers deeply shaken.
Captured Across State Lines
On February 7, police located Ridgeway in Augusta, Georgia. He was driving Powell’s car when law enforcement apprehended him without incident. His arrest marked the end of a tense, multi-state manhunt—but only the beginning of a complicated legal process.
Ridgeway now faces charges for homicide and for providing false information during a criminal investigation. Although his record contains prior misdemeanors, nothing in his history hinted at the violence he allegedly unleashed.
A Calculated Web of Deceit
Police believe Ridgeway meticulously planned not just the crime, but the cover-up. From security cameras to carefully planted lies, he tried to manipulate the narrative and avoid suspicion.
However, small inconsistencies—like his fabricated timeline and contradictions in his location—unraveled his story within hours.
Chief Storie emphasized the disturbing level of premeditation involved. “This wasn’t just a moment of rage. It was a calculated, savage act,” he said during a press briefing.
A Community Mourns While Justice Awaits
As investigators work to piece together Powell’s final moments, her friends, family, and coworkers mourn a life taken far too soon. Described as compassionate and dependable, Powell had worked tirelessly and maintained close bonds with her colleagues.
“She didn’t deserve this,” one coworker said. “No one does.”
Ridgeway remains in custody while awaiting extradition back to Florida, where he will face trial.
FAQs
Who is Andrew Ridgeway?
He is a 46-year-old Florida man now facing charges for the murder of his girlfriend, Stacy Powell, after an attempted cover-up.
What evidence tied Ridgeway to the murder?
Investigators found evidence of a violent struggle at Powell’s home. Ridgeway also had Powell’s vehicle and was caught lying about his whereabouts.
Did Ridgeway have a criminal history?
Yes, but his previous offenses were misdemeanors. Nothing in his record predicted the level of violence in this case.
How was he caught?
Police located him in Georgia while he was driving Powell’s car. They arrested him without incident.
What false story did Ridgeway tell?
He claimed Powell flew to Jamaica to visit her ailing father. In reality, her father was in North Carolina and had no contact with her.
Is Ridgeway in jail now?
Yes. He is currently awaiting extradition to Florida where he faces homicide charges.