Missing Woman Texted 'He's Going to Kill Me.' Her Killer Made Sure Nobody Would Find Her — Until They Did

• Frederick Wiggington Jr. was found guilty this month of murdering his wife, Elsie Wiggington, in Amherst, Va.
• Elsie was reported missing in June 2023. Her remains were found buried on the couple’s property more than a year later in August 2024
• Elsie was a mother of two and worked in nursing for nearly three decades, her obituary says

A Virginia man was convicted this month of murdering his wife, whose remains were found buried under a concrete slab on the couple’s property more than a year after she was reported missing.

Frederick Wiggington Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the death of his wife, Elsie Wiggington, the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office announced in a statement shared on May 2.

Elsie, 45, was reported missing on June 26, 2023, the sheriff’s office previously said in a press release. More than a year later, on Aug. 14, 2024, her remains were found while authorities were searching a property in Amherst, Va., per the release. Frederick, then 37, was arrested and initially charged with concealment of a dead body.

Family told WSET-TV at the time that Elsie’s remains were buried under a concrete slab at the couple’s property, though authorities did not confirm that.

Before she went missing, Elsie reportedly had concerns about Frederick. She texted her foster sister saying, “He’s going to kill me,” and planned to travel to Maryland to live with her, WSLS-TV reported, citing family. But she never made it to Maryland.

According to court documents obtained by WSET-TV, Elsie filed for divorce from Frederick in June 2020, claiming he was cheating on her with his ex-wife, Patricia Wiggington. 

Public records reviewed by PEOPLE show the divorce is in a “nonsuit” status, meaning the court dismissed the case.

Patricia is also facing charges in connection with Elsie’s death, according to court records cited by WSET-TV and WBDJ. Authorities allege in a criminal complaint that Patricia, who moved in with Frederick around the time Elsie went missing, lied to investigators about Elsie’s whereabouts, WBDJ reported.

PEOPLE couldn’t immediately confirm the current status of the charges, which include obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact, according to WSET-TV. It’s unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. Patricia was released on bond in January 2025, per WBDJ.

While a motive was not outlined during the trial, an inmate at Halifax County Adult Detention Center, where Frederick was being held, testified that Frederick admitted to killing his wife in June 2023, WSET-TV reported. Frederick’s defense argued the evidence at play was circumstantial at best, per the outlet.

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According to her obituary, Elsie was a mother of two and worked in nursing for nearly three decades, most recently as the Director of Nursing at Fairmont Crossing Health and Rehab in Amherst.

In a GoFundMe campaign created after her death, Elsie’s loved ones remembered her as someone who “doted on her grandchildren and devoted her time to members in her community that were in need.”