CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Butler County woman, acquitted on charges that she murdered a New York socialite in Panama two years ago, returned to the United States Thursday night.
Debra Ridgley, of Zelienople, flew into Cleveland, Ohio, to spend time with her son and his family, including a grandchild she has never seen.
"God bless the United States, my family, my friends," Ridgley said as she returned home.
Ridgley remained in a Panamanian prison for more than two years, accused in the murder of Toni Grossi-Abrams, formerly of Carrick.
She was acquitted over the weekend.
Ridgley said Grossi-Abrams, who was also her landlord in Panama, was alive and well when she left her in apartment with two Colombian men.
Grossi-Abram's body was later found stabbed, dismembered and had organs removed.
Ridgley said one of the men in Grossi-Abrams apartment has since been arrested.
Ridley was clearly ready to move on as she exited the airport.
"I can't wait to see my father -- the love of my life -- and my grandfather, my brother and my daughter, everyone," said Ridgley.
Ridgley's son, Joe, who visited his mother during her time in Panama, said he knows the case has been difficult on the victim's family.
"My family is deeply sorry for everything they went through, but my mother had nothing to do with it," said Joe Ridgley.
Friday Update
On Friday, Ridgley recalled the 30 days following her arrest spent in a Panama jail cell crammed with 20 other people.
"They had quite a few cockroaches that would bite the side of your mouth, they fed on saliva. It was a terrifying experience," said Ridgley.
Ridgley said she was then moved to a penitentiary, where she became close friends with her roommate, went to church and formed a choir.
More than two years later and a trial lasting more than 26 hours, Ridgley said she heard the verdict she thought she never would.
"I just couldn't believe it. I raised both arms to Jesus Christ. I ran for the jury and they weren't allowed to talk to me. I grabbed a little chubby one and put my arms around her and said, 'You did the right thing,' and she said, 'We know that you are innocent,'" said Ridgley.
Another blessing for Ridgley was watching her roommate walk away a free woman.
"The good thing is she walked out of there the day before I did," said Ridgley.
Ridgley said she didn't realize the impact she had in the penitentiary until she left.
"There were 500 inmates screaming my name and making me feel really good," said Ridgley.
But nothing compares to being home again.
"I haven't missed a beat. I'm back with my family I love them," said Ridgley.
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