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Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, is one of the most notorious and prolific serial killers in American history. Active during the 1980s and 1990s, Ridgway terrorized the Pacific Northwest region, particularly the Seattle area, by targeting vulnerable young women and girls who were often involved in sex work. His heinous crimes shattered the lives of countless families, and it wasn’t until 2001 that his reign of terror finally came to an end. This introduction aims to delve into the life and crimes of this twisted individual, exploring the motives behind his actions, the methods he employed, and the investigation that ultimately led to his capture. Gary Ridgway’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals and the importance of justice in bringing closure to the victims’ loved ones.

(1949-)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Serial killer Gary Leon Ridgway was born on February 18, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He held a job painting trucks for 30 years and was married three times. He began murdering women in 1982 and was caught in 2001 when a DNA test revealed a match. Ridgway told investigators he killed as many as 75-80 women along Route 99 in south King County, Washington. He was convicted and received multiple life sentences.

Background

Gary Leon Ridgway was born on February 18, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Raised near Seattle’s Pacific Highway, a deprived neighborhood near SeaTac airport, Ridgway was a poor student and was sent to Vietnam after high school. When he returned, he got a job painting trucks, which he kept for 30 years. Though he married three times and was fanatical about religion, Ridgway was a frequent customer of prostitutes.

Green River Killings

Ridgway’s slayings began in 1982, when young runaways and prostitutes began disappearing from state Route 99 in south King County, Washington. He brought many of them to his home and strangled them, then left them in woodsy, remote sites. The first few bodies turned up along the now-notorious Green River.

Dubbed the Green River Killer, Ridgway eluded the law until 2001, when King County sheriff Dave Reichert, the first officer assigned to the case in 1982, called a meeting to re-examine evidence using newly developed DNA-testing technology. The analysis produced a match between evidence from the victims and Ridgway, and he was charged with four counts of aggravated murder in December 2001. Ridgway eventually pleaded guilty to 49 counts of aggravated first-degree murder.

Multiple Life Sentences

Facing the prospect of execution, Ridgway made a deal with investigators to revealed where he’d hidden the bodies of several of the young women who’d never been found while also agreeing to plead guilty to any future cases where his confession could be substantiated by evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison in December 2003, having committed more murders than any serial killer in U.S. history.

An additional body was found in 2011, with Ridgway receiving another life sentence. In 2013, he claimed in an interview with a news media outlet that he had murdered 75-80 women, with speculation over Ridgway was telling the truth or seeking further attention.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Gary Ridgway
Birth Year: 1949
Birth date: February 18, 1949
Birth State: Utah
Birth City: Salt Lake City
Birth Country: United States
Gender: Male
Best Known For: Serial killer Gary Leon Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, murdered at least 49 women in Washington state before he was caught in 2001.
Industries

Crime and Terrorism

Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Occupations

Murderer

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CITATION INFORMATION

Article Title: Gary Ridgway Biography
Author: Biography.com Editors
Website Name: The Biography.com website
Url: https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/gary-ridgway
Access Date:
Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
Last Updated: August 13, 2021
Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

In conclusion, Gary Ridgway is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. His heinous crimes and the immense number of victims he claimed during his spree shocked the nation. Ridgway’s ability to elude capture for such a long period of time highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing serial killers to justice. The investigation and eventual apprehension of Ridgway serves as a reminder of the tireless dedication and commitment of the detectives, forensic experts, and the criminal justice system in ensuring justice is served. Ridgway’s case also exposes the need for improved information sharing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to prevent such individuals from slipping through the cracks. The legacy of Gary Ridgway serves as a constant reminder of the evil that can lurk among us, and the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting our communities.