Gary Ridgway, known as the “Green River Killer,” was booked into the King County Jail in Washington state on Monday morning. The reasons for his transfer remain undisclosed.
Ridgway, who admitted in 2003 to killing 49 women in King County between 1982 and 1998, was booked into the jail just after 10:40 a.m. on an institutional hold initiated by the King County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by FOX 13 in Seattle.
Previously, Ridgway was serving 49 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.
👀👀👀DEVELOPING: @komonews confirms Gary Ridgway, better known as the GREEN RIVER KILLER, is BACK in at the King County Jail after being locked up at the state pen in Walla Walla for 2 decades. @kingcosoPIO staying tight lipped about why Ridgway is back here after so many… pic.twitter.com/KNNjOONB3h
— Ryan Simms (@RyanTVnews) September 9, 2024
The move to a lower-level jail has sparked questions, but officials have not clarified the reason behind Ridgway’s transfer.
In 2003, Ridgway pleaded guilty to the murders of Denise Bush, Shirley Sherrill, and 47 other victims, later confessing to a 49th murder. He admitted to 71 killings, though investigators suspect the actual number is higher.
In December, authorities identified one of his victims as 15-year-old Lori Anne Razpotnik, who disappeared from Lewis County in 1982. Her remains were discovered in 1985 on a road embankment in Auburn, alongside two other unidentified victims, labelled “Bones 16” and “Bones 17.”
Through DNA testing in 2012, “Bones 16” was identified as Sandra Majors. The identity of “Bones 17” remained unknown until Virginia-based Parabon Nanolabs developed a new DNA profile, identifying the remains as Razpotnik. This was confirmed by a DNA sample from Razpotnik’s mother.
In 2001, DNA evidence linked Ridgway to the murders, leading him to the site where the three victims were found. “Bones 16” and “Bones 17” were among the 48 murders he pleaded guilty to in 2003. Most of his victims were young female runaways or sex workers.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Kent Reporter reports that Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, was recently booked into the King County Correctional Facility after a state prison transfer, possibly for another murder case.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Gary Ridgway transferred to the King County Jail?
The reasons for Gary Ridgway’s transfer are unknown.
How many life sentences is Gary Ridgway serving?
Gary Ridgway is serving 49 consecutive life sentences.
When did Gary Ridgway plead guilty to the murders?
Gary Ridgway pleaded guilty in 2003.
Who was recently identified as one of Ridgway’s victims?
15-year-old Lori Anne Razpotnik was recently identified.
How many murders has Gary Ridgway confessed to?
Gary Ridgway has confessed to 71 murders.