Who Was the Green River Killer
The Green River Killer is the name given to Gary Ridgway, a serial killer who murdered numerous women in Washington State during the 1980s and 1990s. He targeted sex workers and vulnerable women, often dumping their bodies along the Green River.
Investigation and Capture
Law enforcement formed the Green River Task Force in 1982 to investigate the killings. The case remained unsolved for decades until advances in DNA technology allowed authorities to link Ridgway to multiple crimes. He was arrested in 2001 and later pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty.
Victims and Case Impact
The Green River Killer is believed to have murdered more than 40 women, making it one of the deadliest serial killer cases in U.S. history. The investigation highlighted challenges in identifying victims and solving cold cases, and it led to improved protocols for handling missing persons and homicide investigations. For more details, see the FBI case overview at fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/green-river-killer.
