Gerald Ross Pizzuto: Murders in Washington and Idaho
Background and Early Criminal History
Gerald Ross Pizzuto Jr. was born on January 11, 1956, in Orland, California. Before committing the murders for which he became widely known, Pizzuto accumulated a serious criminal record marked by violence. In 1975, he was convicted in Michigan of kidnapping and raping a woman at gunpoint. He received a prison sentence of 20 to 40 years but was released on parole after serving approximately nine years.
After his release in 1984, Pizzuto violated the conditions of his parole and left Michigan. He eventually reached Washington, where he became involved in robberies, drug activity and two murders in Seattle. Within several months, he traveled to the remote mountains of Idaho and murdered two additional victims during the robbery of a prospecting cabin.
The Murder of Rita Drury
On March 16, 1985, 51-year-old Rita Drury was caring for her granddaughter at a residence in Seattle, Washington. Pizzuto and an associate, John Rodewald, entered the home intending to commit a robbery. Drury was overpowered and killed while the men searched the residence for money.
The attackers stole approximately $200 before leaving. Drury had been strangled during the robbery. Her death was especially disturbing because she was attacked inside a home while performing the ordinary and trusting act of babysitting a family member.
Rodewald was initially charged with first-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to robbery and agreed to testify against Pizzuto. Prosecutors used his testimony to establish Pizzuto's direct participation in the fatal attack. Pizzuto was eventually convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Drury's death.
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