Gary Leon Ridgway

Serial Killer

Gary Leon Ridgway: The Green River Killer

Introduction

Gary Leon Ridgway, also known as the "Green River Killer," is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Active primarily in Washington state during the 1980s and 1990s, Ridgway was convicted of murdering 49 women, though he has confessed to killing more than 70. His crimes went undetected for decades, making him one of the most elusive serial killers in history.

Crimes and Methods

Ridgway targeted vulnerable women, particularly sex workers and runaways, in the Seattle and Tacoma areas. He would lure his victims into his vehicle, often under the guise of offering money for sex. Once alone, he would strangle them—sometimes using a ligature, other times with his bare hands. Many of his victims were dumped near the Green River, which led to his infamous nickname.

List of Victims

Below is a list of some of Ridgway's identified victims, along with the dates and locations where they were last seen or found.

• Wendy Lee Coffield - Last seen: July 8, 1982. Body found in the Green River, Washington.
• Gisele Ann Lovvorn - Last seen: July 17, 1982. Body found near the Green River.
• Debra Lynn Bonner - Last seen: July 25, 1982. Body found in the Green River.
• Marcia Faye Chapman - Last seen: August 1, 1982. Body found in the Green River.
• Cynthia Jean Hinds - Last seen: August 11, 1982. Body found in the Green River.
• Opal Charmaine Mills - Last seen: August 12, 1982. Body found in the Green River.
• Carol Ann Christensen - Last seen: May 3, 1983. Body found near a wooded area in King County, Washington.
• Denise Darcel Bush - Last seen: October 8, 1982. Remains found in 1985.
• Shirley Marie Sherrill - Last seen: October 20, 1982. Body found in 1985.
• Patricia Michelle Barczak - Last seen: October 17, 1986. Body found in 1993.

...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (49)

Wendy Coffield Age: (16), Date of Death: 1982-07-08

    ...View 48 additional victims
Suspected Victims:

Michelle Age: (Unknown), Date of Death: 1980-12

Kristi Vorak Age: (13), Date of Death: 1982-10-31

Linda Jackson Age: (20), Date of Death: 1983-05-05

Patricia Leblanc Age: (15), Date of Death: 1983-08-12

Rose Marie Kurran Age: (16), Date of Death: 1987-08-26

Darci Warde Age: (16), Date of Death: 1990-04-24

Deborah Wims Age: (31), Date of Death: 1990-10-25

Cora McGuirk Age: (22), Date of Death: 1991-07-12

Gary Ridgway - Wikipedia

    ...View 19 additional sources