Gary Ridgway The Green River Killer

Gary Ridgway, known as “The Green River Killer,” is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Operating primarily in Washington State during the 1980s and 1990s, Ridgway confessed to murdering 71 women, though estimates suggest his total number of victims may exceed 90. His crimes, marked by prolonged periods of evasion and manipulation, instilled fear across multiple communities and frustrated law enforcement for years. Ridgway’s case is notable not only for the staggering number of victims but also for his ability to maintain a seemingly normal life while committing repeated murders. This paper will examine Gary Ridgway’s background, his motives and methods of murder, his capture, trial, and the psychological elements that contributed to his crimes.