Lecture Notes: Gary Ridgway, The Green River Killer

Introduction

• Discussion on infamous criminals: crime, conspiracy, cults, serial killers, murder.
• Focus on Gary Ridgway, aka the Green River Killer.
• Notorious for a high number of confirmed and unconfirmed killings.
• Ridgway relished the idea that his victims would never be found.

Early Life

• Birthplace and Date: Born 1949, Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Family Background: Post-WWII America, economic boom, and conservative Salt Lake City.
• Parental Influence:
  • Father, Thomas Newton Ridgway, a bus driver.
  • Mother, Mary Rita Ridgway, worked in retail and was allegedly abusive.
  • Gary had complex feelings towards his mother, ranging from sensual fantasies to murderous thoughts.

Troubled Youth

• Behavioral patterns included throwing rocks, killing animals, and eventually stabbing another boy.
• Escalated to thoughts of killing his mother.
• Graduated high school at 20; married his girlfriend, Claudia Craig Barrows.

Marriages and Relationships

• Three marriages: Claudia, Marcia Laureen Brown, and Judith.
• Had a son, Matthew, with Marcia.
• Divorce from Claudia followed military service; known for visiting prostitutes.

Path to Murder

• First murders discovered in 1982, bodies found in the Green River, Washington.
• Early victims include Wendy Lee Caulfield and Deborah Lynn Bonner.
• Consistent pattern of abducting and murdering women from the SeaTac area.

Criminal Method and Victims

• Methods included strangulation and using victims’ clothes as murder weapons.
• Targeted prostitutes; the majority of victims were found near Seattle.
• Known for dumping bodies in clusters; revisited sites as a landmark.

Capture and Trial

• 1987: Became a suspect but insufficient evidence prevented arrest.
• 2001: DNA advancements linked Ridgway to the murders.
• Arrested and charged in 2001 after DNA evidence confirmed his guilt.
• Plea deal in 2003 to avoid the death penalty; admitted to 48 murders.
• Sentenced to 48 consecutive life sentences.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Ridgway's double life: appeared as a family man, but was a prolific killer.
• Notoriety led to media coverage, documentaries, and cultural references.
• Ongoing investigations continue to identify more victims.
• Considered one of the deadliest convicted serial killers in America.

Conclusion

• Highlights the deceptive nature of serial killers living double lives.
• Ongoing concern of active serial killers remains relevant.
• Emphasizes the challenges in detecting long-term, serial crimes.