Gary Ridgway: The Green River Killer

Gary Leon Ridgway (b. 1949) confessed to murdering 71 women in the Seattle‑Tacoma area between 1982 and 1998; investigators suspect the toll may near 90. He targeted vulnerable young women, many involved in prostitution. DNA breakthroughs led to his 2001 arrest. He is serving life without parole at Washington State Penitentiary.