Conviction: Arrest

In March of 2001, DNA samples taken from the victims finally showed a match to Gary Ridgway. Police were finally able to arrest the man known as the Green River killer. Police waited and set a trap, believing he could possibly be linked to two more murders. They set him up under sporadic surveillance. Two months later, Ridgway was once again caught soliciting an undercover cop disguised as a prostitute. This time, police arrested for solicitation and the murder of four victims: Mills, Chapman, Christensen, and Hinds. (Catching the Green River Killer) These charges consisted of four counts of murder in the first degree. He was taken to the King County Jail where he was booked. When questioned, Ridgway claimed that he never had any encounters whatsoever with any of the alleged victims. Police then worked even harder to secure the evidence they needed to keep him there. They were granted search warrants. Police excavated Ridgway’s home and yard. There they came upon several remains scattered in his yard and the surrounding forest area. These remains were identified as those of victims Bonner and Estes, who had previously reported against the murderer. They also discovered paint particles in his truck that matched previous victims. A mattress, as well as an old carpet that were stained with blood was found in an old storage shed. (Catching the Green River Killer) Ridgway was then charged with three more counts of murder in the first degree, giving him a total of seven charges before his trial in 2003. Ridgway was moved from King County Jail to an undisclosed location.