Conviction: Trial

On April 3, 2003, Gary Ridgway pleaded not guilty to seven counts of murder in the first degree. Ridgway continued to claim “not guilty” for the beginning duration of his trial. Three more sets of remains were found, which were also added to his growing set of charges. The state prosecuted Ridgway, seeking the death penalty on all counts of murder. Ridgway and his lawyer were forced to sit there and listen as police revealed piece after incriminating piece of evidence that would help them win the case. But Ridgway continued to plead “not guilty.” After things became apparent that Rigway would not be off, but would indeed receive the death penalty, a deal between the state and the defense was made. Rumors stating that Ridgway had agreed to cooperate in exchange for a lesser sentence surfaced. The remains of yet another victim were uncovered during the time of the trial, which only strengthened these rumors. However, on November 5, 2003, Ridgway, in an attempt to escape the death penalty, pled “guilty” to the murder of 49 local Seattle women. All of which were prostitutes. His plea was taken in exchange for a life without parole sentence, a tactic detective Reichert believed would help the police uncover the remains of the rest of the unidentified victims and bring justice to their families. (Catching the Green River Killer) Ridgway was grilled for hours by four detectives, honoring his requests in exchange for details and locations. Ridgway confessed to scattering children’s toys in his truck in an attempt to gain the trust of the victims as well as using his son to make him appear as more of a ‘family man’.  He also admitted to dumping the bodies in ‘clusters’ so that he could drive past them and having post mortem sex with at least ten of the victims. (Reeling in a Monster) Ridgway was sentenced to life without parole. In the end, he admitted to murdering over 60 women by strangulation. His conviction finally brought and end to the Green River murders.