Evidence: part 3

DNA evidence that was over decades old is what finally brought an end to the 20 year killing spree known as the Green River murders. However, finding the evidence needed to convict Gary Ridgway was not an easy task for the Green River Task Force. They were given the run around for years. Ridgway planted bogus clues, dumped bodies, and relocated victims in order to throw police off of his trail. (Catching the Green River Killer) The lack of useful technology was also a key factor. When the bodies of victims were discovered, police had no real way of testing the evidence on them. They collected as much evidence as possible though; from fibers and cells found on the victims to countless random reports from anonymous sources, which may or may not have been true. This was the case in one instance. Ridgway called detective Reichert and reported false information. But, police could not prove it right or wrong because the only evidence they could depend upon were the results of a polygraph test, which Ridgway passed. (Timeline: DNA Testing Helped Lead Investigators to Green River Killer) For years they had to collect evidence that was useful but unusable. When the investigation was handed to Reichert, the evidence was stored. It was not to be used until more reliable technology came along. It wasn’t until Rigdway was found soliciting an undercover cop were police able to use the DNA they had. They were able to test decade old semen found of the victims and compare it to saliva taken from Ridgway. The matches were found and the evidence used to convict him.