Episode 12; Gary Ridgway "The Green River Killer"

Crimes from the Peanut Gallery

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the case of Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer. The episode covers Ridgway's childhood, troubled relationship with his mother, marriages, and religious beliefs. The host explores the beginnings of Ridgway's killings and the investigation by a task force led by Detective Tom Jensen. The episode also delves into the mistakes made during the investigation and Ted Bundy's involvement. The renewed investigation in the early 2000s, DNA evidence, Ridgway's arrest, and confession are discussed. The episode concludes with Ridgway's sentencing and the closure of the case. This episode provides information about the victims of the Green River Killer, including their backgrounds, struggles, and how they became involved in sex work. The episode highlights the tragic stories of each victim and emphasizes the importance of remembering them.

Takeaways

Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, had a troubled childhood and a strained relationship with his mother.

Ridgway exhibited sociopathic tendencies from a young age, including arson, bedwetting, and animal torture.

The investigation into the Green River killings was initially marred by mistakes and the involvement of Ted Bundy.

The case was reopened in the early 2000s, leading to Ridgway's arrest and confession to the murders of 48 women.

Ridgway was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The victims of the Green River Killer came from diverse backgrounds and faced various challenges in their lives.

Many of the victims were involved in sex work as a means of financial support.

The episode emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the victims, as their stories often go untold.

The Green River Killer case serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals, particularly those involved in sex work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:00 Childhood and Early Life

03:12 Troubled Relationship with Mother

04:01 Marriages and Religious Beliefs

06:59 The Beginnings of the Killings

09:52 Investigation and Task Force

13:06 Mistakes and Ted Bundy's Involvement

20:03 Renewed Investigation and DNA Evidence

23:53 Arrest and Confession

30:11 Sentencing and Conclusion

31:42 Introduction and Plea Agreement

32:17 Wendy Lee Cofield

33:22 Giselle Anne Le Vaughan

35:06 Deborah Lynn Boner

36:24 Marsha Fay Chapman

37:05 Cynthia Hines

38:15 Opal Mills

39:15 Terri Milligan

39:45 Mary Meehan

40:16 Deborah Estes

41:03 Andrea Childers

41:34 Sandra Major

42:41 Shirley Sherrill

43:33 Rebecca Marrara

44:31 Linda Ruhl

45:11 Martina Offaly

46:01 Colleen Brockman

46:22 Sandra Gabet

47:49 Roberta Hayes

48:54 Gail Matthews

49:27 Wendy Stevens

50:02 Sandra Major

50:56 Kimmy K. Pister

52:17 Carol Anne Christensen

52:44 Martina Offaly

54:00 April Spectrum

54:45 Debbie Abernathy

55:30 Tracy

56:37 Delice Plager

57:47 Kimberly Nelson

58:08 Lisa Yates

59:29 Marta Reeves

01:00:18 Mary West

01:01:06 Patricia Yellowrobe

01:01:15 Conclusion