Green River Killers return to area in September renews search for victims in South King County

Newly unsealed court documents reveal that Gary Ridgway, infamously known as the Green River Killer, was transported to King County in September 2024 to assist in locating the remains of his undiscovered victims. Ridgway, convicted of 49 murders predominantly in South King County, is required under a 2003 plea agreement to cooperate with law enforcement in identifying the locations of unsolved homicides. His return was initiated to provide in-person guidance to detectives, as previous searches based on his verbal descriptions had not yielded results. Authorities sought to seal the transport details due to concerns about public interference and the safety of those involved in the escort. The King County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the ongoing investigation, aiming to bring closure to families affected by Ridgway's heinous actions.

Notably, this case has brought renewed attention to the tragic stories of victims like Wendy Stephens and Wendy Coffield, whose remains were discovered years ago. The collaboration between law enforcement and Ridgway exemplifies the complex interplay of justice and the pursuit of truth in cold cases. Continued efforts in genetic genealogy are also playing a crucial role in identifying victims and solving past crimes.