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The Green River Killer - Gary Ridgway (Part 4)

July 16, 2026 • 1h 41m

Summary

⏱️ 10 min read

Overview

This episode concludes the Green River Killer case, covering the final victims discovered between 1986-1998, the eventual arrest of Gary Ridgway in 2001 through DNA evidence, and his confession to murdering over 60 women. After 20 years of evading capture despite multiple encounters with police, Ridgway was sentenced to 49 consecutive life sentences in 2003.

Additional Victims Discovered (1986-1993)

Between 1986 and 1993, investigators discovered the remains of several more victims, including Tracy Winston, Maureen Feeney, and Kimberly Nelson. Many of these women had been missing for years, and despite fitting the victim profile, some were initially not considered Green River victims. The discoveries slowed significantly, with only three victims found in 1986 and long gaps between subsequent findings, leading authorities to wonder if the killer had stopped or moved on.

  • Tracy Winston's remains were found in 1986 but not identified until 1999 using DNA technology
  • Tracy's skull was mysteriously found in 2005, miles from her other remains, possibly moved by the killer
  • Maureen Feeney was found in May 1986; she was atypical as she wasn't involved in sex work
  • Kimberly Nelson went missing less than a day after being released from jail in October 1983
  • A survivor named Paige identified a man in a red truck who asked about Kimberly after her disappearance
  • Deborah Estes, just 15 years old, had been sexually assaulted months before her murder, possibly by the same killer
  • Deborah fought and bit her attacker during the first assault, then was later killed, possibly by the same person
" We found out she was already dead in the house when they knocked on the door. "
" I warned her that being out on the streets was dangerous. "

Task Force Disbanded Despite Active Killer

By 1990, the Green River Task Force was systematically dismantled despite the killer remaining active. New sheriff James Montgomery reassigned task force members, citing lack of progress and budget concerns. The task force was reduced from 40 members to just two—Dave Reichert and Faye Brooks—before being completely disbanded in September 1990. Higher-ups in law enforcement showed callous disregard for the victims, with one official asking "Why? It's just a bunch of hookers, isn't it?"

  • New sheriff James Montgomery said he was 'not real encouraged' about resolving the case and began reassigning task force members
  • When the task force requested more funding, an official responded 'Why? It's just a bunch of hookers, isn't it?'
  • Task force was reduced from 40 members to four, then to two (Dave Reichert and Faye Brooks), before complete disbandment
  • Despite disbandment, new victims continued to be discovered, proving the killer was still active
" Why? It's just a bunch of hookers, isn't it? "
" Yeah and they're human beings too. "

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