TRUE CRIME ATLAS

Green River Killings

Updated March 25, 2026

Overview

Case Overview

The Green River killings were a long-running series of murders in Washington state in which dozens of women and girls were abducted, killed, and left at dump sites across King County and surrounding areas. After nearly two decades of investigation, DNA evidence led authorities to Gary Ridgway, who pleaded guilty to 48 murders in 2003 and later admitted to additional killings.

Cover of Green River, Running Red

Featured Book

Green River, Running Red

by Ann Rule

Still the best-known single-volume account of the investigation and Gary Ridgway's crimes, with strong reporting and broad public recognition.

Best for readers who want the definitive mainstream narrative of the Green River investigation.

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Case At A Glance

Green River Killings

Key context, structure, and current status

Status
Solved
Primary location
Green River, Kent, Washington
Timeline coverage
13 events
Latest development
Mar 7, 2025: Transport Purpose Revealed in Unsealed Documents

Key Facts

Status: Solved

Also known as: Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, Gary Ridgway murders

Coverage: 13 timeline events, 12 persons, and 8 locations

Sources collected: 422 sources

Categories

Most FamousSolvedSerial Killer

Tags

Washington1980s1990sserial killersolvedDNA evidenceKing County

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