Green River Killer’s last victim identified after 20 years
Remains of Green River Killer’s Last Known Victim Identified 20 Years Later
In a chilling development, the remains of the Green River Killer’s final victim have finally been identified, two decades after the notorious serial killer himself led authorities to the location where he left her.
Gary Ridgway, infamously known as the Green River Killer, terrorized communities throughout the 1980s and ’90s, preying on women and teenage girls. His reign of terror came to an end in 2001 when he was apprehended. Ridgway confessed to the murders of 49 women, but it is believed that his actual body count may exceed 90.
“It’s an immense feeling of satisfaction that in this case, that started in the early 80s, we are able to identify all of Gary Ridgway’s victims. All 49 of them,” said KCSO spokesperson Eric White.
In 2003, Ridgway led authorities to an area where he claimed to have left his final victim. The King’s County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced in a press release that partial remains of a teenage girl were discovered at the site. However, without the means to identify her at the time, she was simply referred to as “Bones 20” for the next 20 years.
Fast forward to 2022, when the bones were handed over to Othram Inc., a private laboratory specializing in DNA analysis. Othram utilized genealogy databases, such as “23 and Me,” to compare the victim’s DNA with voluntarily provided samples. In August 2023, Othram informed the KCSO that they had developed a DNA profile for the unknown victim and tentatively identified her as Tammie Liles.
A Breakthrough in Identification
Further confirmation came when Liles’ mother was contacted, and a DNA sample was obtained from her. The University of North Texas conducted tests and conclusively determined that the victim was indeed Tammie Liles.
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This breakthrough in identification follows another recent discovery. Just last month, authorities were able to identify another victim of the Green River Killer. Bones 16 and Bones 17, discovered in 1985, were finally identified as Sandra Majors and Lori Anne Ratzpotnik, respectively, through advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy.
Ratzpotnik and Liles, both teenagers, were tragically runaways.
Ridgway, now serving a life sentence without parole at the Washington State Penitentiary, has left a dark and haunting legacy. The identification of all 49 of his victims brings a sense of closure to the decades-long investigation and offers some solace to the families affected by his heinous crimes.
Sources: CBS News, The Seattle Times, New York Post.
How did the identification of Wendy Stephens as “Bones 20″ bring closure and justice to the families affected by the Green River Killer’s crimes?
The KCSO that they had successfully identified the remains of ”Bones 20″ as Wendy Stephens, a 14-year-old girl who went missing in 1983.
This breakthrough in identifying the final victim of the Green River Killer has brought a sense of closure and justice to the families and loved ones affected by Ridgway’s horrific crimes. Wendy’s family, in particular, expressed relief and gratitude that they finally have answers after enduring decades of uncertainty and pain.
The identification of Wendy Stephens serves as a testament to the advancements in forensic technology and DNA analysis. It also highlights the power of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and private laboratories specializing in genetic genealogy.
The Green River Killer’s case remains one of the most notorious and chilling in American criminal history. Ridgway, now serving multiple life sentences in prison, preyed on vulnerable women and girls, often luring them into his vehicle under the pretense of giving them a ride. His victims were then subjected to unimaginable violence before being discarded in remote locations, earning Ridgway the moniker of the Green River Killer due to the proximity of his dumping sites to the Green River in Washington State.
It is important to remember and honor the victims of these heinous crimes, and their families who continue to cope with the aftermath of such tragic loss. Wendy Stephens, along with the other 48 identified victims, should never be forgotten. Their lives were cut short by a merciless killer, but their memory serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
The identification of Wendy Stephens also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to prevent and combat serial killers and violent criminals. Law enforcement agencies must continue to prioritize the investigation of cold cases and utilize advancements in forensic technology to bring closure to victims’ families. Additionally, society must remain vigilant in creating safe environments for women and girls to ensure they are not targeted by predators like the Green River Killer.
As we reflect on the identification of Wendy Stephens, let us remember all the victims of the Green River Killer and other serial killers who have caused immense pain and suffering. May their memory serve as a call to action for all of us to work towards a safer and more just society.
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