Once feared as the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway now exists as a forgotten ghost behind concrete walls.
One of the most prolific serial killers in American history, Ridgway now spends his remaining years inside a solitary cell at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. His days are stripped of everything but isolation, regret, and the distant echoes of the lives he stole.
From Predator to Prisoner: The Crimes That Shook America
In the 1980s and 1990s, Gary Ridgway terrorized Seattle and the surrounding areas, targeting vulnerable women—especially sex workers and runaways. His first victims were found dumped along the Green River, earning him the moniker that still chills even seasoned investigators: The Green River Killer.
By the time he was arrested in 2001, dozens of women had vanished. In 2003, Ridgway confessed to 49 murders—but detectives believe he killed more than 70.
The Plea That Saved His Life—and Cost Him Everything
To avoid the death penalty, Ridgway agreed to a deal: he would confess and help recover the remains of his victims. In return, he would spend the rest of his life in prison.
He pleaded guilty to 49 counts of murder, and in his own words, he killed so often he lost count.
“I killed so many women, I have a hard time keeping them straight.” — Gary Ridgway
Gary Ridgway’s Prison Life Today: The Ultimate Isolation
Ridgway, now in his mid-70s, lives in restrictive custody—a high-security form of solitary confinement reserved for violent and high-risk inmates. He’s kept far from the general population, not just for his own protection but because of the deep hatred other inmates have for him.
His daily reality includes:
- 23-hour lockdowns in a tiny cell
- Minimal daylight exposure
- No media appearances or interviews
- Constant surveillance
- Meals eaten alone
- No meaningful human interaction
Former reporter John McCoy, who visited the penitentiary, described Ridgway as sickly, pale, and reclusive—a stark contrast to the manipulative predator he once was.
Justice Delivered, But Not Complete
Even in captivity, the shadow of Ridgway’s crimes remains. In 2021, authorities used forensic genealogy to identify one of his youngest victims: 14-year-old Wendy Stephens, whose remains had gone unnamed for nearly four decades.
Despite these advancements, more than a dozen victims remain unidentified. Ridgway has refused to offer further cooperation, prolonging the suffering of families who still wait for answers.
A Life Erased by Bars and Silence
He once wielded deadly control over his victims. Now, every hour of Gary Ridgway’s existence is dictated by prison regulations and cold concrete. He doesn’t receive visitors. He doesn’t speak. He’s no longer feared, only forgotten—a criminal sentenced not just to life in prison, but to irrelevance.
“He will die in that cell,” one prison official said. “And no one will mourn him.”
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gary Ridgway now?
He is currently serving a life sentence at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla under restrictive custody.
How many people did he kill?
He pleaded guilty to 49 murders, but authorities suspect he may have killed over 70 women.
Why is he in solitary confinement?
To protect him from other inmates and because of the high-profile nature of his crimes.
Does he receive visitors or give interviews?
No. Ridgway has consistently declined media requests and has no public contact.
Has he helped identify all his victims?
No. While he helped identify some early on, he withholds additional details, and many victims remain unnamed.
Will he ever be released?
No. He is serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.