Gary Smith
Full Name and Common Aliases
Gary Leon Ridgway
Known as: The Green River Killer
Birth and Death Dates
February 18, 1949 - (alive)
Currently incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; serial killer, former truck painter, and musician
Early Life and Background
Gary Leon Ridgway was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family moved to Washington state when he was a child, where he grew up in the suburb of Renton. Ridgway's early life was marked by an unstable home environment; his parents divorced when he was 15 years old.
Ridgway's childhood and adolescence were also characterized by difficulties at school. He reportedly struggled with learning disabilities and social interactions, which may have contributed to the formation of his personality and behavior later in life.
Major Accomplishments
Gary Ridgway is currently serving a life sentence for the murders of 49 women during the 1980s and early 1990s in Washington state. However, he claims responsibility for up to 90 deaths.
Ridgway's ability to evade detection for so long was due in part to his unassuming personality and the fact that he led a double life as a family man and a serial killer. He has been quoted as saying, "I'm not a monster," reflecting on his actions and expressing remorse for the suffering he caused.
Notable Works or Actions
Ridgway's case was one of the most high-profile in American history at the time of its occurrence. The investigation into his crimes spanned over two decades before his eventual capture in 2001, thanks to a DNA match from saliva on a cigarette butt left at a crime scene.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and produced numerous suspects, but Ridgway's ability to evade detection for so long led many to doubt the official narrative. In an interview with investigators after his arrest, he described how he chose victims based on their appearance and his own feelings of attraction or repulsion towards them.
Impact and Legacy
Gary Ridgway's crimes had a profound impact on the community in Washington state during the 1980s and early 1990s. His actions led to increased awareness about serial killers, law enforcement procedures, and the importance of forensic evidence in solving crimes.
Ridgway's case has also been subject to extensive media coverage and public debate, reflecting broader societal concerns about violence, crime, and justice. The investigation into his activities highlighted issues with police work, including communication between agencies and potential racial biases in selecting suspects.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gary Ridgway's notorious crimes have made him a figure of great interest for researchers, law enforcement professionals, and the general public alike. His case raises questions about the nature of evil, how individuals can lead double lives, and what motivates serial killers to commit such heinous acts.
Moreover, Ridgway's story provides valuable insights into the complexities of justice systems and the importance of thorough investigations in solving crimes. By examining his case, we gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and how societal factors contribute to crime.
As one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, Gary Ridgway's legacy serves as both a warning and a reminder of the complexity of human nature. His story will continue to captivate public attention for years to come, sparking discussions about justice, morality, and the darker aspects of humanity.
Quotes by Gary Smith
Our inherited desire to explain what we see fuels two kinds of cognitive errors. First, we are too easily seduced by patterns and by the theories that explain them. Second, we latch onto data that support our theories and discount contradicting evidence. We believe stories simply because they are consistent with the patterns we observe and, once we have a story, we are reluctant to let it go.
During the dot-com bubble, most people did not use a persuasive theory to gauge whether stock prices were too high, too low, or just right. Instead, as they watched stock prices go up, they invented explanations to rationalize what was happening. They talked about Moore’s Law, smart kids, and Alan Greenspan. Data without theory.
The long-term goal of this project is to establish an ongoing partnership to identify and implement activities and strategies to assist industry members with recruiting, training and retaining qualified workers.
I just don't have a fear of flying or security or anything else that's going on. I just don't have a problem doing it.
The New Hampshire state federation should be a model for how SEIU and other locals from affiliated unions can successfully work together.
It probably holds trout until Memorial Day or so, too. It depends on the weather, but it may hold trout even until early June.
All products start with a design. The electronics market would not exist without EDA tools.