Ep 22. Gary Ridgeway

Gary Ridgeway, famously known as the Green River Killer, is the focus of Mugshots season 1 episode 22. The episode takes a deep dive into Ridgeway's life, spanning from his childhood to his eventual capture.

Ridgeway's troubled childhood is explored, including his challenging relationship with his mother and the impact it had on him as he grew older. As a young adult, Ridgeway joined the military and was stationed in Vietnam, where he endured some traumatic experiences that would eventually have an impact on his behavior later in life.

In 1982, Ridgeway began his killing spree, which would last for approximately 20 years. He targeted young women, many of whom were prostitutes or runaways. The police were initially unable to catch him, and he continued to evade capture for years. The episode delves into the investigation and the various roadblocks that law enforcement faced in trying to apprehend Ridgeway.

One of the key aspects of this episode is the forensic evidence that eventually led to Ridgeway's downfall. The detectives working on the case employed various tactics to try and gather evidence, including surveillance and DNA sampling. This episode includes interviews with some of the key players involved in the investigation and provides insight into the scientific techniques used to identify Ridgeway as the killer.

The episode also covers Ridgeway's trial, which was a high-profile case that garnered a lot of media attention. The prosecution presented a mountain of evidence to support their case, including testimony from some of Ridgeway's surviving victims. The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that there was no concrete proof that Ridgeway was the killer. In the end, Ridgeway was convicted of 48 murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Overall, Mugshots season 1 episode 22 offers a comprehensive look at the life and crimes of Gary Ridgeway. It is a harrowing tale of a serial killer who evaded capture for years and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring him to justice. The episode provides a fascinating insight into the forensic science used in criminal investigations and the impact it can have on high-profile cases.