Latest news with #GaryRidgway
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seattle weather: Mostly sunny and 60s are sticking around
The Brief We will see mostly clear skies Monday evening with overnight lows in the mid to low 40s. Temperatures will be a few degrees lower on Tuesday, but still sunny and above average. SEATTLE - More sunny skies and warmer days are ahead this week in the Pacific Northwest, with highs remaining in the 60s. On Monday, it was a beautiful sunny day with highs this afternoon well above average, peaking in the mid to upper 60s. High pressure is over the Pacific Northwest to start the week, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures. High pressure will build again by the end of the week, amplifying even more, which will warm temperatures into the low 70s for some spots. We will see mostly clear skies this evening with overnight lows in the mid to low 40s. A few spots in the South Sound could see areas of patchy fog. What's next Temperatures will be a few degrees cooler compared to Monday, but still above average. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. The extended forecast is looking sunny and dry with highs remaining in the 60s. We will start to see conditions break down for the weekend, bringing back 50s and a slight chance of showers Sunday. The Source Information in this story is from FOX 13 Seattle Meteorologist Claire Anderson and the National Weather Service. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
WSDOT shuts down 103-year-old bridge in Tacoma, WA
The Brief Transportation authorities have shut down a Tacoma bridge. Fairfax bridge is 103 years old and showing concerning signs of wear. WSDOT has not set a definite reopening date. TACOMA, Wash. - The century-old Carbon River Fairfax bridge in Tacoma is shutting down due to concerns over structural integrity. WSDOT announced on Monday that they are shutting down all pedestrian and vehicle access to the bridge. The backstory Previously, the bridge had lane restrictions and a stop on EMS vehicles from using it for their responses. Built in 1921, the bridge exceeds the usually-expected 75-year service life of bridges in Washington. Dig deeper The average age of state-owned bridges is 51 years. "There is no funding available to replace the bridge at this point. Years of deferred preservation work due to limited preservation funding resulted in the updated weight restrictions and now the indefinite closure," says a representative with WSDOT on their website. The Source Information for this article comes from the Washington Department of Transportation in Tacoma. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man stabbed in Seattle's Rainier Valley while working on car
The Brief Police are searching for a suspect in a South Seattle stabbing that sent one man to the hospital Monday afternoon. The man was stabbed in the neck, forearm and elbow as he was working on his car, officers said. SEATTLE - Seattle police are searching for a suspect in a stabbing that happened in South Seattle's Rainier Valley neighborhood Monday afternoon. What we know Police said the victim, a 43-year-old man, was stabbed in the neck, elbow and hand while he was outside working on his car on Rainier Avenue South near South Rose Street. The suspect and victim were involved in some sort of altercation before the stabbing, according to SPD. Officers say the victim had a minor laceration to the neck and a larger, more serious defensive wound to his hand. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Police did not locate the suspect at the scene, and officers could be seen searching the area near Rainier Avenue South at Sturtevant Avenue South. No arrests have been made. The circumstances leading up to the stabbing are under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. The Source Information in this story is from the Seattle Police Department. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
Seattle's historic Virginia Inn to close after 120 years
The Brief Seattle's historic Virginia Inn, an institution older than the Pike Place Market, is closing after more than 120 years in business. The restaurant and bar announced via social media that its lease has been terminated, with their last day set for Sunday, April 27. SEATTLE - The Virginia Inn, a Seattle institution older than the Pike Place Market, is shutting its doors after more than 120 years in business. What they're saying The century-old spot along 1st Avenue took to social media on Friday, writing, "This is the end." On Facebook and Instagram, the Virginia Inn spoke on its history dating back to 1903, and claimed their landlord, the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, is terminating their lease due to failed negotiations for an equitable lease. "To our loyal customers and friends, it is with a heavy heart we inform you that the Virginia Inn will be permanently shutting our doors on Sunday, April 27th. Our lease has been terminated by our landlord, the Pike Place Market PDA, due to failed negotiations for an equitable lease," the Virginia Inn said in social media posts. "We are Pike Place's oldest institution; older than Pike Place itself. We have seen this city grow and change all around us. We have survived through Prohibition, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, the COVID pandemic, and many other events in between." The Virginia Inn is calling on loyal patrons to go take their grievances directly to Pike Place Market leadership and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. The institution's last day is set for Sunday, April 27. The Virginia Inn was one of the first art bars in Seattle, with the restaurant currently serving up regional Northwest cuisine and signature cocktails. It was also featured in the 1992 film, "Singles." Learn more about the Virginia Street staple on their website. The Source Information in this story is from social media posts from the Virginia Inn. Teen facing new charges for playground shooting in Federal Way 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out Family and neighbors of missing Arlington man rally and call for action Everett police arrest 23-year-old bikini barista assault suspect Seattle ranked 5th 'coolest' city in US Pacific Northwest ports brace for impact as China tariffs soar to 145% To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Gary Ridgway mystery solved: Here's why the Green River Killer was briefly moved to King County Jail
This story was originally published on written by Charlie Harger, Host of Seattle's Morning News. For months, a mystery surrounded Gary Ridgway, one of the worst serial killers in American history. Why was he moved from his prison cell in Walla Walla to the King County Jail from September 9-13, 2024? With 49 confirmed murders, Ridgway became the most prolific serial killer in American history. But many believe the actual number is much higher. In a 2014 interview with me, Ridgway claimed he killed as many as 85 women. Authorities remained silent on why Ridgway was moved, fueling speculation and unease. Some wondered if he had finally led detectives to more victims, while others suspected he was simply playing another manipulative game. Now, newly uncovered court documents reveal the truth. Click to read: Motion and Certification for Sealing Documents According to a motion filed by King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mary H. Barbosa, Ridgway had agreed to take detectives to locations where he claimed he had left remains that had not yet been recovered. The motion stated, 'Previous efforts to find these locations based on the verbal descriptions given by the defendant have not been successful. The defendant has indicated that he believes he can find those locations in person.' Detectives took Ridgway back to sites where he claimed to have left victims' remains. They hoped this would be their last chance to get real answers from him. But once again, he misled them. Click to read: Court order to transport Gary Ridgway to King County More from MyNorthwest: 'Tragic loss': School responds after sixth grader killed by runaway car in Seattle Ridgway, now 76 years old and in failing health, has long insisted that detectives never brought him to every location where he dumped bodies. Investigators were skeptical, but with time running out, they took the risk. If there was even the slightest possibility of bringing closure to families, it was worth pursuing. Out of concern for his safety, officials kept Ridgway's transfer a secret. Barbosa's motion highlighted the risks of making the plan public, stating, 'If the media were to obtain this order, the public would learn of the specific dates that the defendant will be housed with DAJD and that he will be leaving DAJD with KCSO detectives during his time in King County.' She further warned that public awareness could endanger detectives, interfere with investigations, and create security risks. The last thing they wanted was public outrage or someone attempting vigilante justice. Click to read: Motion and Certification for Sealing Documents Over several days, detectives brought Ridgway to locations he claimed held victims' remains, following the process outlined in Barbosa's motion. 'Given the defendant's age and health, it is anticipated that this process may take several days,' she wrote. The King County Sheriff's Office had arranged for the trip, ensuring coordination with the Department of Corrections and local law enforcement. They searched thoroughly, using cadaver dogs, ground-penetrating radar, and forensic experts. They held onto hope that this time would be different. But nothing was found. 'Many of the things he was telling detectives just didn't jibe,' said one person with direct knowledge of the searches. 'Some investigators believe he was making up new locations entirely as a sick boast.' Investigators found the experience deeply frustrating, but they knew they had to take the chance. Even if they did not trust Ridgway, they owed it to the victims' families to exhaust every last possibility. Click to read: Motion to Unseal For the families of Ridgway's victims, this latest disappointment was another painful reminder of the cruelty he inflicted, not just on the women he murdered, but on those left behind. 'You hear the word closure all the time, but there's something about having a place to go to,' said Dawn English, a foster mother who cared for one of Ridgway's suspected victims, told me in 2014 during our interview. 'We can't put flowers on her grave because there isn't a grave to put flowers on.' English, who fostered 15-year-old Patricia LeBlanc, still wonders what happened to the girl she once called her daughter. 'It just didn't make sense that she didn't call. And of course, the longer the time went by and she hadn't called, the more and more concerning it became,' she said. Though LeBlanc's case was never officially tied to Ridgway, English has little doubt. 'She fit the profile so much. The timing, what she was doing, it was right in the middle of it. My thought is—it probably was,' she said. Authorities recently confirmed that the last known remains linked to Ridgway belonged to 16-year-old Tammie Liles, a victim already identified decades ago. According to CBS News, King County Sheriff's spokesperson Eric White said, '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.' Despite this confirmation, many unsolved cases could still be connected to Ridgway. Former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert told KIRO-TV, 'Ridgway said that he killed 65 to 70 young women and little girls, and so far he's pled guilty to 49 and we've closed 51 cases. But it is also possible that 49 is the real number, and that every additional claim is just another way for him to inflate his own infamy.. So as I said, there are other unsolved cases out there that may or may not be connected to Ridgway, but there are parents still out there looking for answers about the death and murder of their daughter.' One of the people Ridgway manipulated over the years was Rob Fitzgerald, a volunteer searcher who dedicated years of his life to finding missing victims, spoke with me in 2014 about his efforts and frustrations. Fitzgerald communicated with Ridgway for years, believing that his cooperation might lead to more remains. Instead, Ridgway led him in circles, providing just enough information to keep the effort going, but never enough to truly help. During my 2014 interviews with Ridgway, he often spoke as though he wanted to help, though his words always carried an air of manipulation. 'This is all about the victims,' he told me. But in reality, he enjoyed the control. 'I think he wants to show the world that, 'Here I am, Gary Ridgway, the truck painter from Kenworth, the guy who everybody thought was slow since elementary school. But, here I am, and I'm the best at something,'' he recalled. Ridgway's history is one of prolonged terror. He targeted women along Pacific Highway South in King County during the early 1980s. Most were runaways or sex workers, vulnerable and often overlooked by society. 'I choked every one of them,' Ridgway told me in 2014, a chilling admission that underscored the methodical brutality of his crimes. For years, police struggled to identify the killer. 'For whatever reason, you were able to slip under their radar a long time,' I told him. He agreed, offering little remorse. 'The thing is, some of those cases, you just gotta pass it. I was just not nervous.' Ridgway was finally arrested in 2001 after DNA evidence linked him to multiple victims. Advances in forensic science had finally caught up with him, and his past crimes could no longer stay buried. In 2003, he pleaded guilty to 48 murders in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. 'I should have had enough balls to say, let me get out and show you where I put her,' he later told me, referring to crime scenes he had previously refused to disclose. Yet, even in the courtroom, he showed no remorse. The families of his victims sat just feet away, hoping for answers, closure, or even an apology. They got none of it. Instead, they listened as he recounted his murders with the same emotionless tone I had encountered in my interviews. 'You know, the amount that I told them and showed them doesn't match up to what they charged me with,' he told me. He regularly dangled the possibility of more victims while giving vague or misleading details, perhaps knowing full well there are no more to be found. 'I think they're not finding them because the remains don't last long. A lot of animals eat them, you know.' With 49 confirmed murders, Ridgway became the most prolific serial killer in American history. But many believe the actual number is much higher. Ridgway's health is failing. He is 76 years old, frail, and no longer the imposing figure he once was. His voice, once steady and controlled, now carries the slight tremor of old age. 'I'm not the same man I was,' he told me in 2014. 'I can't change what I did.' Despite his deteriorating condition, he continues to manipulate law enforcement, desperate to hold on to any semblance of control. For the families of his victims, justice will never truly be served. The pain does not end with a guilty verdict, nor does it fade with time. 'You find peace, not closure, because it's never gone,' English told me. 'But there isn't a place to go and say, you know, it's Patty's birthday. Let's take flowers. There's no place for that.' Dozens of families still wait for answers. But as long as those answers depend on Gary Ridgway, they will never come. He is a liar. He is evil. And even in his final days, he refuses to give the victims' families the closure they so desperately deserve. Listen to 'Seattle's Morning News' with Charlie Harger weekday mornings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.
