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How Did Gary Ridgway Become A Serial Killer

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On February 18th, 1949, the soon to be serial killer with the most convictions ever in the U.S was born. Gary Leon Ridgway, dubbed the “Green River Killer” raped and murdered forty-nine prostitutes, drug addicts, and runaways in the Washington area between 1982 and 1984. He managed to evade police for nearly twenty years before eventually being apprehended by modern technology and charged with forty-nine counts of aggravated murder of the first degree. Coming from a troubled home and childhood it is easy to determine why Gary entered the sadistic lifestyle as an adult. His own distinctive characteristics and abusive childhood are only a few of the reasons behind him entering the life of a serial killer. His parents not only set bad examples but they introduced new ideas that would eventually lead Gary into the serial killer lifestyle. By examining what type of serial killer he was, in addition with his early life, parental influence, and recent criminological theories, this essay will attempt to determine why Gary’s actions were so unique and how he became the most prolific serial killer in united states history.
Beginning Of a Serial Killer …show more content…

Furthermore, Gary Ridgway’s life and history can be used as an effective teaching took to assist lgovernment officials and profilers to better understand and become more familiar with these types of murderers (Levi-Menzi, Shields. 2007). No matter how bad, cruel, or horrific ones past is, it will never justify the actions of killing others. Gary Ridgway’s past is far from normal, he was abused, told horrific stories, and humiliated in front of siblings. Although his past is one to forget, that does not justify his actions of killing forty-nine sex trade

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