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Press Release
KingCoSoPIO |
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Human Remains Discovered in 1984 Identified by
King County Major Crimes and DNA Doe Project
In 2003 Gary Ridgway, Washington’s notorious Green River killer, pleaded guilty to murdering forty-eight (48) women. At the time of this plea, four of Ridgway’s victims remained unidentified.
The King County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with forensic anthropologist Dr. Katherine Taylor, the DNA Doe Project and other scientists, have positively identified one of these four victims as Wendy Stephens. Wendy was only 14-years-old when she, in 1983, ran away from her Denver (CO) home. In 1984 her remains were discovered in SeaTac. Wendy is believed to be Ridgway’s youngest victim.
Today’s development is a testament to the tireless efforts of detectives, scientists and other professionals who employed the latest in emerging DNA and genealogical technologies in Wendy’s disappearance. Cases once thought unsolvable are now within reach thanks to this pioneering work.
Every person, in the words of Dr. Taylor, needs their name. Wendy again has hers thanks to the collaborative efforts of this investigative team. It is our hope today’s development brings those who love Wendy one step closer to healing.
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The King County Sheriff's Office
Sergeant Tim Meyer I Media Relations
Tim.Meyer@KingCounty.gov
206/255-0778
516 Third Ave W-116 I Seattle, WA 98104
Contract City Partners
Beaux Arts I Burien I Carnation I Covington I Kenmore
King County International Airport I Maple Valley I Metro Transit Police
Newcastle I SeaTac I Sammamish I Shoreline I Skykomish
Sound Transit Police I Woodinville
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