What is an institutional hold? Why Gary Ridgway is jailed in Seattle
SEATTLE - Gary Ridgway, also known as the infamous Green River Killer, was recently rebooked into King County Jail. Prosecutors say Ridgway is in an "institutional hold," but what does that mean?
An institutional hold is the process of holding an inmate inside an institution until they are turned back over to state authorities.
Before being transported to western Washington, Ridgway was held in Walla Walla's Washington State Penitentiary, serving 49 consecutive life sentences for murder.
Gary Ridgway booked in Seattle, in 'institutional hold' at King County Jail
Ridgway hasn't been charged, but he is in an "institutional hold" at the King County Jail, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
Ridgway's hold is likely to ensure he returns to Walla Walla once local authorities are done with him. However, the reason behind Ridgway's sudden move remains unknown.
On Monday, the King County Sheriff's Office said it is continuing to actively investigate cases that are potentially related to Ridgway. Apart from a statement, no other details were given.
In late 2023 and early 2024, the King County Sheriff's Office identified two victims of Ridgway through the DNA found in bones.
DNA technology helps identify another victim of 'Green River Killer' Gary Ridgway
During the 1980s and 1990s, a string of murders haunted Western Washington, with dozens of women and girls found murdered. Gary Ridgway is now serving 49 consecutive life in prison sentences.
However, it's unknown if these cases have anything to do with Ridgway's recent appearance in Seattle.
It's speculated that Ridgway is at the jail to face new charges, or possibly be resentenced for previous convictions.
Ridgway pleaded guilty in 2003 to murdering 49 women in King County from 1982 to 1998.
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