Chris Halsne KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Investigative Reporter
Team 7 Investigators have confirmed that accused serial killer Gary Leon Ridgway is cooperating with the Green River Task Force.
His cooperation includes going with detectives to known murder sites.
KIRO Team 7 Investigators have confirmed these facts with three independent sources.
In mid-June, Gary Leon Ridgway was transferred out of jail and to Western State Hospital.
From there, on multiple occasions, Ridgway accompanied Green River Task Force detectives and prosecutors to what are described to us as "dump sites."
Green River killing suspect Gary Ridgway has taken full advantage of his right to "remain silent" since his arrest in November of 2001.
Not anymore. KIRO Team 7 Investigators discovered that Ridgway is not only talking with Green River Task Force detectives, but has traveled with them in person to known body dump sites.
"This is pretty strong evidence, if he's at a scene," said University of Washington law professor John Junker. Junker is one of five legal experts we talked to.
All of our experts said Ridgway's "show and tell" means a deal is on the table.
"I wouldn't let him go to a crime scene unless there was something very valuable in exchange, that would be some understanding of the death penalty," Junker said.
"The policy of this office is not to plea bargain with the death penalty. Period. This mission of this office is to seek justice." That was what King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng said on November 5, 2001.
When Ridgway was charged, King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng promised victims families he would not make a deal with Ridgway.
His office had no comment today, other than to say prosecutors are getting ready for trial on 7 counts of murder.
Ridgway's lead defense attorney told us no comment as well.
Professor Junker says both sides have something to gain if Ridgway aids the Green River Task Force .
"To 'clear' means 'solve' in police talk, and it's of some value for the police to clear crimes both for the sake of families of victims and to stop further investigation of more victims," Junker said.
On two occasions in the past three weeks, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News has seen Task Force members scouring and researching old murder scenes. They had no comment on why and still are refusing to answer questions concerning Ridgway's new cooperation.
If there is a deal in the works, legal experts remind us there could still be a trial. legal agreements are contracts that can fall apart.
In this case, legal experts again say that Ridgway has to hold up his end of the bargain and provide police with new, accurate information.
Copyright 2007 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Ridgway Cooperating With Investigators
Click here to WIN prizes!
Must-See Pics: Dinner Time
Have Big Goals? Small Steps Help Fitness
Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
Oscars' Top 10 Oddest Moments
Woman Finds $17,500 Check From 1978
What Are Risk Factors For Heart Disease?
