David Agren

p. A24.

Green River serial killer receives 48 life sentences

WASHINGTON — A Washington state court sentenced one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history to 48 life sentences yesterday, one for each woman he murdered, finally ending the infamous Green River killings that had plagued Washington state for almost two decades.

Earlier in the day, Gary Ridgway apologized for his actions and wept as his victim's relatives recounted their pain in the Seattle courtroom. In his confession, the 54-year-old admitted that he hated prostitutes and that he killed so often he could not remember many details.