OLYMPIA — Washington’s Department of Corrections Secretary says serial killer Gary Ridgway was moved from a prison in the state to one in Colorado because he was a security threat who might harm staff.
State Corrections Secretary Dan Pacholke told lawmakers Friday that while in isolation, the 66-year-old Ridgway could study the cell, staff and prison routines and look for weaknesses at the Walla Walla facility.
The Seattle Times reported the statements made Friday contradict comments made two months ago by then-DOC Secretary Bernie Warner, who said Ridgway was “not necessarily a threat to others.”
Ridgway was returned to Walla Walla in October after families of victims and others protested the move. He is serving a life sentence without parole for the murders of 49 women over 20 years. He has also confessed to or been suspected of dozens more.
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