Skull May Be Linked to Green River Killer

A skull found by children playing in a ravine near Seattle has been identified as a woman who disappeared in 1982 and may be an early victim of the Green River Killer. Authorities have long believed that Rebecca (Becky) Marrero may have been another victim of serial killer Gary Ridgway.

Ridgway pleaded guilty to the murder of 48 women, but Marrero was not one of those victims.

Investigators used dental records to identify the remains found by the children as those of 20-year-old Marrero. She was last seen Dec. 3, 1982 leaving a motel on Pacific Highway South of Seattle.

The discovery of Marrero's remains may be significant because Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, could face new murder charges in her case. He avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to 48 murders and helping investigator identify and locate the victims.

Facing the Death Penalty?

If a new charge is filed, Ridgway might face the death penalty after all.

"With the discovery of Ms. Marrero's remains detectives and prosecutors will now review the investigation into her disappearance and death," the King County Prosecutor's Office said in a written statement. "Investigators will examine all aspects of the case including any potential involvement of Ridgway."

See Also:
Skull of Possible Serial Killer Victim Found in WA Earlier Article:
Green River Killer Suspected in Oregon Murder

What's Your Opinion?
Discuss The Green River Killer Case

Free Newsletter:
Get the Crime & Punishment Newsletter

^{Photo: Mug Shot}