Gary Ridgway Story Tools

From the Wolf Blitzer Reports staff in Washington:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The proportions alone are staggering: 48 women murdered, all allegedly linked to one man.

Now the notorious "Green River Killer" case may finally be drawing to a conclusion.

A source close to the case tells CNN that 54-year-old Gary Leon Ridgway, a truck-painter, will plead guilty next week to killing 48 women.

Authorities in King County, Washington, believe that many women were killed in the Seattle area by one person, starting in the early 1980s and ending with the discovery in August 1998 of the body of Patricia Yellow Robe.

"I find it incredible that an individual was able to cause that many deaths -- perpetrate that much suffering and misery on so many people," says Yellow Robe's father, Joe Yellow Robe.

Gary Ridgway was not arrested until November 2001. He was originally charged with seven murders, but local media report that he's been cooperating with authorities in recent months, leading them to remains.

Asked about the deal by CNN affiliate KING, Ridgway's attorneys were evasive:

KING reporter: "It's our understanding he's going to take responsibility for 48 murders, some of them quite recent ... "

Defense attorney: "You know I watch the news, and I understand that that's your understanding."

Reporter: "Is it true?"

Attorney: "I have no comment on that."

CNN made several calls to the Green River investigation task force of the King County Sheriff's office and to the King County prosecutor's office to confirm the plea deal. Neither office would comment on the case. But a source close to the case tells CNN Ridgway will admit to 48 murders, avoid the death penalty and face a sentence of life without parole.

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Veteran prosecutors say if true, this agreement would make it much more difficult to obtain death sentences in other murder cases in Washington state.

" ... And so the question that will come up ... If Ridgway didn't get it, how can somebody else get it. Of course it's a concern," says Pierce County, Washington, Prosecutor Gerald Horn.

In the meantime, dozens of families may finally get some resolution on the fate of missing loved ones.