U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, testified before a state Senate Law and Justice Committee in Olympia to discuss concerns regarding how the state Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board (ISRB) handled two high-profile murder cases in which the congressman was intimately involved.
One case involves the prison transfer of nation’s most prolific serial killer, Gary Ridgway, or the “Green River Killer.” The next concerns the ISRB’s decision to examine the potential early release of convicted murderer Timothy Pauley.
Reichert made the following statement after testifying on Nov. 20, according to a media release from his office:
“I appreciate the Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee’s invitation to testify on the Department of Corrections’ consideration to release Timothy Pauley, a vicious murderer who is currently serving three life sentences, and the transfer of the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, the most prolific serial killing in U.S. history. Brave members of the Dowell and Oie families, whose lives were torn apart by the gruesome triple homicide at the Barn Door Tavern 35 years ago, also testified about the devastation and pain Pauley has caused them over the past three decades.
“The disrespect the DOC and ISRB have shown the victims of both Pauley and Ridgway is unacceptable. The process severely lacks transparency, and these two decisions have proven major changes are needed.”
Prior to being elected to Congress, Reichert served in law enforcement for 33 years, including eight years as King County Sheriff, and led the task force that caught Ridgeway, who is believed to have murdered around 70 women.
Additionally, at the age of 29, Reichert investigated the Barn Door Tavern murders, which he recalls as one of the most brutal crime scenes he has ever investigated throughout his three-decade career.
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