Bones found in 1985 identified as Green River Killer victim after extensive DNA research

Extensive DNA forensic genealogy testing has helped to identify Bones 17 as Lori Anne Razpotnik, thought to be a victim of the Green River Killer, whose remains were found in 1985 in Auburn.

On Dec. 30, 1985, employees with the City of Auburn were investigating a car over an embankment in the 2000 block of Mount View Drive Southwest when they found potential human remains.

The Green River Task Force was called in to investigate, where they found a second set of remains.

At the time, the remains were not identified and were subsequently referred to as Bones 16 and Bones 17.

Lori Anne Razpotnik, previously known only as
Lori Anne Razpotnik, previously known only as
Pictured is an earlier composite image of Bones 17, one of the unidentified victims of Green River Killer Gary Ridgway. The slain teenager’s remains were found Jan. 2, 1986, near a cemetery in Auburn, Wash.
Pictured is an earlier composite image of Bones 17, one of the unidentified victims of Green River Killer Gary Ridgway. The slain teenager’s remains were found Jan. 2, 1986, near a cemetery in Auburn, Wash.
Three of the victims of notorious serial killer Gary Ridgway were found along a steep embankment near Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Wash., shown here in an August 2018 Street View image. Authorities are trying to identify one of those victims, known only as Bones 17.
Three of the victims of notorious serial killer Gary Ridgway were found along a steep embankment near Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Wash., shown here in an August 2018 Street View image. Authorities are trying to identify one of those victims, known only as Bones 17.
Unidentified victim of Gary Ridgway known only as
Unidentified victim of Gary Ridgway known only as
The
The
Gary Ridgway, pictured, is seen in undated photos as he leads King County, Wash., investigators to one of the sites where he buried his victims. Ridgway, the notorious Green River Killer, killed at least 49 women in and around Seattle.
Gary Ridgway, pictured, is seen in undated photos as he leads King County, Wash., investigators to one of the sites where he buried his victims. Ridgway, the notorious Green River Killer, killed at least 49 women in and around Seattle.
Wendy Stephens, pictured top left in a family photo, has been identified as one of the 49 known victims of Gary Leon Ridgway, the infamous Green River Killer. The Denver 14-year-old, whose remains were found March 21, 1984, was identified through genetic genealogy. She is believed to be Ridgway's youngest victim.
Wendy Stephens, pictured top left in a family photo, has been identified as one of the 49 known victims of Gary Leon Ridgway, the infamous Green River Killer. The Denver 14-year-old, whose remains were found March 21, 1984, was identified through genetic genealogy. She is believed to be Ridgway's youngest victim.
Mary Marrero, center, the sister of Green River Killer victim Rebecca
Mary Marrero, center, the sister of Green River Killer victim Rebecca
GF Default - RAW VIDEO: Mary Marrero, Dave Reichert speak about transfer of Green River killer
GF Default - RAW VIDEO: Mary Marrero, Dave Reichert speak about transfer of Green River killer
WATCH IT: Green River Killer Faces New Murder Charge
WATCH IT: Green River Killer Faces New Murder Charge
GF Default - VIDEO: Sister of Green River killer victim speaks against his transfer
GF Default - VIDEO: Sister of Green River killer victim speaks against his transfer
GF Default - VIDEO: Green River Killer victim remains subject of Sheriff?s Office search in Duvall
GF Default - VIDEO: Green River Killer victim remains subject of Sheriff?s Office search in Duvall
GF Default - VIDEO: Detectives search for Green River killer victim
GF Default - VIDEO: Detectives search for Green River killer victim
GF Default - VIDEO: Green River Killer victim remains subject of Sheriff?s Office search in Duvall
GF Default - VIDEO: Green River Killer victim remains subject of Sheriff?s Office search in Duvall
Green River Killer Gary Ridgway appearing in court on Feb. 18, 2011.
Green River Killer Gary Ridgway appearing in court on Feb. 18, 2011.
<p>Green River Killer Gary Ridgway.</p>

Green River Killer Gary Ridgway.

Patricia Agnes Gildawie has been identified through genetic genealogy as the person whose bones were found in this drainage ditch in September 2001 in McLean, Va. Gildawie, who vanished in 1975 at age 17, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Patricia Agnes Gildawie has been identified through genetic genealogy as the person whose bones were found in this drainage ditch in September 2001 in McLean, Va. Gildawie, who vanished in 1975 at age 17, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Patricia Agnes Gildawie, known by loved ones as Choubi, has been identified through genetic genealogy as the person whose bones were found in this drainage ditch in September 2001 in McLean, Virginia. Gildawie, who vanished in 1975 at age 17, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Patricia Agnes Gildawie, known by loved ones as Choubi, has been identified through genetic genealogy as the person whose bones were found in this drainage ditch in September 2001 in McLean, Virginia. Gildawie, who vanished in 1975 at age 17, died of a gunshot wound to the head.

In 2002, Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, led investigators to that location in 2002 and admitted to placing their bodies there. He pleaded guilty to their murders in 2003.

Through DNA testing, Bones 16 was identified as Sandra Majors in 2012.

Due to the advancement of DNA technology, a new DNA profile was established on Bones 17 and after extensive research, she was identified as Lori Anne Razpotnik.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Office, Lori Anne was 15 years old and lived with her family in Lewis County in 1982. She ran away that year and her family never saw her again.

Detectives were provided a saliva sample from Lori Anne’s mother, which the University of North Texas used to confirm the remains were Lori Anne.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Office, only one set of bones remains left to be identified. Bones 20 were found Aug. 2003.

According to the Washington State Department of Corrections, Gary Ridgway, 74, remains incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.