Fact: In the State of Washington vs. Gary Ridgway case, Gary Ridgway was a notorious serial killer known as the "Green River Killer." He was responsible for the murders of numerous women in Washington state during the 1980s and 1990s.
Issue: The main issue in this case was whether the prosecution could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Gary Ridgway was responsible for the murders of the victims and whether he should be convicted and sentenced for these crimes.
Judgment: Gary Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of aggravated first-degree murder in a plea agreement in 2003. As part of the agreement, he provided detailed confessions and information about the murders, leading to the discovery of many victims' remains. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Reasoning: The prosecution had a substantial amount of evidence against Gary Ridgway, including DNA evidence, witness testimonies, and his own confessions. The agreement to plead guilty and cooperate with law enforcement allowed for the closure of many unsolved cases and the recovery of victims' remains. This decision spared the families of the victims from prolonged trials and provided them with answers about their loved ones.