Delores LaVerne Williams was 17 and Black/African American when she disappeared in early March 1983 from King County, Washington. Her absence remained unresolved for more than a year until her remains were found on March 31, 1984. Her death became one of many linked to a serial killer who preyed on women and girls in the Seattle area during the 1980s and 1990s.

Years of investigation eventually connected her murder to Gary Ridgway, who admitted to killing Delores Williams as part of a larger series of killings. Ridgway’s confession ended the long search for her killer and resulted in a life sentence with no possibility of parole.

If anyone knew Delores, remembers her in King County in 1983, or has information that could add to her story, please share what you know.