DNA testing confirms 'serial killer' in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1970s: State police

Serial Killer Serial killer responsible for 2 unsolved murders of young women in Pittsburgh area, police say Police say the suspect died in 2023. Serial killer responsible for 2 unsolved murders of young women in Pittsburgh area, police say CNNWire By Mason Leib Friday, November 6, 2026 10:44AM Share Follow ABC7 on Google WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. -- State police in Pennsylvania announced DNA testing has tied together two long-standing cold case deaths and allegedly confirmed a "serial killer" was in Washington County in southwestern Pennsylvania in the 1970s. Authorities alleged at a press conference on Wednesday that James Richard Clark Sr., who was born in 1957 and died at 66 in 2023, was responsible for the murders of both Susan Rush and Brenda Ritter. He was 19 and 20 years old, respectively, at the time of the two homicides, and lived in the Washington County area at the time, state police said. "Testing confirmed there was a serial killer in Washington County during this time frame," said Cpl. James Petrosky, the criminal investigation assessment supervisor with Troop B of the Pennsylvania State Police at the press conference. According to ABC News Pittsburgh WTAE , authorities said Rush was found dead, sexually assaulted and strangled in the trunk of her car in 1976. Ritter, 18, was killed in 1977. Her remains were found on a hillside, and authorities determined she had been sexually assaulted and strangled, according to WTAE. Family remembers Gary man killed days before birthday in crash involving off-duty police officer I-80/94 lanes blocked for crash involving 3 semis in NW Indiana 7 minutes ago Illinois House Speaker Welch will not seek another term as speaker after Democrats call for change Petrosky said additional DNA testing was done in May of 2025, and "identified the same offender murdered both Susan Rush and Brenda Ritter," Petrosky said. Authorities said families of both victims have been notified and have asked for privacy. Taking questions at the press conference, Petrosky said authorities were not ruling out that Clark may be responsible for other homicides. "I believe that once you're a serial killer, you're always a serial killer," he said. "I believe there could potentially be more victims out there." Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures. Related Topics PENNSYLVANIA SERIAL KILLER COLD CASE DNA Utah authorities are connecting serial killer Ted Bundy to another 1970s homicide Michigan police suggest possible serial killer responsible for string of deaths 5 missing women now linked to massive investigation at Philadelphia home Bruce Davis, ex-Charles Manson follower, dies while incarcerated Watch Live ON NOW NW IN man killed days before birthday in crash involving off-duty cop I-80/94 lanes blocked for crash involving 3 semis 7 minutes ago Welch will not seek new term as speaker after IL Dems call for change 3 shot after shots fired into Englewood apartment: CPD 24 minutes ago UIC student victims speak out after knife attack at student center Hundreds expected for recent west suburban HS grad's visitation Woman dies after being found at lake in Busse Woods: officials How high-tech ATF lab helped solve murder of CPD officer: Exclusive