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 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. Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old girl in West Philly 81-year-old Delaware man tied up, tortured with hot syrup after being lured to home: Sheriff 21 minutes ago DNA testing confirms 'serial killer' in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1970s: State police 17 minutes ago 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 Bruce Davis, ex-Charles Manson follower, dies while incarcerated Hulu revisits serial murder case involving 10,000 human remains Watch Live ON NOW Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old girl Man, 81, tied up, tortured with hot syrup during robbery: Sheriff 21 minutes ago AccuWeather: Soaking rain sets in Friday for most of us 13 minutes ago Cops probe house fire after dozens of e-bikes, scooters found inside Owners of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue charged after dog allegedly shot Officials condemn boycott of Jewish-owned restaurants in Philly Man, 77, says he was beaten in unprovoked attack: 'Lucky to be alive' Jet fuel pipeline strike triggers hazmat response in Montco