Justice After 50 Years: 83-Year-Old Retired Georgia Pastor Arrested for 1975 Murder of 8-Year-Old Girl
An 83-year-old retired pastor from Georgia has been arrested and charged in connection with a heartbreaking 1975 murder case of an 8-year-old girl named Gretchen Harrington.
The arrest took place on July 17 of this year, as announced by the Delaware County District Attorney's Office in Media, Pennsylvania.
The former pastor, David Zandstra, has finally admitted to his crime, bringing some closure to the long-standing case.
The District Attorney, Jack Stollsteimer, expressed pride and gratitude in being able to provide the community with answers after so many years.
Zandstra is now facing charges of criminal homicide, murder in the first, second, and third-degree, kidnapping of a minor, and possession of an instrument of crime.
The heart-wrenching incident occurred on August 15, 1975, when Gretchen left her home to attend a summer Bible camp in Marple, Pennsylvania.
Zandstra was working as a pastor at the camp, responsible for transporting the children between different church locations.
Sadly, Gretchen never reached the second church campus that day.
Her father reported her disappearance to the police, but it wasn't until two months later that her skeletal remains were discovered at Ridley Creek State Park, around 6 miles away from the Bible camp.
The case went cold until this year when investigators interviewed a close friend of Zandstra's daughter.
The friend revealed disturbing incidents of sexual misconduct involving Zandstra when she was just 10 years old.
When confronted with these allegations, Zandstra eventually confessed to offering Gretchen a ride and taking her to a wooded area.
He admitted to hitting her when she resisted and left her there, thinking she was dead.
District Attorney Stollsteimer referred to Zandstra as a monster and urged potential victims of his to come forward, as authorities believe he may be responsible for more crimes.
In another news, two gang members have been arrested for attacking a police patrol team. See details here
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