Documents: Green River killer Gary Ridgway was transferred to avoid isolation

SEATTLE (AP) — Newly released documents show Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River killer, was transferred to a Colorado prison so he could be brought out of isolation.

Ridgway has been convicted of 49 murders that spanned nearly 20 years. Ridgway's transfer to the federal prison in Florence, Colorado came to light in June but prison officials did not give a reason.

Since his conviction in 2004, the 66-year-old Ridgway has lived in virtual isolation at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, where he's serving a life sentence without parole.

Prison documents obtained by The Seattle Times show Ridgway was easily recognizable and a target of other inmates.

Officials believe he'll be less well known in Colorado and can be placed in the general population.