DNA Testing Links Deceased Man to 1970s Pennsylvania Serial Murders

DNA Testing Links Deceased Man to 1970s Pennsylvania Cold Cases

State police in Pennsylvania announced that DNA testing has tied together two long-standing cold case deaths, confirming the existence of a serial killer operating in Washington County during the 1970s, according to reports.

Authorities detailed the findings during a press conference on Wednesday. Investigators stated that James Richard Clark Sr., who was born in 1957 and died at the age of 66 in 2023, was responsible for the murders of Susan Rush and Brenda Ritter. At the time of the respective homicides, Clark was 19 and 20 years old and resided in the Washington County area in southwestern Pennsylvania.

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.

Genetic Testing Breaks Two Decades-Old Murder Cases

The investigation spans two decades-old murders that left local communities searching for answers. According to reporting from ABC News Pittsburgh affiliate WTAE, Susan Rush was found dead in 1976, having been sexually assaulted and strangled before her body was placed in the trunk of her car. The following year, 18-year-old Brenda Ritter was killed. Her remains were discovered on a hillside, and authorities determined she had also been sexually assaulted and strangled.

For decades, the cases remained unsolved. That changed when investigators utilized modern genetic testing methods. Petrosky explained that additional DNA testing conducted in May 2025 identified the same offender murdered both Susan Rush and Brenda Ritter.

State police confirmed that the families of both victims have been notified of the breakthrough and have requested privacy as they process the news.

Ongoing Investigation Into Potential Additional Victims

While the matching DNA profiles bring closure to the specific homicides of Rush and Ritter, law enforcement officials caution that the investigation is far from over. Taking questions from reporters at the press conference, Petrosky stated that authorities are not ruling out the possibility that Clark may be responsible for other unsolved killings.

I believe that once you’re a serial killer, you’re always a serial killer, Petrosky said. I believe there could potentially be more victims out there.

Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding other potential files under review, but the ongoing investigation aims to determine the full scope of Clark’s activities during his life.

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