What is an institutional hold? Gary Ridgway in Seattle jail

SEATTLE - Gary Ridgway, also known as the infamous Green River Killer, was recently rebooked into King County Jail. Prosecutors say Ridgway is in an "institutional hold," but what does that mean?

An institutional hold is the process of holding an inmate inside an institution until they are turned back over to state authorities.

Before being transported to western Washington, Ridgway was held in Walla Walla's Washington State Penitentiary, serving 49 consecutive life sentences for murder.

Ridgway's hold is likely to ensure he returns to Walla Walla once local authorities are done with him. However, the reason behind Ridgway's sudden move remains unknown.

On Monday, the King County Sheriff's Office said it is continuing to actively investigate cases that are potentially related to Ridgway. Apart from a statement, no other details were given.

In late 2023 and early 2024, the King County Sheriff's Office identified two victims of Ridgway through the DNA found in bones.