Transcript of families' remarks at Ridgway sentencing

The following are excerpts of families' remarks at the historic trial of the Green River Killer in 2003:

Helen Naon, mother of victim Constance Naon:

I believe we've been sold by the prosecutor for not giving us the justice that we could expect. I believe also that he made the deal because of so many that were unknown. I have a very unpopular opinion. Sometimes unpopular opinions are the truth. I believe had the investigations gone right in the last 20 years, many of us would not be in this court today. I believe we still are victimized by some politically ambitious careers. The self-proclaimed heroes have put the victims and their families on a shelf. At our expense, they come forward.

Our lives have been run havoc from the news media. We have been maligned. We've been referred to as low-class, uneducated people. I for one resent that. They have no respect. They twist the facts. I have not read a newspaper since 1983 for that reason -- until Nov. 5. I don't take phone calls, even though as late as last night, news media did call, expecting us to respond to them with no thought. Again we are victimized. Now will come the blood writers who will make tons of money on our suffering. There's no closure. It goes on forever. I cannot forgive this man, it is not within my power. That I have to leave up to God. ...”

Jody Norman, mother of victim Shawnda Summers:

"When the plea bargain, did anybody notify me? No. There shouldn't have been no plea bargain. The first six girls they found, and you got the death penalty. That should have been enough. As far as the families, don't you think that we knew that you was responsible? And if you had gotten the death penalty -- there should be no appeal. I'm a taxpayer. I feel that I have had to take care of you and all your lawyers. How do you think the other families feel...?"

Letter read in court from a sister of victim Kimi-Kai Pitsor:

"Mr. Ridgway, I would like you to know that I have forgiven you and your acts concerning my sister….

Members of the media, I cannot forgive your actions. Since the beginning of the investigations of these murders, you have chosen to sensationalize and forever damage the names and families of Mr. Ridgway's victims. Why? I ask. The answer has always been to make money.

People will write letters, books, magazines and newspapers and documentaries again for the dollar. This will be done with no thought to the victim's families and their suffering.

We too need dollars for simple things like headstones and memorials so these children and young women will not be forgotten. One day soon, my sister will have her headstone.”

Original transcript can be found at Seattle PI.