Gretchen Harrington, 8, left her home in Marple Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of August 15, 1975, intending to walk to summer bible camp. Tragically, she vanished without a trace. Roughly two months later, authorities discovered her skeletal remains in the nearby Ridley Creek State Park.
Despite investigators effort, the case remained unresolved. However, recent developments have led the police to believe that they have finally identified the man responsible for her murder.
The murder, which occurred almost 48 years ago, left investigators perplexed for many decades and created a somber atmosphere within the suburban Philadelphia small-town community.
Harrington was participating in a summer bible camp held at the premises of two neighboring churches. Notably, her father served as the pastor of one church, while a man called David Zandstra held the pastoral position at the other.
A Breakthrough in the Case
During January of this year, investigators revealed that they had spoken with a source who held a strong bond of friendship with Zandstra’s daughter and frequently stayed overnight at their family residence.
The source informed investigators that during a sleepover at the age of 10, she woke up to find Zandstra touching her groin area inappropriately. According to the source, she confided in Zandstra’s daughter about the incident, to which she received the response that her father occasionally engaged in such behavior.
Additionally, the source recalled a classmate who had experienced two near-kidnapping incidents. In her diary entry from 1975, she expressed suspicion that Zandstra was the probable perpetrator of those abduction attempts.
Zandstra is Interrogated
In July of this year, investigators made a trip to Marietta, Georgia, where Zandstra currently resides with his wife, to conduct an interview with him.
Initially, Zandstra claimed to have no knowledge of what had transpired regarding Harrington’s disappearance. However, investigators assert that he eventually confessed to offering her a ride and transporting her to a nearby wooded area.
According to Zandstra’s account, he requested Harrington to remove her clothing, but she declined. Subsequently, he struck her in the head, resulting in bleeding. Zandstra then left her lifeless body in the woods and fled the scene.
Back in 1975, the police had previously questioned Zandstra about the incident; however, the pastor at that time denied any knowledge of seeing Harrington on the day she went missing.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Jonathan Sunderlin issued a statement emphasizing, “Justice does not have an expiration date.” He assured that whether a crime occurred fifty years ago or just moments ago, the community members of the Commonwealth could trust that law enforcement would persistently pursue justice until it is achieved.
Zandstra has reportedly declined to waive his extradition to Pennsylvania, necessitating prosecutors to file a requisition petition with Gov. Josh Shapiro, who will then forward it to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
Upon approval, authorities will be able to transport Zandstra from Georgia to Pennsylvania, where he is expected to face trial.
In addition, authorities have expressed concerns that Zandstra may have sexually assaulted other individuals. Following Harrington’s demise, Zandstra relocated to Plano, Texas, and later settled in Marietta, Georgia.
Investigators have obtained a DNA sample from Zandstra, which they will analyze and compare against open cases in Pennsylvania as well as nationwide. They are urging anyone who possesses additional information regarding Zandstra’s activities to reach out to the Pennsylvania State Police.
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