Former pastor David Zandostra was arrested in 1975 on suspicion of murdering an eight-year-old child in Marple Township, Pennsylvania, according to ABC News.
Gretchen Harrington is reportedly Zandostra approached her in a green station wagon on the way to her Bible camp, ABC reported. Zandostra apparently asked Harrington to ride in her car, to which she agreed. Her former pastor was a friend of Ms. Harrington’s family and the father of a friend of hers, which reportedly led her to trust her. (Related: Child claims he was kidnapped by ice cream truck driver in Staten Island)
Zandostra then allegedly took the child to a secluded area and asked him to remove his clothes there. Her girl refused, so Zandostra allegedly beat her to death with only her hand, according to ABC News. She then allegedly disposed of her remains.
The former pastor reportedly admitted to the murder last week, according to a criminal complaint cited by ABC News.
Pennsylvania pastor David Zandostra was arrested in Georgia on suspicion of kidnapping and killing 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington while she was attending Bible school in 1975.
Zandostra confessed to the murder in Marietta last week. pic.twitter.com/ufrfFMWfkf
— All about Georgia (@GAFollowers) July 24, 2023
Witnesses said an 8-year-old boy was seen communicating with the owner of a green station wagon, ABC reported. Witnesses also suggested that Zandostra was on the road where the child was seen that day.
According to ABC, the woman told prosecutors that Zandostra molested her when she was 10 years old. When she told Zandostra’s daughter about the incident, her daughter reportedly suggested the behavior was common.
In a statement, Harrington’s family said they hoped the murder would be over and accountable. The Harrington family said they “very much hope that those responsible for the heinous crimes committed against our Gretchen will be held accountable.”
“Once you met Gretchen, you became her friend immediately. She exuded kindness towards everyone and was a kind and gentle person,” the family wrote. “We are grateful for law enforcement’s continued pursuit of justice, and we want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for always looking for answers. Without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”
