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Former Pastor Arrested for 1975 Murder of 8-Year-Old Girl

  • David Zandstra, a retired 83-year-old pastor, was arrested and charged with the 1975 kidnapping and murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington.
  • Harrington disappeared while walking to a summer Bible camp where Zandstra worked; her remains were found months later.
  • Zandstra confessed to the crime after new witness allegations emerged about his inappropriate behavior with another young girl.
  • Zandstra admitted to offering Harrington a ride, attacking her when she refused to undress, and leaving her body in the woods.
  • Authorities believe there may be additional victims from Zandstra's time as pastor across the U.S. and are investigating other open cases.
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