Gretchen Harrington, 8-years-old, disappeared on Aug. 15, 1975, while on a walk from her Marple Township home to a Bible school less than a mile away. Stollsteimer said that, at that time, Zandstra served as a reverend at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, one of two churches that Harrington regularly attended. As she walked to Bible camp alone, Zandstra pulled alongside her in a vehicle and offered her a ride, Stollsteimer said.

Law enforcement officials announced new details Monday in the 1975 cold case murder of Gretchen Harrington of Marple Township, Delaware County.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer’s office said that they filed charges against David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia — a former church pastor — for his alleged role in the 8-year-old Harrington’s disappearance and slaying that took place nearly 50 years ago.
“David Zandstra is a monster. He is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Stollsteimer on Monday. “He killed that poor girl.”
According to court documents, Zandstra was charged with homicide, murder, kidnapping a minor and related offenses.
Harrington disappeared on Aug. 15, 1975, while on a walk from her Marple Township home to a Bible school less than a mile away.
Stollsteimer said that, at that time, Zandstra served as a reverend at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, one of two churches that Harrington regularly attended. As she walked to Bible camp alone, Zandstra pulled alongside her in a vehicle and offered her a ride, Stollsteimer said.
According to Stollsteimer, Zandstra has given police a statement in which he allegedly admitted that he took her to a secluded place, told her to remove her clothes then, when she refused, he ejaculated in front of her before he beat her to death with his fists.
Harrington’s body was discovered weeks later, on Oct 14, that year, in Ridley Creek State Park, more than seven miles from her home.
“This man is evil. He killed this poor 8-year-old girl he knew and who trusted him. And, then he acted as if he was a family friend, not only during her burial and the period after that, but for years,” said Stollsteimer.
In a statement, Harrington’s family said that they are “extremely hopeful” that the person responsible for Gretchen’s death will be held accountable.
Read More
Read the account from the District Attorney’s Office.
Related Posts: