Retired Minister David Zandstra Arrested in 1975 Murder of 8-Year-Old Gretchen Harrington

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office has announced the arrest of David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia, in connection with the 1975 murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington. Zandstra, a retired minister, has been charged with criminal homicide, first-, second- and third-degree murder, kidnapping of a minor and a related count.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said at a press conference Monday that Zandstra had confessed after being confronted with new evidence, including a witness’ story that the former pastor had groped her when she was a girl and may have tried to kidnap another local girl.

“This is a man who is a remorseless child predator who acted as if he was a friend, a neighbor and a man of God, and he killed this poor little girl,” Stollsteimer said.

Gretchen Harrington’s remains were found in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1975. She had been attending a church camp hosted by one of Zandstra’s churches at the time.

Stollsteimer said that Zandstra was “every parent’s worst nightmare” and urged parents to be vigilant in protecting their children. He said that the case was a reminder of the importance of teaching children about safety and to look out for one another.

The investigation into Harrington’s murder is ongoing. Zandstra is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.