For over a decade, that sample sat in storage. Finally, by , forensic DNA technology advanced to the point where scientists could extract genetic profiles from old crime scenes. The saliva sample taken because of Marie Malvar perfectly matched DNA evidence found on several of the earliest Green River victims. On November 30, 2001, Ridgway was arrested, ending his decades-long reign of terror.

For 20 years, Marie’s ultimate fate remained an agonizing mystery until Ridgway’s arrest and subsequent confession in 2003. He led investigators directly to her remains in an Auburn ravine.

Marie Malvar's legacy in Philippine education is a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and a commitment to serving others. As the founder of the Marie Malvar College, she has not only provided a pathway to quality education for countless individuals but has also set a standard for educational institutions in the Philippines. Her contributions to the field of education, underscored by her visionary leadership and dedication to holistic development, solidify her position as one of the best in her field. As we look to the future, the principles and practices championed by Marie Malvar will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of educators and learners alike.

: Advances in forensic technology allowed that same saliva sample to be matched via DNA in 2001, leading to Ridgway's arrest.

When questioned in 1983, Ridgway admitted to picking up sex workers but denied ever meeting Malvar. Despite the eyewitness identification of his truck, police lacked enough evidence to arrest him at the time and eventually cleared him after he passed a polygraph in 1984. The New York Times Discovery and Resolution Forensic Breakthrough:

As we reflect on Marie Malvar's remarkable journey, there are several key takeaways that can inform our own paths to success. Here are a few lessons we can learn from her inspiring story: