Murder Charges Filed In 1975 Delaware County Cold Case

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, PA — Charges have been filed in connection with a 1975 Delaware County cold case murder.

According to court documents, David Zandstra, 83, of Marietta, Georgia, has been charged with homicide, kidnapping, possession of an instrument of crime, and first-, third-, and second-degree murder.

Zandstra is accused of killing 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington, of Marple Township, back in 1975.

The case was reopened in 2017 by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Andy Martin, authorities said Monday.

The DA's office said Martin and others performed new tests, conducted new interviews and more.

One cooperating witness was able to provide crucial information to investigators, according to the DA's office.

Harrington was walking to a Bible camp at Trinity Chapel near her home on Lawrence Road in Broomall on Aug. 6, 1975 when someone kidnapped her.

Authorities allege Zandstra, a retired minister who served Trinity CRC in Broomall from 1969 through 1976, was the kidnapper.

Zandstra is accused of pulling up to Harrington that day and taking her.

Harrington's body was found at Ridley Creek State Park about two weeks after she went missing, according to Action News.

"We're going to try him, we're going to convict him, and he's going to die in jail," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "Then he's going to have to find out what the god he professes to believe in holds for those who are this evil to our children."

Authorities said Zandstra is in custody in Georgia and fighting extradition.

The DA's office is looking to get a governor's warrant to have him moved to Delaware County.

Zandstra may have victimized more people, authorities said.

Anyone who maybe have been a victim of Zandstra's is urged to contact local authorities, as Zandstra served at places of worship in Texas and Georgia.