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Almost half a century after the abduction of an 8-year-old girl en route to Bible camp, a former Pennsylvania pastor, now 83, is facing charges of kidnapping and murder, law enforcement officials announced Monday.

Charges Levied Against David Zandstra

David Zandstra, a former spiritual leader in Pennsylvania, has been indicted on charges of criminal homicide, murder in the first, second, and third degree, minor abduction, and possession of a crime instrument. These charges are tied to the unresolved 1975 murder case of Gretchen Harrington, according to a press release from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.

“Justice has been long awaited, but we are grateful and proud to finally give the community closure in this haunting Pennsylvania pastor crime," said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

In August 1975, Harrington left her home to attend a summer Bible camp hosted at two Pennsylvania churches – Trinity Church Chapel Christian Reform Church and The Reformed Presbyterian Church. Zandstra, who was the pastor of Trinity, and Harrington’s father, the pastor of Reformed, were both involved in the camp.

Responsible for transporting the children from Trinity to Reformed, Zandstra would use his green Rambler station wagon or a white and blue Volkswagen bus. When Harrington did not appear at Reformed, her father alerted the police.

Two months after Harrington's disappearance, her remains were found in a nearby park, marking a tragic end to the Pennsylvania pastor crime that shook the community.

Confession of the Pennsylvania Pastor Crime

In a shocking twist, Zandstra confessed to the Pennsylvania pastor crime on July 17, in Marietta, Georgia, where he now resides. This confession followed an interview with his daughter’s childhood friend who accused Zandstra of sexual assault during a sleepover at his home when she was 10.

Initially, Zandstra denied any involvement in Harrington's murder. However, the revelation of the sexual assault allegations led to his admission of guilt in this chilling Pennsylvania pastor crime.