The Boston Strangler was a notorious serial killer who terrorized Boston in the 1960s. The identity of the Boston Strangler has been a topic of controversy for many years, with several suspects being named over the years. In this article, we will explore the history of the Boston Strangler case, the evidence against Albert DeSalvo, and the theories surrounding the identity of the Boston Strangler.

Background of the Boston Strangler Case

The Boston Strangler case involved a series of brutal murders that occurred in Boston between 1962 and 1964. Thirteen women were killed during this time, and most of the victims were elderly women who lived alone. The murders were characterized by the use of ligatures and sexual assault.

The killer gained entry into the victims' homes by posing as a maintenance man, a delivery man, or a salesman. Once inside, he would strangle his victims with a ligature and sexually assault them. The killer would then leave the scene, often leaving behind little evidence.

The investigation into the Boston Strangler case was extensive, with several law enforcement agencies working together to catch the killer. Despite their efforts, the case remained unsolved for several years.

Suspects in the Boston Strangler Case

Several suspects were named in the Boston Strangler case, with Albert DeSalvo being the most well-known. DeSalvo was a career criminal who had served time in prison for several offenses, including rape. He was arrested in 1965 for a series of sexual assaults, and he eventually confessed to being the Boston Strangler.

Other possible suspects in the case included Roy Smith, who was killed in 1966 during a prison escape, and George Nassar, who was a suspect due to his resemblance to the composite sketch of the killer.

Evidence Against Albert DeSalvo

The evidence against Albert DeSalvo in the Boston Strangler case was largely circumstantial. DeSalvo had a history of sexual assault and had been arrested for several other offenses, but there was little physical evidence linking him to the murders.

DeSalvo eventually confessed to being the Boston Strangler, but there were many criticisms of his confession. Some experts believe that DeSalvo was a pathological liar who enjoyed the attention he received from confessing to the crimes. Others believe that he may have been coerced into confessing by law enforcement.

In recent years, DNA evidence has been used to try and link DeSalvo to the murders. However, the results of these tests have been inconclusive, with some tests showing a match and others showing no match.

Theories on the Identity of the Boston Strangler

Despite DeSalvo's confession, there are still many theories surrounding the identity of the Boston Strangler. Some experts believe that there may have been multiple perpetrators involved in the murders, while others believe that there may have been copycat killers.

Other possible suspects in the case include Richard Cottingham, who was a serial killer active in New Jersey in the 1960s and 1970s, and a man named George Williams, who was a convicted killer who was serving time in prison at the time of the Boston Strangler murders. There have also been suggestions that the killer may have been a woman, due to the nature of the crimes and the fact that some of the victims were sexually assaulted.

Despite these theories, no other suspects have been definitively linked to the Boston Strangler murders.

Conclusion

The identity of the Boston Strangler remains a mystery, despite years of investigation and several suspects being named over the years. While Albert DeSalvo confessed to being the killer, there are many criticisms of his confession and no definitive physical evidence linking him to the crimes.

Theories on the identity of the killer continue to be debated, with some experts believing that there may have been multiple perpetrators involved in the murders. Regardless of the identity of the Boston Strangler, the case remains one of the most notorious unsolved serial killer cases in American history.