The Boston Strangler (1962-1964): A Reign of Terror That Gripped a city

 

In the early 1960s, the city of Boston was plunged into a state of fear and paranoia as a series of brutal murders shocked its residents. The perpetrator, known as the Boston Strangler, became one of America's most infamous serial killers, leaving a trail of death and mystery that would captivate the public for decades to come. This blog post delves into the chilling details of the case, its impact on the city, and the controversies that continue to surround it to this day.

The Murders Begin

On June 14, 1962, the body of 55-year-old Anna Elza Slesers was discovered in her apartment at 77 Gainsborough Street, Boston. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled with the cord from her own housecoat. This gruesome murder marked the beginning of a two-year killing spree that would claim the lives of 13 women in the Greater Boston area.

The Victims

The Boston Strangler's victims ranged in age from 19 to 85, with most being older women living alone. The killer's modus operandi typically involved gaining entry to the victim's home, often by posing as a maintenance worker or other authority figure. Once inside, he would sexually assault his victims before strangling them with items found in their homes, such as nylon stockings or scarves.

The list of known victims includes:

1. Anna Elza Slesers, 55 (June 14, 1962)
2. Mary Mullen, 85 (June 28, 1962)
3. Nina Nichols, 68 (June 30, 1962)
4. Helen Blake, 65 (June 30, 1962)
5. Ida Irga, 75 (August 19, 1962)
6. Jane Sullivan, 67 (August 21, 1962)
7. Sophie Clark, 20 (December 5, 1962)
8. Patricia Bissette, 23 (December 31, 1962)
9. Mary Brown, 69 (March 6, 1963)
10. Beverly Samans, 23 (May 6, 1963)
11. Evelyn Corbin, 58 (September 8, 1963)
12. Joann Graff, 23 (November 23, 1963)
13. Mary Sullivan, 19 (January 4, 1964)

The Investigation

As the body count rose, panic spread throughout Boston. Women began taking extra precautions, installing new locks and refusing to open their doors to strangers. The police were under immense pressure to solve the case, but progress was slow.

The Strangler Bureau

In response to the growing crisis, Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke established a special task force known as the "Strangler Bureau" to centralize the investigation. This move was necessary because the murders had occurred across different jurisdictions, making coordination between law enforcement agencies difficult.

The Role of the Media

Two intrepid reporters from the Boston Record American, Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole, played a crucial role in bringing the case to public attention. Their investigative work helped connect the dots between the seemingly unrelated murders and coined the term "Boston Strangler." Their efforts not only informed the public but also put pressure on law enforcement to intensify their efforts.

The Confession of Albert DeSalvo

On October 27, 1964, a breakthrough in the case occurred when a man named Albert DeSalvo was arrested for a series of sexual assaults. While in custody, DeSalvo made a shocking confession to his cellmate, George Nassar, claiming to be the Boston Strangler.

DeSalvo's Background

Albert DeSalvo had a troubled past. He had previously been arrested for a series of break-ins and sexual assaults, earning him the nicknames "Measuring Man" and "Green Man". His history of sexual crimes made his confession to the Strangler murders seem plausible.

The Confession Details

DeSalvo's confession was remarkably detailed. He provided information about the crime scenes that had not been made public, impressing investigators with his apparent insider knowledge. However, there were also inconsistencies in his account, leading some to doubt the veracity of his claims.

Doubts and Controversies

Despite DeSalvo's confession, he was never formally charged with the Strangler murders. Instead, he was sentenced to life in prison for unrelated sexual assaults. This lack of formal conviction led to decades of speculation and doubt about whether DeSalvo was truly the Boston Strangler.

Alternative Theories

Some investigators and researchers have proposed that the Boston Strangler murders may have been the work of multiple killers rather than a single perpetrator. The variations in victim profiles and murder methods have been cited as evidence for this theory.

Modern Forensic Breakthroughs

In 2013, nearly 50 years after the last Strangler murder, a major breakthrough occurred in the case. DNA evidence from the body of Mary Sullivan, the last known victim, was matched to Albert DeSalvo with "99.9 percent certainty".

Exhumation and DNA Testing

To confirm the DNA match, authorities exhumed DeSalvo's body and obtained a sample directly from his remains. This process involved the cooperation of DeSalvo's nephew, who provided a DNA sample that led investigators to focus on Albert as a suspect.

Closure for Victims' Families

The DNA evidence provided long-awaited closure for many of the victims' families, particularly Mary Sullivan's. However, it's important to note that this evidence only definitively linked DeSalvo to Sullivan's murder, leaving questions about the other victims unanswered.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Boston Strangler case has left an indelible mark on American culture and criminal justice. It has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including a 1968 movie starring Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo.

Improvements in Law Enforcement

The case highlighted the need for better coordination between different law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions. It also emphasized the importance of forensic evidence in solving complex criminal cases.

Impact on True Crime Reporting

The work of reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole in investigating and reporting on the Strangler case set a new standard for true crime journalism. Their efforts have been recognized in recent years, including in the 2023 film "Boston Strangler," which focuses on their role in the investigation.

Lessons Learned and Ongoing Questions

The Boston Strangler case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving complex serial murder cases, especially in an era before advanced forensic techniques were available.

The Importance of DNA Evidence

The eventual resolution of the case through DNA testing underscores the critical role that scientific evidence plays in modern criminal investigations. It also raises questions about how many other cold cases might be solved using similar techniques.

Unanswered Questions

While the DNA evidence has provided some closure, many questions about the Boston Strangler case remain unanswered. Were all 13 murders truly the work of Albert DeSalvo, or were some committed by copycats or other killers? How did DeSalvo manage to evade capture for so long? These questions continue to intrigue researchers and true crime enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Boston Strangler case remains one of the most infamous serial killer investigations in American history. From the terror that gripped Boston in the early 1960s to the controversial confession of Albert DeSalvo and the eventual DNA confirmation, the case has captivated the public imagination for over half a century.

As we look back on this dark chapter in Boston's history, we are reminded of the devastating impact of violent crime on communities and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and journalists alike. The case also serves as a testament to the advances in forensic science that now allow us to solve decades-old crimes and provide closure to victims' families.

The story of the Boston Strangler is more than just a tale of a serial killer; it's a complex narrative about fear, justice, media, and the evolution of criminal investigation. It continues to fascinate and horrify in equal measure, serving as a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals and the ongoing challenge of protecting society from such threats.