The Boston Strangler remains one of the most notorious serial killer cases in American history. During the early 1960s, a wave of fear swept through Boston as a string of brutal murders of women haunted the city. The case became infamous not only for the horrific nature of the crimes but also for the controversies that still surround the investigation.
13 Chilling Facts About The Boston Strangler Murders
1. The Murders Began in 1962
The first known victim was 55-year-old Anna Slesers, found in her Boston apartment on June 14, 1962. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled with her own bathrobe belt.
2. Victims Ranged Widely in Age
The victims were women between the ages of 19 and 85. This broad age range made it difficult for investigators to profile the killer, as most serial killers tend to target a specific type.
3. Thirteen Women Were Murdered
Between 1962 and 1964, thirteen women were believed to have been killed by the Boston Strangler. Each murder had similar elements, including strangulation, often with the victim’s own clothing.
4. The Killer Was Known for Neat Crime Scenes
The Strangler left no signs of forced entry, which led police to believe the victims either knew their killer or were tricked into letting him in. The crime scenes were often eerily tidy despite the violence.
5. The Media Gave Him the Name
The term “Boston Strangler” was coined by the press. It added sensationalism to the case. The media coverage intensified public fear and pressured law enforcement to find answers.
6. Albert DeSalvo Confessed
In 1965, Albert DeSalvo, a handyman and self-confessed rapist, confessed to being the Boston Strangler while in prison for other crimes. He provided detailed accounts of the murders, most of which had not been publicly released.
7. No Physical Evidence Linked DeSalvo to the Crimes
Despite his confession, there was no physical evidence tying DeSalvo to the murders at the time. His confession was inconsistent in places, and some details were incorrect, casting doubt on its credibility.
8. Some Experts Doubt He Was the Only Killer
Many investigators and experts have long believed that the Boston Strangler may have been more than one person. The methods, victim profiles, and patterns varied enough to raise suspicion of multiple perpetrators.
9. DNA Linked DeSalvo to One Murder in 2013
Nearly 50 years after the murders, DNA evidence linked Albert DeSalvo to the murder of 19-year-old Mary Sullivan, one of the last victims. It was the first forensic confirmation of his involvement in any of the murders.
10. He Was Killed in Prison
DeSalvo was stabbed to death in 1973 while serving time at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution. His murder remains officially unsolved.
11. The Case Inspired Books and Films
The Boston Strangler has been the subject of numerous books, TV shows, and films, most notably the 1968 movie The Boston Strangler starring Tony Curtis. The case’s disturbing nature continues to capture the public imagination.
12. Public Panic Was Intense
During the height of the killings, women in Boston were terrified. Sales of door locks and self-defense items soared, and many women refused to leave their homes alone.
13. The Case Remains Partially Unsolved
Despite DeSalvo’s confession and the DNA match to one victim, the remaining murders have never been definitively solved. Questions remain, and the full truth behind the Boston Strangler may never be known.
Conclusion
The Boston Strangler case continues to fascinate and disturb true crime enthusiasts and criminologists. Its mix of mystery, media frenzy, and legal ambiguity leaves it as one of the most haunting unsolved crime stories in American history. As forensic science continues to evolve, perhaps more answers will eventually come to light—but for now, much of the story remains shrouded in uncertainty.
