FAIR LAWN, N.J. (AP) — Richard Cottingham, an infamous serial killer in the New York City area, has confessed to a murder that occurred nearly six decades ago. Cottingham, known as the "Torso Killer," admitted to killing 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt in 1965. Her body was discovered in her family's home located in Fair Lawn, a suburb approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Manhattan.
The Fair Lawn Police Department reopened Eberhardt's cold case in 2021. Through extensive efforts, which included countless interviews over the course of several years, investigators were able to extract a full confession from Cottingham. According to the police department, the confession included details about the crime that were never previously disclosed to the public.
Fair Lawn Police Chief Joseph Dawicki stated that Cottingham would not face further charges as the case has now been closed. Cottingham, who is currently 79 years old, has been incarcerated since his arrest in 1980 and is serving three consecutive life sentences at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
In a statement, Chief Dawicki reflected on the impact of Eberhardt’s death, noting that she was a vibrant young nursing student whose life was cut short. He expressed hope that Eberhardt’s family could find some solace in the fact that the individual responsible for her murder has confessed and is no longer a threat to society.
Cottingham's history of violence is extensive; he has claimed responsibility for up to 100 homicides dating back to the 1960s. However, law enforcement officials in both New York and New Jersey have officially linked him to around a dozen murders. In 2022, Cottingham confessed to killing five women in the suburbs of Long Island during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
He received a sentence of 25 years to life for the 1968 murder of 23-year-old Diane Cusick but was granted immunity from prosecution for the other four killings in exchange for his plea deal. Furthermore, Cottingham has previously been convicted of murdering five additional women—three in New York City and two in northern New Jersey—while he has continued to confess to additional homicides from prison.
Cottingham’s notoriety stems from his brutal methods; he is referred to as the "Torso Killer" due to his practice of dismembering some of his victims. Despite his horrifying past, authorities continue to investigate his claims to ensure justice is served for all victims connected to his crimes.
The memory of Alys Eberhardt and the effects of her tragic death serve as a stark reminder of Cottingham's violent past and its impact on the communities affected by his actions. The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for the Fair Lawn Police Department, which can now offer a measure of closure to the family and friends of Eberhardt.
