Richard Cottingham
New York New Jersey Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
New York, New York
TIME PERIOD
1967-1980
VICTIMS
18 confirmed
Richard Cottingham, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders across New York and New Jersey from 1967 to 1980, resulting in at least 18 confirmed victims, with some estimates suggesting over 80. His criminal activities included acts of mutilation, earning him the monikers "Torso Killer" and "Times Square Ripper." Cottingham was apprehended on May 22, 1980, and subsequently convicted of multiple counts of murder, receiving life sentences in New Jersey. Currently incarcerated at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey, he has confessed to additional murders under non-prosecution agreements, complicating the investigation into his full criminal history. Significant evidence includes his confessions and the physical remains of victims linked to him, which have been pivotal in securing his convictions.
Richard Cottingham is believed to have committed at least eighty additional murders beyond his confirmed victims, claiming these were "perfect murders." Some speculate that his method of operation involved targeting vulnerable women, often engaging in acts of mutilation, which contributed to his notoriety as the Torso Killer and Times Square Ripper. Investigators and the public continue to question the full extent of his crimes, suggesting he may have been involved in unsolved cases across various states.
The Life and Crimes of Richard Cottingham: The Torso Killer
Introduction
Richard Francis Cottingham, born on November 25, 1946, in New York City, would later earn infamy as one of America's most notorious serial killers. Dubbed the "Torso Killer" and the "Times Square Ripper," Cottingham's gruesome acts of murder and mutilation terrorized the states of New York and New Jersey from 1967 to 1980. Over the years, he claimed responsibility for at least eighteen murders, with some accounts suggesting the true number could be as high as one hundred. His arrest in 1980 ended a chilling spree of violence that left a lasting scar on the communities he tormented.
Early Life and Background
Richard Cottingham was the first of four children in a family that relocated from the Bronx to Dumont, New Jersey, in 1948, and then to River Vale in 1956. From a young age, he was captivated by bondage pornography, a fascination that would later manifest in his criminal exploits. Despite a close bond with his mother, Cottingham struggled to forge friendships during his teenage years. He graduated from Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey, in 1964, where he was a member of the cross-country and track teams.
Following high school, Cottingham worked at Metropolitan Life's Manhattan headquarters, where his father was a vice president. Starting in the mailroom, he advanced to become a mainframe computer operator after taking computer courses. In October 1966, he joined the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, where he continued to work until his arrest in 1980. Interestingly, during his tenure at Blue Cross, Cottingham worked alongside Rodney Alcala, another serial killer, though neither was aware of the other's dark inclinations.
In 1970, Cottingham married Janet at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, Queens. The couple had three children, but the marriage deteriorated, leading Janet to file for divorce in April 1978, citing abandonment and mental cruelty. She withdrew the petition upon his arrest in May 1980 but finalized the divorce after his 1981 conviction.
A Trail of Crime
Before his infamous murder spree came to light, Cottingham had several run-ins with the law. On October 3, 1969, he was fined $50 for drunk driving in New York City. In August 1972, he faced another $50 fine for shoplifting at a Stern's department store in Paramus, New Jersey. Cottingham's encounters with the legal system continued with arrests for robbery and sexual abuse in 1973 and 1974, though these cases were dismissed when the victims failed to appear in court.
The Final Arrest: Leslie Ann O'Dell
The brutal saga of Richard Cottingham came to an abrupt halt on May 22, 1980. In the early hours of that morning, he picked up 18-year-old Leslie Ann O'Dell, a sex worker in Manhattan, and took her to a Quality Inn in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. There, he subjected her to a harrowing ordeal, torturing her and nearly biting off one of her nipples. O'Dell's cries for help attracted motel staff, who called the police. Cottingham was arrested in the hallway, and a search of his belongings revealed a disturbing array of items, including a leather gag, slave collars, a switchblade knife, replica pistols, and a stockpile of prescription pills.
The indictment against Cottingham was extensive, encompassing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault while armed. Following his arrest, a search of his locked room and car uncovered personal effects linked to several victims, further sealing his fate.
The Assault Survivors
During Cottingham's 1981 trial, three additional survivors of his assaults testified alongside O'Dell. These women recounted their harrowing experiences of abduction, rape, and torture. Notably, Susan Geiger and Karen Schilt positively identified Cottingham in a police lineup. He was convicted of the assaults on Schilt, Geiger, and O'Dell, though he was acquitted in the case involving Pamela Weisenfeld.
Karen Schilt's Ordeal
On March 22, 1978, 22-year-old Karen Schilt, pregnant at the time, encountered Cottingham on her way home. He forced her to take sleeping pills and transported her to New Jersey, where he sexually assaulted her. The following morning, Schilt was discovered by a patrolman in a sewer outlet, her clothes torn and her body exposed.
Susan Geiger's Nightmare
In October 1978, Susan Geiger, a 19-year-old sex worker, met Cottingham in Manhattan. After a series of drugged drinks, she awoke in a motel room, covered in blood and evidence of torture. Cottingham had brutally assaulted her, inflicting injuries all over her body.
Pamela Weisenfeld's Encounter
On May 12, 1980, Pamela Weisenfeld was found beaten in a parking lot in Teaneck, New Jersey. She had been drugged and severely beaten by Cottingham, leaving her with multiple bite marks and extensive injuries.
The Murders
Cottingham's murders were characterized by extreme violence and a chilling ritualistic nature. He often targeted sex workers, luring them with promises of money before subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. His victims were tied, gagged, tortured, and ultimately killed through strangulation or asphyxiation. He would then collect trophies from his victims, such as jewelry and personal items, as grim mementos of his crimes.
New Jersey Trials
Over two separate trials in New Jersey, Cottingham was convicted of the murders of Maryann Carr and Valerie Street, in addition to the assaults on Schilt, Geiger, and O'Dell.
Maryann Carr's Fate
On December 16, 1977, the body of Maryann Carr was discovered in Little Ferry, New Jersey. Cottingham had kidnapped her, subjected her to brutal torture, and strangled her before discarding her body near the Quality Inn. He was convicted of her murder on October 12, 1982.
Valerie Ann Street's Murder
Valerie Ann Street's body was found on May 5, 1980, at the Hasbrouck Heights Quality Inn. Cottingham had used an alias to check into a room with her, where he killed her and stuffed her body under the bed. Evidence, including his fingerprint on the handcuffs, led to his conviction on June 12, 1981.
New York Trial
In 1984, Cottingham was tried and convicted in New York for the murders of three women, including the infamous beheading and mutilation of two victims at the Travel Lodge Motor Inn on December 2, 1979.
The Travel Lodge Murders
Firefighters responding to a call about smoke at the Travel Lodge discovered two mutilated bodies in Room 417. The victims, Deedeh Goodarzi and an unidentified woman known as "Manhattan Jane Doe," had been severely tortured and burned. Cottingham later admitted to these murders, stating he dismembered the victims to hinder identification.
Mary Ann Jean Reyner's Tragic End
On May 15, 1980, Mary Ann Jean Reyner was found dead at the Seville Hotel in New York City. Cottingham had gruesomely mutilated her body, leaving her breasts on the headboard as he attempted to destroy evidence by setting her on fire.
Anzilotti Investigations and Confessions
For decades, Cottingham maintained his innocence, claiming he had been framed. However, in 2009, he confessed to the five murders he was convicted for. Detective Robert Anzilotti, tasked with reviewing cold cases, began interviewing Cottingham in 2003. In 2010, Cottingham pleaded guilty to a 1967 murder and, in 2014, confessed to three additional murders in exchange for immunity.
In April 2021, Cottingham confessed to a notorious 1974 double-homicide in Montvale, New Jersey, just weeks before Anzilotti's retirement. This confession was facilitated by Peter Vronsky, a forensic historian, and Jennifer Weiss, daughter of victim Deedeh Goodarzi. In March 2023, Cottingham confessed to the murder of 17-year-old Mary Ann Della Sala, who vanished in 1967.
Conclusion
Richard Cottingham's reign of terror spanned over a decade, leaving a trail of gruesome murders and shattered lives. His arrest and subsequent convictions brought some measure of justice to his many victims, but the full extent of his crimes may never be known. The tireless efforts of law enforcement, historians, and surviving victims' families have helped to piece together the horrific legacy of the Torso Killer, ensuring that his story serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity.
Sources
For a detailed account of Richard Cottingham's crimes, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Known Murder
Richard Cottingham commits his first known murder, later confessing to it decades later.
First Arrest
Cottingham is arrested for shoplifting, marking his first known legal trouble.
Final Arrest
Cottingham is arrested after attempting to murder Leslie Ann O'Dell in a motel.
First Conviction
Cottingham is convicted of multiple charges including kidnapping and attempted murder.
Murder Conviction
Cottingham is convicted of the murder of Maryann Carr.
New York Convictions
Cottingham is convicted of the murders of three women in New York City.
Confession to 1967 Murder
Cottingham confesses to the murder of a woman from 1967, marking a significant development in cold cases.
Guilty Plea
Cottingham pleads guilty to the murder of Diane Cusick, admitting to several other murders.
Recent Confession
Cottingham confesses to the murder of a 17-year-old girl who vanished in 1967.
Richard Cottingham, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders across New York and New Jersey from 1967 to 1980, resulting in at least 18 confirmed victims, with some estimates suggesting over 80. His criminal activities included acts of mutilation, earning him the monikers "Torso Killer" and "Times Square Ripper." Cottingham was apprehended on May 22, 1980, and subsequently convicted of multiple counts of murder, receiving life sentences in New Jersey. Currently incarcerated at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey, he has confessed to additional murders under non-prosecution agreements, complicating the investigation into his full criminal history. Significant evidence includes his confessions and the physical remains of victims linked to him, which have been pivotal in securing his convictions.
Richard Cottingham is believed to have committed at least eighty additional murders beyond his confirmed victims, claiming these were "perfect murders." Some speculate that his method of operation involved targeting vulnerable women, often engaging in acts of mutilation, which contributed to his notoriety as the Torso Killer and Times Square Ripper. Investigators and the public continue to question the full extent of his crimes, suggesting he may have been involved in unsolved cases across various states.
The Life and Crimes of Richard Cottingham: The Torso Killer
Introduction
Richard Francis Cottingham, born on November 25, 1946, in New York City, would later earn infamy as one of America's most notorious serial killers. Dubbed the "Torso Killer" and the "Times Square Ripper," Cottingham's gruesome acts of murder and mutilation terrorized the states of New York and New Jersey from 1967 to 1980. Over the years, he claimed responsibility for at least eighteen murders, with some accounts suggesting the true number could be as high as one hundred. His arrest in 1980 ended a chilling spree of violence that left a lasting scar on the communities he tormented.
Early Life and Background
Richard Cottingham was the first of four children in a family that relocated from the Bronx to Dumont, New Jersey, in 1948, and then to River Vale in 1956. From a young age, he was captivated by bondage pornography, a fascination that would later manifest in his criminal exploits. Despite a close bond with his mother, Cottingham struggled to forge friendships during his teenage years. He graduated from Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey, in 1964, where he was a member of the cross-country and track teams.
Following high school, Cottingham worked at Metropolitan Life's Manhattan headquarters, where his father was a vice president. Starting in the mailroom, he advanced to become a mainframe computer operator after taking computer courses. In October 1966, he joined the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, where he continued to work until his arrest in 1980. Interestingly, during his tenure at Blue Cross, Cottingham worked alongside Rodney Alcala, another serial killer, though neither was aware of the other's dark inclinations.
In 1970, Cottingham married Janet at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, Queens. The couple had three children, but the marriage deteriorated, leading Janet to file for divorce in April 1978, citing abandonment and mental cruelty. She withdrew the petition upon his arrest in May 1980 but finalized the divorce after his 1981 conviction.
A Trail of Crime
Before his infamous murder spree came to light, Cottingham had several run-ins with the law. On October 3, 1969, he was fined $50 for drunk driving in New York City. In August 1972, he faced another $50 fine for shoplifting at a Stern's department store in Paramus, New Jersey. Cottingham's encounters with the legal system continued with arrests for robbery and sexual abuse in 1973 and 1974, though these cases were dismissed when the victims failed to appear in court.
The Final Arrest: Leslie Ann O'Dell
The brutal saga of Richard Cottingham came to an abrupt halt on May 22, 1980. In the early hours of that morning, he picked up 18-year-old Leslie Ann O'Dell, a sex worker in Manhattan, and took her to a Quality Inn in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. There, he subjected her to a harrowing ordeal, torturing her and nearly biting off one of her nipples. O'Dell's cries for help attracted motel staff, who called the police. Cottingham was arrested in the hallway, and a search of his belongings revealed a disturbing array of items, including a leather gag, slave collars, a switchblade knife, replica pistols, and a stockpile of prescription pills.
The indictment against Cottingham was extensive, encompassing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault while armed. Following his arrest, a search of his locked room and car uncovered personal effects linked to several victims, further sealing his fate.
The Assault Survivors
During Cottingham's 1981 trial, three additional survivors of his assaults testified alongside O'Dell. These women recounted their harrowing experiences of abduction, rape, and torture. Notably, Susan Geiger and Karen Schilt positively identified Cottingham in a police lineup. He was convicted of the assaults on Schilt, Geiger, and O'Dell, though he was acquitted in the case involving Pamela Weisenfeld.
Karen Schilt's Ordeal
On March 22, 1978, 22-year-old Karen Schilt, pregnant at the time, encountered Cottingham on her way home. He forced her to take sleeping pills and transported her to New Jersey, where he sexually assaulted her. The following morning, Schilt was discovered by a patrolman in a sewer outlet, her clothes torn and her body exposed.
Susan Geiger's Nightmare
In October 1978, Susan Geiger, a 19-year-old sex worker, met Cottingham in Manhattan. After a series of drugged drinks, she awoke in a motel room, covered in blood and evidence of torture. Cottingham had brutally assaulted her, inflicting injuries all over her body.
Pamela Weisenfeld's Encounter
On May 12, 1980, Pamela Weisenfeld was found beaten in a parking lot in Teaneck, New Jersey. She had been drugged and severely beaten by Cottingham, leaving her with multiple bite marks and extensive injuries.
The Murders
Cottingham's murders were characterized by extreme violence and a chilling ritualistic nature. He often targeted sex workers, luring them with promises of money before subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. His victims were tied, gagged, tortured, and ultimately killed through strangulation or asphyxiation. He would then collect trophies from his victims, such as jewelry and personal items, as grim mementos of his crimes.
New Jersey Trials
Over two separate trials in New Jersey, Cottingham was convicted of the murders of Maryann Carr and Valerie Street, in addition to the assaults on Schilt, Geiger, and O'Dell.
Maryann Carr's Fate
On December 16, 1977, the body of Maryann Carr was discovered in Little Ferry, New Jersey. Cottingham had kidnapped her, subjected her to brutal torture, and strangled her before discarding her body near the Quality Inn. He was convicted of her murder on October 12, 1982.
Valerie Ann Street's Murder
Valerie Ann Street's body was found on May 5, 1980, at the Hasbrouck Heights Quality Inn. Cottingham had used an alias to check into a room with her, where he killed her and stuffed her body under the bed. Evidence, including his fingerprint on the handcuffs, led to his conviction on June 12, 1981.
New York Trial
In 1984, Cottingham was tried and convicted in New York for the murders of three women, including the infamous beheading and mutilation of two victims at the Travel Lodge Motor Inn on December 2, 1979.
The Travel Lodge Murders
Firefighters responding to a call about smoke at the Travel Lodge discovered two mutilated bodies in Room 417. The victims, Deedeh Goodarzi and an unidentified woman known as "Manhattan Jane Doe," had been severely tortured and burned. Cottingham later admitted to these murders, stating he dismembered the victims to hinder identification.
Mary Ann Jean Reyner's Tragic End
On May 15, 1980, Mary Ann Jean Reyner was found dead at the Seville Hotel in New York City. Cottingham had gruesomely mutilated her body, leaving her breasts on the headboard as he attempted to destroy evidence by setting her on fire.
Anzilotti Investigations and Confessions
For decades, Cottingham maintained his innocence, claiming he had been framed. However, in 2009, he confessed to the five murders he was convicted for. Detective Robert Anzilotti, tasked with reviewing cold cases, began interviewing Cottingham in 2003. In 2010, Cottingham pleaded guilty to a 1967 murder and, in 2014, confessed to three additional murders in exchange for immunity.
In April 2021, Cottingham confessed to a notorious 1974 double-homicide in Montvale, New Jersey, just weeks before Anzilotti's retirement. This confession was facilitated by Peter Vronsky, a forensic historian, and Jennifer Weiss, daughter of victim Deedeh Goodarzi. In March 2023, Cottingham confessed to the murder of 17-year-old Mary Ann Della Sala, who vanished in 1967.
Conclusion
Richard Cottingham's reign of terror spanned over a decade, leaving a trail of gruesome murders and shattered lives. His arrest and subsequent convictions brought some measure of justice to his many victims, but the full extent of his crimes may never be known. The tireless efforts of law enforcement, historians, and surviving victims' families have helped to piece together the horrific legacy of the Torso Killer, ensuring that his story serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity.
Sources
For a detailed account of Richard Cottingham's crimes, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Known Murder
Richard Cottingham commits his first known murder, later confessing to it decades later.
First Arrest
Cottingham is arrested for shoplifting, marking his first known legal trouble.
Final Arrest
Cottingham is arrested after attempting to murder Leslie Ann O'Dell in a motel.
First Conviction
Cottingham is convicted of multiple charges including kidnapping and attempted murder.
Murder Conviction
Cottingham is convicted of the murder of Maryann Carr.
New York Convictions
Cottingham is convicted of the murders of three women in New York City.
Confession to 1967 Murder
Cottingham confesses to the murder of a woman from 1967, marking a significant development in cold cases.
Guilty Plea
Cottingham pleads guilty to the murder of Diane Cusick, admitting to several other murders.
Recent Confession
Cottingham confesses to the murder of a 17-year-old girl who vanished in 1967.