The Boston Strangler: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century

In the annals of American crime, few cases have been as chilling or as enduring as that of the Boston Strangler. For over a quarter century, this enigmatic killer terrorized the city, preying on vulnerable women and leaving a trail of fear and uncertainty in its wake. The Strangler's reign of terror ultimately spanned 13 confirmed murders, but the true extent of their crimes may never be known.

The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century

by Howie Carr

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Victims

The victims of the Boston Strangler were predominantly women, ranging in age from 19 to 85. They came from all walks of life, including housewives, students, and working professionals. What united them was their vulnerability: they were often alone in their homes or apartments when they were attacked.

The Strangler's methods were as brutal as they were calculated. They would typically gain entry to the victim's home by posing as a repairman or a utility worker. Once inside, they would strangle their victim with a ligature, often using stockings or other household items. In some cases, they would also sexually assault their victims.

The Investigation

The Boston Strangler case quickly became one of the most high-profile murder investigations in American history. The police assigned a team of detectives to the case, but they were initially stymied by the lack of evidence. The Strangler was careful to leave no fingerprints or other identifying marks behind.

As the investigation dragged on, the public's fear and frustration grew. The police came under increasing pressure to catch the killer, but they were unable to make any significant progress. The case seemed to have gone cold.

The Capture

In 1964, a break in the case finally came when a man named Albert DeSalvo confessed to being the Boston Strangler. DeSalvo had a long history of criminal activity, including assault and breaking and entering. He was also known to be a pathological liar.

Despite his dubious history, DeSalvo's confession contained details that only the killer could have known. He was able to provide descriptions of the victims' homes and the methods used to kill them. He also admitted to committing several other murders that had not been linked to the Boston Strangler.

The Trial and Aftermath

DeSalvo was charged with 13 murders and was eventually convicted of 11 of them. He was sentenced to life in prison, but he recanted his confession several times before his death in 1973.

The Boston Strangler case remains one of the most controversial in American history. Some people believe that DeSalvo was the sole killer, while others believe that he was part of a larger conspiracy. The true identity of the Boston Strangler may never be known.

The Impact on Boston

The Boston Strangler case had a profound impact on the city of Boston. The fear and uncertainty that gripped the city during the Strangler's reign of terror left a lasting legacy. The case also raised serious questions about the ability of the police to protect the public from such depraved and violent criminals.

In the years since the Boston Strangler case, the city has taken steps to improve its crime prevention and response efforts. The police have increased their patrols and have implemented new technologies to help them identify and track potential criminals. The city has also invested in programs to help victims of violent crime.

Legacy

The Boston Strangler case is a reminder of the darkness that can lurk within the human heart. It is a story of terror, violence, and corruption that continues to fascinate and horrify us to this day. The victims of the Boston Strangler were innocent women who were senselessly murdered. Their families and friends were left to grieve their loss and to wonder why such a thing could have happened.

The Boston Strangler case is also a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in preventing crime. The police cannot do it alone. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe. By working together, we can help to prevent future tragedies like the Boston Strangler case.

The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century

by Howie Carr

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE