Between June 1962 and January 1964, an individual went on a killing spree strangling 13 single women aged 19 to 85 in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. He would kill by strangulation using a silk stocking and leave the ligature around the victim’s neck tied in an ornamental bow.
Detectives referred to them as the “Silk Stocking Murders” and labeled the attacker as the “Boston Strangler.” Investigators believed the perpetrator disguised himself as a repairman or delivery man to gain entry into the women’s apartments.
The Confession
In late 1964, Albert Desalvo, a convicted sexual predator known as the “Measuring Man,” confessed to the Silk Stocking Murders. He described each murder in detail, including details about the victims’ apartments and what they wore at the time of the attack.
Despite the confessions, detectives couldn’t find evidence linking Albert Desalvo to the Silk Stocking Murders. He was never tried for the Boston Strangler murders due to the lack of evidence and matching witness descriptions. He was sentenced to life in prison for his other crimes and died in prison in 1973.
DNA Evidence
The Boston Strangler remained a mystery until July 2013, when police found evidence linking Desalvo to Mary Sullivan, one of the victims of the Silk Stocking Murders. After extracting DNA from Desalvo’s remains, they determined he was the murderer. Detectives are yet to find evidence linking anyone to the other Boston Strangler murders.
Hire A Wrongful Death Lawyer
Even though the Boston Strangler murders are explicit crimes, victims’ families could still file wrongful death suits on individuals or agencies who negligently exposed the victims to the risk. For example, they could sue landlords or real estate agencies for not providing adequate security.
Robert J. Debry & Associates are the leading wrongful death lawyers in Utah. We will help you seek compensation for wrongful deaths caused by negligence. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers will take on large agencies, insurance companies, and corporations. Call Robert J. Debry & Associates at (801) 888-8888 for a free consultation.