Home / Crime and Justice / Torso Killer Confesses: 61-Year-Old Cold Case Solved
Torso Killer Confesses: 61-Year-Old Cold Case Solved
7 Jan
Summary
- Serial killer Richard Cottingham confessed to a 1965 murder
- The confession brings closure to the family after 61 years
- Cottingham is serving multiple life sentences since 1980

The notorious "Torso Killer," Richard Cottingham, has confessed to the 1965 murder of Alys Eberhardt, a case that remained unsolved for over six decades. Authorities reopened the investigation in spring 2021, leading to interviews with Cottingham, who is currently serving multiple life sentences.
During final interviews in December, Cottingham provided a full verbal and written confession, detailing the circumstances of Eberhardt's murder. The victim's family expressed gratitude for the closure, stating they "finally have answers" after waiting since 1965.
Cottingham, now 79, has confessed to at least a dozen murders since his arrest in 1980. He is known for dismembering his victims and has previously confessed to several other killings dating back to the 1970s.




