In a startling development from a New Jersey prison, a notorious serial killer has provided closure to a cold case that has remained unsolved for six decades. Richard Cottingham, already serving multiple life sentences, has confessed to the 1965 murder of a woman, according to law enforcement officials.
A Chilling Confession Behind Bars
Authorities from the Bergen County Sheriff's Office confirmed the confession on January 7, 2026. The case dates back to 1965, when the victim was found murdered. For 60 years, the identity of her killer remained a mystery, with the case growing cold despite investigative efforts.
Cottingham, now in his late 70s, is known as one of New Jersey's most prolific serial killers. His known crimes, which earned him the macabre nicknames "The Torso Killer" and "The Times Square Killer," primarily occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. This new confession pushes the timeline of his violent spree back by at least a decade, offering a grim new perspective on his criminal history.
Solving a Six-Decade Mystery
Police have not yet released the name of the 1965 victim, pending notification of remaining family members. The confession reportedly came during a recent interview with investigators who were revisiting unsolved cases potentially linked to known offenders.
The resolution of this 60-year-old case highlights the persistent work of cold case units and the potential for confessions to bring long-awaited answers to families. While Cottingham is already imprisoned for life, the formal closure of this case allows law enforcement to officially clear it from their books and may provide a measure of solace to those connected to the victim.
Legacy of a Notorious Criminal
Richard Cottingham was convicted for a series of gruesome murders and assaults, often targeting women in the New York-New Jersey area. He has been linked to numerous killings, with some estimates suggesting his victim count could be as high as 100, though he was formally convicted for a smaller number.
This latest admission adds another layer to his horrific legacy and demonstrates how some criminals, even decades later, may choose to confess to previously unknown crimes. Investigators are likely examining other unsolved cases from the era to see if they might also be connected to Cottingham's early years of violence.
The Bergen County Sheriff's Office stated that the formal paperwork to officially close the 1965 case is being processed, finally putting an end to one of New Jersey's oldest active cold case investigations.
