What is richard cottingham?

Richard Cottingham: The Torso Killer

Richard Cottingham, also known as the "Torso Killer" or the "Times Square Killer", is an American serial killer.

  • Crimes: He is known for a string of murders and other violent crimes, primarily committed in New York City and New Jersey during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His modus operandi often involved dismemberment, hence the "Torso Killer" moniker.

  • Victims: While he was initially convicted of five murders, he has since confessed to numerous others, potentially placing the total number of his victims much higher. He preyed mainly on prostitutes and young women.

  • Arrest and Conviction: Cottingham was arrested in 1980 after being found in a motel room with a bound and severely beaten woman. This arrest led to the discovery of evidence linking him to previous unsolved murders.

  • Confessions and Current Status: Over the years, Cottingham has provided details about many unsolved cases, often leading to positive identification of previously unknown victims. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison. His case remains significant due to the gruesome nature of his crimes and the complexities surrounding his confessions.