Albert DeSalvo is remembered in history for very tragic and terrifying reasons, as he is widely believed to be the infamous Boston Strangler, a serial killer who terrorized Boston, USA, during the early 1960s. Between 1962 and 1964, a series of brutal murders of women shook the city, leaving the public living in constant fear. The victims were mostly women who were found strangled in their homes, often with pieces of their own clothing used as ligatures. The sheer number of murders and the mystery surrounding the killer’s identity created a climate of panic and insecurity in Boston, making the case one of the most chilling chapters in American criminal history. DeSalvo eventually confessed to being the Boston Strangler, although doubts remained for years until modern DNA testing linked him directly to one of the victims, confirming his involvement and cementing his place as a notorious figure in true crime history.
What Happened?
- From 1962 to 1964, many women were found murdered in their homes.
- Most of them had been strangled with pieces of cloth.
- The city lived in fear because no one knew who the killer was.
- The murder of a young woman named Mary Sullivan in 1964 became a key case.
Who Was Albert DeSalvo?
- DeSalvo already had a record of crimes.
- He was known as the “Green Man” because he often wore green clothes when breaking into houses and attacking women.
- Police caught him, but not for murder – he was arrested for rape.
- Later, he confessed to being the Boston Strangler. But there was no strong proof at that time, so many people were not sure if he was the real killer.
Life in Prison:
- DeSalvo was sent to prison for his crimes.
- In 1967, he escaped from a hospital but was soon caught again.
- In 1973, another prisoner murdered him in jail.
New Evidence:
- In 2013, modern DNA testing was done on evidence from Mary Sullivan’s murder.
- The DNA matched Albert DeSalvo.
- This proved that he was involved in at least that killing.
Conclusion
The story of Albert DeSalvo highlights the challenges faced in solving crimes when there is not enough concrete evidence to prove guilt beyond doubt. At the time of the Boston Strangler murders, investigators relied heavily on witness statements, confessions, and circumstantial evidence, but the absence of solid forensic proof made it difficult to establish DeSalvo’s role with certainty. His confession alone raised suspicion, as many questioned whether he was telling the truth or seeking attention. This uncertainty left the case clouded for decades, showing how justice can remain elusive without reliable evidence. However, the later use of advanced scientific methods, particularly DNA testing, demonstrated the power of modern forensic science to solve mysteries from the past. By linking DeSalvo to the murder of Mary Sullivan years after his death, DNA analysis proved that even decades later, truth can be uncovered, providing closure to long-unsolved cases and reaffirming the vital role of science in the criminal justice system.
