The Boston Strangler isn’t just a Hollywood story—it’s a terrifying chapter of real American history. Between 1962 and 1964, 13 women were murdered in the Boston area, sparking fear, confusion, and intense media coverage. But was it really the work of a single killer?
Who Was the Boston Strangler?
The name most associated with the crimes is Albert DeSalvo, a handyman with a troubled past who confessed to all 13 murders while in custody for unrelated crimes. His confession seemed to close the case, but there was no physical evidence linking him to most of the scenes.
Is It a True Story?
Yes—but it’s complicated. The murders were very real. The fear in Boston was real. And DeSalvo was a real man with a disturbing past. However, many experts and investigators believe he may not have acted alone—or at all. Some think he falsely confessed for fame or to help his family financially through book deals.
Modern DNA Evidence
In 2013, DNA from the last victim, Mary Sullivan, was matched to DeSalvo—bringing some closure. But questions still linger: why did the patterns of the killings vary? Could more than one killer have used the “Strangler” myth as cover?
The Legacy
Whether or not Albert DeSalvo was the sole killer, the case remains a haunting reminder of how crimes can shake a city to its core—and how justice isn't always clear-cut. It has inspired books, films, and most recently, a 2023 Hulu movie exploring the case through the eyes of female journalists who challenged the official narrative.
The Boston Strangler is more than a crime story. It’s a case that asks us to question what we accept as truth—and how history is written.
