> At a Glance
> – Richard Cottingham, 79, confessed to the 1965 stabbing death of 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt in her Fair Lawn home.
> – The case, dormant for decades, was reopened in 2021.
> – Cottingham, already serving life for five 1970s murders, claims up to 100 victims total.
> – Why it matters: Prosecutors say the admission delivers long-awaited closure to families still seeking answers in cold cases.
Nearly six decades after Alys Eberhardt was found stabbed and bludgeoned in her family’s Fair Lawn house, Richard Cottingham-serving life for other killings-has admitted he was responsible.
Confession Details
Investigators announced Tuesday that Cottingham, long known as the “Torso Killer,” acknowledged murdering Eberhardt on September 24, 1965. Authorities believe this could be one of his earliest crimes.
Bergen County prosecutors reopened the investigation in 2021, leading to the breakthrough.
Immunity Agreement
Because Cottingham previously received immunity for additional confessions:
- He will not face new charges for Eberhardt’s death
- The plea arrangement covered four other slayings he admitted to
- Prosecutors say the deal prioritizes giving families answers over further court proceedings
Pattern of Violence
Cottingham’s confirmed victims span multiple decades:
| Decade | Confirmed Convictions | Additional Claims |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | Eberhardt + others |
| 1970s | 5 (NY & NJ) | Multiple |
| 1980s-present | Life sentence | Claims up to 100 total |
The Fair Lawn murder matches his later habit of targeting young women, though he earned the “Torso Killer” nickname for dismembering victims in later crimes.
Family Reaction
Eberhardt’s relatives told investigators the confession finally provides certainty after years of uncertainty. Prosecutors echoed that sentiment, emphasizing their ongoing effort to close cold cases even when suspects are already incarcerated.
Cottingham, imprisoned since 1981, previously secured convictions for:
- Three murders in New York
- Two in Bergen County
- A string of other violent offenses
Key Takeaways
- Richard Cottingham admits killing Alys Eberhardt in 1965 Fair Lane home invasion
- Previous immunity deal bars new charges; prosecutors pursued confession for family closure
- Reopened 2021 probe confirms Cottingham’s role in one of New Jersey’s oldest cold cases
- Serial killer claims responsibility for up to 100 victims, though convicted of five
With the admission, investigators hope more families whose loved ones vanished decades ago may yet receive answers.
