Albert DeSalvo, known to many as the Boston Strangler, was a name that sent chills down the spine of Boston in the early 1960s. His crimes, brutal and methodical, left a mark on American criminal history that still lingers today. So, who was Albert DeSalvo, and how did he become one of the most infamous serial killers in the country?

Back in the 1960s, Boston was a city gripped by fear. Women locked their doors, checked under their beds, and hesitated to open the door to strangers. The reason? A string of murders and assaults that would later be tied to one man — Albert DeSalvo. His crimes were disturbing, his confessions shocking, and his legacy one of horror and unanswered questions.

Even decades later, people are still searching for answers. Who was Albert DeSalvo really? Did he act alone? And how did a man with a history of petty crimes become the face of one of the most notorious killing sprees in American history? Let’s dive into the life and crimes of Albert DeSalvo and uncover the truth behind the Boston Strangler.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Albert DeSalvo
• Timeline of Crimes
• The Boston Strangler Case
• Personal Details and Biographical Data
• FAQ Section

Biography of Albert DeSalvo

Albert Henry DeSalvo was born on September 3, 1931, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Growing up, he had a troubled childhood. His father was an abusive alcoholic, and his mother struggled to keep the family together. From an early age, DeSalvo found himself in and out of trouble with the law, often for small-time offenses like theft and assault.

Despite his early brushes with the law, nothing in his past foreshadowed the gruesome acts he would later commit. He served in the Army for a time, where he met his future wife, Irmgard. However, his criminal tendencies only grew worse after returning to civilian life. By the early 1960s, he was already known to local police for a series of sexual assaults, earning nicknames like the "Green Man" for the green army jacket he often wore during his crimes.

So, how did a man with a history of petty crime become the Boston Strangler? The answer lies in a complex mix of personal demons, opportunity, and a city that was unprepared for the terror that was about to unfold.

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Timeline of Crimes

Let’s take a closer look at how DeSalvo’s criminal activity escalated over time:

1. 1962: The first known murder attributed to the Boston Strangler occurs. Anna Slesers, a 51-year-old nurse, is found strangled in her Boston apartment.
2. 1963: More women are found dead under similar circumstances. Each victim is strangled, often with items found in the home. The pattern becomes clear, and fear spreads across the city.
3. October 27, 1964: A young woman is tied to her bed and sexually assaulted by a man who claims to be a detective. He apologizes before leaving. This incident, while not a murder, fits the same profile as the Boston Strangler.
4. 1965: DeSalvo, already under arrest for a series of rapes, shocks everyone by confessing to the Boston Strangler murders. His confession comes after months of investigation by police who were still no closer to identifying the killer.
5. January 18, 1967: DeSalvo is sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. Though he never stood trial for the murders, his confession was enough to close the case in the eyes of the law.

What’s chilling about this timeline is how methodical and prolonged the attacks were. DeSalvo didn’t just strike once — he preyed on vulnerable women for years, leaving a trail of fear and unanswered questions in his wake.

The Boston Strangler Case

One of the most puzzling aspects of the Boston Strangler case is how it was solved. For years, police had no real leads. The killer was careful, leaving little evidence behind. It wasn’t until DeSalvo, while incarcerated for unrelated rapes, confessed to the murders that the case saw any real progress.

He described in detail how he gained entry to victims’ homes, often posing as a salesman or someone offering home services. Once inside, he would overpower the woman, tie her up, and then strangle her. He claimed to have killed 13 women, though some experts still question whether all the murders were his doing.

Despite his confession, DeSalvo’s involvement in all 13 murders remains a topic of debate. Some believe he may have taken credit for crimes he didn’t commit, possibly to gain notoriety or manipulate his legal situation. Still, the evidence he provided during his confession was detailed enough to satisfy the authorities at the time.

For a deeper dive into how serial killers operate and how cases are solved, you can learn more about criminal profiling on our site.

Personal Details and Biographical Data

Here’s a quick overview of Albert DeSalvo’s personal information and background:

DeSalvo’s life was marked by a pattern of violence and instability. He was stabbed to death in prison in 1973 by another inmate, bringing a violent end to a violent life. His death did not, however, bring closure to all the questions surrounding his crimes.

FAQ Section

Was Albert DeSalvo really the Boston Strangler?
Albert DeSalvo confessed to being the Boston Strangler in 1965 while serving time for other crimes. Though he never stood trial for the murders, his detailed confession and the lack of other suspects led authorities to close the case.

How many people did Albert DeSalvo kill?
DeSalvo claimed to have killed 13 women between 1962 and 1964. However, some experts remain skeptical about whether all the murders were his doing.

What happened to Albert DeSalvo?
He was sentenced to life in prison in 1967 and died in prison in 1973 after being stabbed by another inmate.

To explore more about how serial killer cases are investigated, check out our full guide here.