Relatives Question Boston Strangler’s Guilt

Casey Sherman, nephew of the youngest victim of the Boston Strangler, is skeptical about the confession made by Albert DeSalvo, the man known for the notorious murders. “Honestly, I just can’t buy that DeSalvo actually did it,” he told a news outlet. “Reflecting on the psychological assessment by Dr. Ames Roby, DeSalvo’s psychologist, it’s clear he didn’t think DeSalvo was capable of murder from their extensive discussions.”

Sherman describes DeSalvo as a sex offender and a con artist, someone who exploited women but insists he never committed murder. “He certainly took advantage of women, but attributing the murders to him doesn’t sit right with me,” he said.

Documentary Explores Murders

The Boston Strangler case, which unfolded from 1962 to 1964, is the focus of a recent true-crime documentary titled “The Boston Strangler: Inaudible Confessions,” hosted by Sherman himself. This special features previously unheard audio from DeSalvo, who was killed in prison in 1973.

Sherman has spent years investigating the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, who was a victim in this case. “Growing up, I was aware my aunt was murdered,” he shared. “Talking to my mother, who was very close to her sister, unearthed a lot of emotion. They had dreams and plans, which were shattered by this tragedy.”

He recounted a moment that struck him deeply: “I offered her comfort, saying at least they caught the guy. But my mother looked at me and said, ‘Casey, I can’t be sure they did.’” It was her instinct, a sisterly connection, he explained, that left lingering doubts about DeSalvo’s guilt.

While Sherman initially accepted DNA evidence that allegedly linked DeSalvo to Sullivan’s murder, his confidence in it has waned. “Over time, I grew skeptical about how that evidence was interpreted,” he noted, emphasizing conversations with about 50 witnesses—including early task force members—who believed the wrong person was blamed for these gruesome crimes.

Murder Victims and Mode of Attack

Thirteen women were killed during a spree that horrified Boston, with victims aged between 19 and 85, all strangled with their clothing. While DeSalvo often described the murders, many doubted his consistency and credibility.

Labeling him “America’s Jack the Ripper,” the media at the time highlighted the fear he instilled nationwide. DeSalvo, who was a blue-collar worker and veteran, confessed while being treated at a mental health facility but was never convicted of murder due to lack of solid evidence.

“He didn’t align with witness descriptions, nor was he part of the extensive suspect list,” Sherman pointed out, highlighting doubts about DeSalvo as the actual killer.

Possibility of Multiple Killers

There are theories suggesting there may have been two or more perpetrators involved. Some, including Sherman, suggest DeSalvo might have been manipulated into giving a false confession. Yet, not everyone agrees; various law enforcement officials maintain that DeSalvo was responsible for most, if not all, of the murders in this case.

Sherman’s investigations led him to discover numerous letters DeSalvo wrote to families of inmates, hinting at a potential recantation of his confession. “He mentioned wanting to change his story in front of a reporter, but he never got that chance,” Sherman recounted.

“We owe it to the victim’s families to unearth the complete truth about these tragic events,” Sherman stated. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no expiration on the search for justice.” He hopes renewed scrutiny might reveal details missed in the past. “There are answers out there,” Sherman asserted, optimistic about uncovering new leads in the years to come.

The documentary is currently streaming and aims to shed new light on this decades-old case.