Serial Killer Richard Cottingham Admits to 1965 New Jersey Cold Case Murder

A convicted serial killer has confessed to a cold case murder from 1965 in New Jersey, finally providing answers to the victim’s family. The victim, Alys Eberhardt, was a nursing student who was brutally killed in her Fair Lawn home on September 24, 1965. Her family has awaited closure for nearly six decades.

Renewed Investigation into Alys Eberhardt’s Murder

Initial efforts to identify Eberhardt’s killer stalled, leaving the case unsolved for over 55 years. In 2021, Detective Brian Rypkema of the Fair Lawn Police Department received a call from a former classmate of Eberhardt, which prompted a renewed investigation. Detective Rypkema and Sergeant Eric Eleshewich reopened the case, determined to uncover the truth.

Connection to Richard Cottingham

During their inquiry, the investigators learned about Richard Cottingham, infamously known as the “Torso Killer.” Cottingham was imprisoned for multiple murders and had not been on law enforcement’s radar at the time of Eberhardt’s death. Rypkema and Eleshewich found that Cottingham lived in Fair Lawn during the period of the murder.

• Richard Cottingham, also known as the “Torso Killer”
• Confessed to three life sentences for other murders
• Claimed to have murdered at least 80 people

The detectives visited Cottingham at Trenton State Prison, where they spent substantial time establishing rapport. During their discussions, Cottingham’s reactions to inquiries about Eberhardt’s case raised their suspicions. A significant detail emerged when he corrected the detectives about the entrance used in the crime.

Eberhardt’s Family Receives Closure

Over multiple visits, the detectives pursued more information and finally secured a confession from Cottingham on December 22, 2025. Following the confession, a decision was made between the Bergen County prosecutor and the Fair Lawn Police to not file criminal charges against Cottingham for Eberhardt’s murder since he would serve life imprisonment for existing convictions.

• Confession secured on December 22, 2025
• No charges will be filed for the Eberhardt case
• Cottingham remains incarcerated for other murders

Eberhardt’s family expressed profound relief at finally receiving answers. Michael Smith, her nephew, reflected on the long wait for closure and the importance of sharing this news with his mother, Alys’s sister. Cottingham’s confession was recorded on video, although a public release date has yet to be determined.

This significant confession not only brings closure to Eberhardt’s family but also highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to resolve cold cases and seek justice for victims. Richard Cottingham’s recognition in the Eberhardt case marks another chapter in the investigation into his heinous crimes.