Podcast Summary: The Binge Cases – "Denise Didn't Come Home | Episode 3: The Torso Killer"

In the third episode of The Binge Cases titled "The Torso Killer," host Anthony Scalia delves deep into one of Bergen County’s most haunting unsolved murder sprees. This episode intricately weaves together a narrative of persistent investigation, emerging suspects, and the elusive quest for justice surrounding the tragic disappearance and murder of Denise Velasquez in 1969.

Introduction: Unraveling Bergen County’s Dark Past

The episode opens with Anthony Scalia setting the scene of Bergen County in the late 1960s, a period plagued by a series of violent crimes against young women. He recounts chilling statistics and specific cases that hint at the presence of a serial killer in the region:

"On July 14, 1969, Karen Falasca last saw her 15-year-old sister Denise when they parted ways near their Bergen County home. The following day, Denise’s body was discovered strangled beside a cemetery." [00:32]

Scalia emphasizes the pattern of violence that plagued the community, mentioning other victims such as Marianne de la Salle, Nancy Vogel, Jacqueline Harp, and Irene Blase, all victims of strangulation with unsettling similarities in their cases.

Alan Greco: The Detective on the Case

A pivotal figure in this narrative is Alan Greco, a retired detective from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Greco provides firsthand insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement during this era:

"These unsolved female cases haunted the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the homicide for many years." [01:52]

Greco explains how the similarities in time, location, and modus operandi (MO) among the cases led investigators to suspect a single perpetrator. Despite these connections, many of the murders remained cold cases, eluding resolution for decades.

The Emergence of Richard Cottingham: The Torso Killer

The investigation takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Richard Cottingham, a man whose actions would soon cement his infamy as the Torso Killer. Greco details the discovery of Mary Ann Carr's body in 1977 and the subsequent investigation that brings Cottingham into the spotlight:

"We knew we had a guy that was responsible for a whole bunch of things. A predator, a sexual predator, a serial killer that was out there almost on a daily basis." [02:57]

Cottingham's eventual arrest at the Quality Inn Motel became a significant breakthrough. Greco describes the arrest vividly:

"He was holding an attache case in one hand and a gun in the other... I took out the shotgun from the police car... I yelled, 'Police, hold it right there.'" [17:00]

This confrontation revealed unsettling evidence—handcuffs, a ball gag, and various items stolen from his victims—that linked Cottingham to multiple murders.

Connecting the Dots: Cottingham’s Murders Across States

As the investigation deepens, Greco uncovers Cottingham’s extensive reach beyond Bergen County. He becomes clear that Cottingham’s actions were not confined to one state, leading to his nickname, the Torso Killer. The detective recounts:

"On the surface, he was a husband and a father of three, a family man. But Greco found that Cottingham's wife had filed for divorce a year earlier, saying he had abandoned her..." [23:21]

Further exploration reveals Cottingham's history with violent crimes against women, including previous assaults that were dismissed due to victims not appearing in court. This paints a picture of a man deeply entrenched in predatory behavior.

The Struggle for Closure: Greco’s Determined Pursuit

Despite Cottingham's conviction for several murders, Greco remained convinced of his involvement in other unsolved cases, including Denise Velasquez's murder. His attempts to secure further cooperation from Cottingham were met with bureaucratic hurdles:

"We had to provide him with certain foods that he wanted to have brought in from the outside... He acknowledged he was going to string us along as long as he possibly could." [33:07]

Greco's frustration peaked when his request to formalize a deal with Cottingham was denied by the New Jersey Attorney General, effectively halting any progress on the cold cases.

Legacy of the Investigation: Unsolved Mysteries Persist

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring mystery surrounding Denise Velasquez and other victims. Despite Cottingham's conviction and the hints he provided about his earlier crimes, many questions remain unanswered:

"He could be responsible for hundreds of victims." [32:56]

Alan Greco's relentless pursuit highlights the complexities and limitations faced by law enforcement in solving serial crimes, especially decades later. The unresolved cases leave a lingering sense of injustice and a community still seeking answers.

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Scalia [00:32]:

  "Karen Falasca last saw her 15-year-old sister Denise when they parted ways near their Bergen County home. The following day, Denise’s body was discovered strangled beside a cemetery."

• Alan Greco [02:57]:

  "We knew we had a guy that was responsible for a whole bunch of things. A predator, a sexual predator, a serial killer that was out there almost on a daily basis."

• Stan Mellock [17:14]:

  "I caught one hell of a guy. He had like a ball gag, a couple slave collars, you know, studded chrome collars. There were a set of keys attached to a set of handcuffs."

• Alan Greco [24:09]:

  "We found a locked door which led to a small storage area. We found some items related to women and possibly our case."

Conclusion: A Quest for Truth Amidst Darkness

"The Torso Killer" episode of The Binge Cases meticulously chronicles the intricate web of investigations surrounding Richard Cottingham and the multiple unsolved murders in Bergen County. Through compelling storytelling and detailed interviews, the podcast underscores the relentless effort of Detective Alan Greco in seeking justice for victims who disappeared decades ago. The episode not only highlights the grim reality of serial crimes but also the enduring hope for closure that persists within affected families and communities.

For those intrigued by true crime stories that delve into the depths of criminal investigations and the pursuit of elusive truths, The Binge Cases offers a gripping exploration of cases that continue to baffle and haunt investigators to this day.

Note: This summary has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's content, capturing key moments and quotes to engage listeners and inform those who have yet to experience the gripping narrative of "The Torso Killer."