Summary of "Denise Didn't Come Home | Episode 7: Evil Nice Guy" from The Binge Cases
Podcast Title: The Binge Cases: Denise Didn't Come Home
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment
Episode: 7. Evil Nice Guy
Description: Karen Falasca last saw her 15-year-old sister Denise on July 14, 1969. The next day, Denise was found strangled near a cemetery. For nearly five decades, Karen tirelessly sought Denise’s killer. In this episode, host Anthony Scalia joins Karen in her quest, uncovering unexpected truths about the case.
Introduction
Evil Nice Guy delves into the harrowing true story of Denise Falasca's disappearance and murder. Karen Falasca, Denise’s sister, confronted immense grief and determination in her quest for justice. Nearly fifty years later, Anthony Scalia partners with Karen to unravel the mystery, leading them to Richard Cottingham, a convicted serial killer.
Karen Falasca’s Quest for Justice
Karen Falasca recounts the tragic night she last saw Denise on July 14, 1969. The following day, Denise’s body was discovered strangled beside a cemetery in Bergen County. The loss left Karen with an unfillable void and a relentless drive to find Denise's killer.
Karen Falasca [01:01]: "When Karen passed away, she left me with a hole in my heart and a mountain of tape to go through."
Despite her efforts, Karen struggled to find concrete answers, leaving her with more questions than closure.
Anthony Scalia Takes Up the Case
After Karen's passing, Anthony Scalia inherits her unresolved investigation. Determined to honor Karen's legacy, Scalia dives into the case tapes left behind.
Anthony Scalia [01:12]: "Now it was my turn to keep this story alive."
Scalia discovers that Karen had reached out to Richard Cottingham, a known serial killer, in hopes of uncovering the truth about Denise’s death.
Confronting Richard Cottingham
Richard Cottingham, dubbed the "Cotton Top Killer," had confessed to multiple murders but maintained claims of a larger number of victims. Scalia and Karen see Cottingham as the key to solving Denise’s case, despite his reputation for deception.
Karen Falasca [02:04]: "Richard would have to be the one to tell us what happened that made him so evil. Such an evil, nice guy."
Scalia secures a call with Cottingham, who reluctantly begins to share details about Denise’s murder.
Inside Cottingham’s Mind
Throughout their conversations, Cottingham reveals disturbing insights into his psyche and the motivations behind his crimes. He portrays himself as a manipulative individual who derives pleasure from evading capture and exerting control over his victims.
Richard Cottingham [05:31]: "It's true. I did some really, really terrible things in my life. I don't believe it sometimes, you know?"
Cottingham discusses his early life, hinting at a lack of clear motives despite leading a seemingly normal upbringing.
Richard Cottingham [11:05]: "I had no proclivity toward any of the known actions of serial killers when they were young."
The Murder of Denise Falasca
In a pivotal revelation, Cottingham describes the events leading to Denise’s murder. He details how he encountered Denise on Old Look Road, a desolate area frequented by hitchhikers. Cottingham admits to drugging and ultimately strangling Denise, rationalizing his actions as a means of eliminating a perceived threat.
Richard Cottingham [25:03]: "I put my arm around her, and I don't think she knew how to handle the situation... I strangled her."
Denise’s last words, as stated by Cottingham, were hauntingly tender: "I love you," highlighting the complex and twisted nature of her final moments.
Richard Cottingham [27:49]: "I was looking at her, and she looked right at me and she said, I love you."
Unveiling the Unexpected Truth
As Scalia delves deeper, he uncovers discrepancies in Cottingham’s accounts and reflects on the profound impact of Denise’s loss on her family. Despite Cottingham’s confessions, the emotional weight of the revelations leaves Scalia grappling with questions about the nature of evil and the possibility of closure.
Anthony Scalia [28:38]: "I think about Karen, about everything she and her family would go through after that moment."
The episode culminates with Scalia obtaining Denise’s case file, promising further insights and unresolved mysteries to be explored in the concluding episode.
Conclusion
"Evil Nice Guy" masterfully intertwines Karen Falasca’s enduring quest for justice with Anthony Scalia’s investigative journey. Through candid interviews and unsettling admissions from Richard Cottingham, the episode sheds light on the dark complexities of serial killers and the enduring pain of unsolved crimes. As the series progresses, listeners are left contemplating the elusive nature of truth and the profound human desire for closure.
Richard Cottingham [29:35]: "There's really not that many crimes where people are still even living safe."
Next Episode Preview: In the final episode, Scalia gains access to Denise’s case file, uncovering both the answers Karen long sought and new, unsettling information that challenges everything believed about the case.
Notable Quotes:
- Anthony Scalia [01:12]: "Now it was my turn to keep this story alive."
- Karen Falasca [02:04]: "Richard would have to be the one to tell us what happened that made him so evil. Such an evil, nice guy."
- Richard Cottingham [27:49]: "I was looking at her, and she looked right at me and she said, I love you."
- Richard Cottingham [29:35]: "There's really not that many crimes where people are still even living safe."
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