Serial killer Richard Cottingham confesses in 1965 murder of 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt of Fair Lawn, New Jersey
FAIR LAWN, New Jersey (WABC) — The murder of an 18-year-old woman back in 1965 has been solved after nearly six decades.
The Fair Lawn Police Department says at long last, they have closed their only unsolved homicide case.
They say convicted serial killer Richard Cottingham confessed to the 1965 murder of 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt, who was found stabbed and bludgeoned in her family’s home.
Richard Cottingham makes a remote appearance at a courtroom in Mineola, N.Y., Monday, Dec. 5, 2022.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
The case was reopened in 2021 under then-Chief Glen Cauwels. Detectives Eric Eleshewich and Brian Rypkema led the renewed investigation, eventually linking Cottingham, who is already serving multiple life sentences for other killings, to the crime.
Cottingham, incarcerated since 1981, admitted to the murder during interviews late last year as his health declined.
Detectives say he provided details about the home and crime scene that were never made public.
“Closing Fair Lawn’s sole outstanding unsolved homicide is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Chief Joseph Dawicki. “While we cannot bring Alys back, I am hopeful her family can find some peace knowing her killer confessed and is behind bars.”
For Eberhardt’s family, the confession brings long-awaited closure. “Our family has waited since 1965 for the truth,” said Michael Smith, her nephew. “To receive this news during the holidays, and to be able to tell my mother, Alys’s sister, that we finally have answers was a moment I never thought would come.”
Cottingham remains in South Woods State Prison serving three life sentences and faces additional murder detainers. Authorities say no new charges will be filed.
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