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"Torso Killer" Confesses to 1986 Murder

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/31/torso-killer-confesses-to-1986-murder.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 19:46 GMT by NBC 10 Philadelphia
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

New Brunswick, NJ - February 1st, 2026 - Richard Cottingham, the notorious serial killer dubbed the "Torso Killer," has confessed to the 1986 murder of Mary Jane Rosario, a 22-year-old New Jersey woman whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Middlesex County. This latest admission adds another chilling chapter to a case that has haunted law enforcement and the Rosario family for nearly four decades.

The confession, made on February 15th of last year according to authorities, came after Cottingham, now 76, was presented with newly uncovered evidence. This development marks a significant, though bittersweet, moment in a case plagued by cold leads and enduring grief. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda V. Richardson, in a statement released earlier today, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough for the Rosario family, acknowledging the "prolonged grief and uncertainty" they have endured.

Cottingham's history is a disturbing tapestry of violence. He first gained infamy in the 1980s, becoming a prime suspect in the murders of several women. He was initially convicted of the murders of three women in 2016, appearing to finally bring some closure to those investigations. However, the case took a perplexing turn when Cottingham shockingly recanted those confessions. This act threw the investigations into disarray and cast doubt on the previously established narrative, leaving the families of the victims once again grappling with uncertainty.

The recantation highlighted the complexities of working with a confessed serial killer. Psychological assessments following the recantation suggested potential issues with memory and manipulation, raising questions about the reliability of his initial statements. Law enforcement officials have spent the past several years meticulously re-examining the evidence from those earlier cases, attempting to corroborate or disprove Cottingham's claims. The recent confession in the Rosario case seems to be spurred by advancements in forensic technology and a relentless pursuit of truth by investigators.

Speaking to NBC New York, Elsie Rosario, Mary Jane's mother, expressed a sense of relief mixed with lingering sorrow. "It's been a long time coming," she said, "I'm just happy that I can put this behind me." While no amount of closure can truly erase the pain of losing a child, knowing the identity of her daughter's killer offers a degree of peace.

This latest confession isn't viewed as the end of the investigation, but rather a critical turning point. Authorities are now undertaking a comprehensive review of Cottingham's previous statements - including those he recanted - alongside the newly discovered evidence. They are attempting to discern a consistent pattern and determine the full extent of his crimes. The possibility remains that Cottingham was responsible for even more unsolved murders during the 1980s and early 1990s.

The methods used to secure this latest confession are reportedly centered around newly analyzed forensic evidence, potentially including advancements in DNA technology and the reconstruction of crime scenes. Investigators have been tight-lipped about the specific details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to protect the integrity of any potential future cases.

The "Torso Killer" moniker stems from the way Cottingham dismembered his victims, often leaving their bodies partially concealed or discarded in remote locations. This gruesome practice complicated early investigations and contributed to the decades-long mystery surrounding his crimes. He is considered a particularly dangerous and calculating predator.

Cottingham remains in custody, and investigators are working tirelessly to connect him to any remaining unsolved cases. The case remains active, with investigators seeking to build a comprehensive timeline of his movements and activities during the period of the murders. They are also appealing to the public for any information that might shed light on potential additional victims. The reopening of old wounds has been difficult for many families, but the pursuit of justice continues, driven by a commitment to provide answers and closure to those affected by the "Torso Killer's" horrific crimes.