Boston Strangler

In 1962, investigative reporter Loretta McLaughlin becomes deeply involved in a disturbing case after discovering the brutal murders of three older women. Each victim showed a chilling commonality, raising suspicions of a lurking serial killer in the Boston area.

As the investigation progresses, a fourth victim's body is uncovered, prompting Loretta to collaborate with fellow journalist Jean Cole. Together, they begin to navigate the oppressive male-dominated environment of their newsroom, facing sexism and resistance as they pursue the truth.

Loretta's commitment to the story begins to take a toll on her personal life, straining her marriage. Her family suffers harassment as they become entangled in the fierce media attention surrounding the case.

While delving deeper into the cases, Loretta coins the term 'the Boston Strangler' to describe the suspected killer. This moniker becomes infamous, capturing the public's attention and increasing pressure on law enforcement.

In 1963, a seventh victim named Sophie Clark is found, striking fear into the community as she is younger than previous victims. A neighbor provides a description of a potential suspect, but it becomes clear that the pattern of murders is evolving.

Loretta and Jean realize that the Boston Police Department is not adequately sharing important information that could connect disparate murders. Their investigation uncovers even more similar cases across jurisdictional lines, suggesting systemic failures in the investigative process.

Albert DeSalvo becomes a prime suspect after numerous connections to the murders are established. Though a witness mistakenly identifies George Nassar, the pressure mounts as DeSalvo eventually confesses to all thirteen murders.

Despite his confession, DeSalvo is convicted only for prior robbery and sexual crimes due to the lack of physical evidence linking him to the murders. He receives a life sentence, leaving many details of the case unresolved.

In 1965, Loretta travels to Ann Arbor following a tip regarding six murders that mirror the Strangler's methods. Here, she identifies Daniel Marsh as a prime suspect, although he remains uncooperative with investigators.

In a turn of fate, DeSalvo reaches out to Loretta in 1973, wanting to share his story. Tragically, before they can meet, he is fatally stabbed by another inmate in prison, leaving many questions unanswered.

A former patient at Bridgewater State Hospital shares critical information with Loretta, suggesting ties between DeSalvo, Marsh, and Nassar. This revelation hints at a larger conspiracy surrounding the murders.

As Loretta and Jean investigate further, they formulate a theory that Paul Dempsey may have committed the initial murders. They suggest that copycat killings followed, indicating a pattern of multiple killers targeting younger victims.

The Record American publishes Loretta and Jean's investigative conclusions, igniting a broader discussion about the media's role in criminal investigations. Their work raises critical questions regarding ethics and responsibility in reporting.

In the epilogue, Loretta emerges as an award-winning medical reporter, while Jean flourishes in her career. Their friendship endures through the years despite the trauma of their harrowing investigation.

Years later, advancements in DNA technology reveal that while DeSalvo was linked to the 13th murder, he was not connected to the other twelve. This persistent ambiguity continues to cloud the identity of the Boston Strangler.