Plot Synopsis

THE TORSO KILLER CONFESSIONS is a two-part, four-hour documentary that focuses on tri-state area serial killer Richard Cottingham, who admits to a previously unsolved murder. Through a decades long relationship with the killer, Detective Robert Anzilotti has obtained a new confession from Cottingham for the murder of Mary Ann Della Sala, whose death in January 1967 was never solved. Not shared until now, the death of Della Sala is one of the oldest cold cases ever closed and the earliest confirmed killing by Cottingham. In addition to the new confession, the series features in-depth interviews with Anzilotti, never-before-heard audio tapes of the men's conversations, intimate exclusive footage, and multiple confessions from Cottingham regarding his recent headline-making killings never heard on tape. The two-parter goes behind the scenes, exploring the relationship between the two men, and offers a rare look into an unrelenting journey for the truth against the odds.

From the late 1960s until his arrest in 1980, Richard Cottingham, also known as the "Torso Killer," was one of America's most prolific serial killers who viciously murdered young women in the New York City and New Jersey area. While convicted and serving five life sentences for some of his crimes, Cottingham was suspected to be linked to at least a dozen other cold case murders and has claimed to have killed over 100 women. "The Torso Killer Confessions" follows detective Robert Anzilotti on his quest to find answers for several of these cases through decades of conversations with Cottingham. While unable to share his findings with the public until 2021, Anzilotti spent years forming a relationship with the serial killer, coaxing information out of him that resulted in seven additional confessions. Never heard until now, the series features tapes of these interrogations and confessions. Further bringing the story to light, the special features exclusive footage of Anzilotti and Cottingham, never-before-seen photos, and interviews with those closest to the cases including law enforcement and friends and family of several victims.

THE TORSO KILLER CONFESSIONS debuted on A&E from 9-11pm ET/PT on consecutive nights: Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10, 2023.