Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes Portrait of a Predator PT 2
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Aug 6, 2025 Dive into the haunting world of a serial predator terrorizing Long Island in the late 60s and early 70s. The chilling activities of a killer are examined, highlighting the complexities of his targets, particularly sex workers. Experience the gritty backdrop of Times Square's past as it became a hunting ground. Psychological insights reveal the dark motivations and behaviors of criminals while exploring the stark contrast of their double lives. This exploration sheds light on the victims, the justice system, and the ethics surrounding true crime storytelling.
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Offender's Crime Evolution
- Richard Cottingham's crimes evolved from Long Island to New Jersey and New York City over 12 years.
- His personal life changes like marriage and divorce influenced his crime patterns and escalation of violence.
Fire as a Taunt, Clothing as Message
- The offender intentionally set fires not to destroy evidence but to draw attention to his crimes.
- Clothing was carefully folded and placed to survive the fire as a message and identification aid.
Housekeeper Stops Killer
- A housekeeper at the Quality Inn heard screams and called police during Cottingham's attack.
- Her intervention led to his arrest, stopping his serial crimes.
