‘Boston Strangler' on Hulu: Who was Albert DeSalvo?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Movies or series based on real-life horror incidents are guaranteed to have chills running down our spines, and Hulu is preparing to tell one of the most unnerving stories inspired by true events in its new movie 'Boston Strangler'. 'Boston Strangler' sets to explore the story of the 1960s serial killer Albert DeSalvo.
'Boston Strangler' stars Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin, Carrie Coon as Jean Cole, Chris Cooper as Jack Maclaine, Alessandro Nivola as Detective Conley, Rory Cochrane as Detective DeLine, David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, Peter Gerety as Eddie Corsetti, Ryan Winkles as Daniel Marsh, Morgan Spector as James McLaughlin, Michael Malvesti as Detective Donovan, Aurora McLaughlin as Maggie and Liam Anderson as Tommy.
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Who was Albert DeSalvo?
Albert DeSalvo was born in Massachusetts to Frank and Charlotte DeSalvo. It is said that from an early age, DeSalvo was exposed to the alcoholic abuse and violent treatment of his father towards his mother. DeSalvo is also said to have tortured animals at an early age. He was sent to prison at the age of 12 when he was arrested for battery and robbery in 1943. He was sent to Lyman School for Boys. In 1946, DeSalvo was again sent to Lyman School for Boys for stealing an automobile. DeSalvo later joined the US Army and was honourably discharged.
The crimes of Albert DeSalvo
From 1962 to 1964, DeSalvo, dubbed the Boston Strangler, was connected to the murders of 13 women in the Boston area, with the victimss ages ranging from 19 to 85. Most of the victims were sexually assaulted. DeSalvo was arrested for several assault and sex crimes, but was not connected to the Boston Strangler during the time of his arrest. It was a 1967 self-confession that made DeSalvo the 'Boston Strangler', but it was met with scepticism in the DA's office as the murders were believed to have been done by more than one person.
The confession of DeSalvo took place during the court trial for crimes documented in prior accounts which resulted in the sentence of imprisonment for life. DeSalvo escaped prison, but turned himself in after three days. DeSalvo was later killed in prison by stabbing in 1973.
Mary Sullivan, the last victim of DeSalvo, who was raped and murdered became the key to the case. The DNA evidence from the crime scene became crucial evidence to prove DeSalvo as the Boston Strangler.
What is 'Boston Strangler' about?
In the upcoming Hulu movie, David Dastmalchian plays Albert DeSalvo. The official synopsis of 'Boston Strangler' reads, "The film follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era. Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth."
'Boston Strangler' will premiere exclusively on Hulu on March 17, 2023.