An unsolved murder case from 1975 in East Haven, involving the body of Patricia Newsom, has been re-opened nearly 50 years later. The positive identification of Newsom’s body was made in April 2023 after being exhumed from a cemetery in Hamden. Newsom’s sister, Maryann Collette, played a key role in identifying the body through DNA testing.
After the identification, the East Haven Police Department participated in crime-series podcasts, leading to new possible case information and the suggestion of serial killer Richard Cottingham’s involvement. Captain Joseph Murgo, who has been working on the case since 2020, is attempting to set up a meeting with Cottingham, who is currently imprisoned in New Jersey.
Collette, who has been actively involved in seeking justice for her sister, reached out to Cottingham by writing a letter to inquire about his potential involvement in the murder. Despite some closure in Newsom’s case, Collette remains determined to uncover the truth and shed light on her sister’s final moments.
Although Cottingham has not responded to Collette’s letter, the investigation into Newsom’s murder continues as the police seek to explore all possible leads and suspects. The community remains hopeful that after decades of uncertainty, justice will finally be served for Patricia Newsom and her family.
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