Who Is Richard Cottingham? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Cottingham, born on November 25, 1946, is an American serial killer known for his heinous crimes committed in the 1960s and 1970s. As of 2025, Cottingham is 78 years old. He gained notoriety for his violent acts, which have made him a subject of numerous true crime documentaries and articles. His crimes were primarily centered in New Jersey, and he was arrested in 1980, leading to multiple convictions for murder. Despite his age, Cottingham remains a poignant figure in discussions about criminal psychology and the trajectory of serial offenders.
| Occupation | Serial Killers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1946 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | New York, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Richard Cottingham's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Richard Cottingham's height and weight have not been widely reported, he is typically described as having an average build during the time of his crimes. However, his physical dimensions are not the focus of his notoriety—his criminal actions far overshadow any physical attributes.
* Diane Martin Cusick, 23, a Long Island dance teacher, was found dead on February 16, 1968, in the back seat of her car, a 1961 Plymouth Valiant, outside the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York with adhesive tape around her mouth and neck. She had been beaten, raped, and strangled. Her hands had defence wounds.
DNA from semen discovered at the crime scene was extracted, and it matched a sample retrieved from Cottingham. Near the Green Acres Mall, there was a drive-in theatre that Cottingham frequently visited. Authorities believe Cottingham approached Cusick while pretending to be a mall security guard.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Given the nature of Cottingham's crimes, details about his family life and relationships have often remained obscure. There is minimal information regarding his dating history, as most discussions focus on his criminal activities rather than his personal life. It is noted that Cottingham was married at one point, but details regarding any current relationships or partnerships remain largely undisclosed.
Cottingham had a close relationship with his mother growing up but reportedly had difficulty making friends as a teenager. In 1964 he graduated from Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey. His graduation yearbook stated that he was a member of the school's cross country and track team.
Net Worth and Salary
While pinpointing Richard Cottingham's net worth is challenging, estimates suggest that it is minimal. Incarcerated for life, Cottingham does not have the avenues to earn a conventional income. His notoriety has led to some interviews and features that potentially generated income, but specifics regarding any financial assets or earnings remain undisclosed.
Cottingham was arrested on several lesser charges throughout his killing spree. Police were not aware of his murders at the time, nor were they aware that a serial killer was active in the New York metropolitan area. On October 3, 1969, Cottingham was charged and convicted of drunk driving in New York City and was fined $50.
On August 21, 1972, he was charged and convicted of shoplifting at a Stern's department store in Paramus, New Jersey, and was sentenced to pay a $50 fine or ten days in jail.
Career, Business and Investments
Cottingham's "career" is tied exclusively to his criminal activities rather than any traditional employment. His criminal acts, which include murder and the criminal exploitation of victims, overshadow any aspects of a conventional career path. Discussing business and investments in the context of Richard Cottingham is not applicable, as he did not engage in legitimate business ventures.
Social Network
Throughout his life and crimes, Richard Cottingham has sometimes been discussed on various social media platforms, particularly in relation to true crime communities and forums. However, he himself is not known to maintain a social media presence. As of 2025, Cottingham remains a controversial figure studied by criminologists and discussed among true crime aficionados on platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and various true crime podcasts.
Education
Information on Richard Cottingham's educational background is limited. He is reported to have attended local schools in New Jersey; however, the details surrounding his educational achievements or career aspirations before his notorious criminal acts are scarce. Most of the focus remains on his psychological profile and criminal history rather than his formative years.
Over the course of two separate New Jersey trials in 1981, and 1982, Cottingham was convicted in three non-fatal assaults (Schilt, Geiger and O'Dell) and the murders of two women (Maryann Carr and Valerie Street) which occurred in Hasbrouck Heights.
