Teaching Students About the Boston Strangler
The Boston Strangler is a notorious figure from American history, responsible for a series of gruesome murders in the Boston area during the early 1960s. Learning about this criminal case can be valuable to students as it sheds light on the intricacies of criminal investigations and serial killers’ psychology. Furthermore, teaching students about this subject offers insights into societal issues at the time and allows for in-depth discussions about law enforcement, forensic science, and the media’s role in shaping public perception. Here are some ways you can effectively teach students about the Boston Strangler.
1. Introduce the historical context:
Begin by presenting students with information about the 1960s, focusing on relevant events in American culture and society. Address topics such as civil rights movements, Cold War tensions, advancements in forensic sciences as well as prominent serial killers of the era. This will provide your students with a foundation to understand how the Boston Strangler’s crimes impacted people at that time.
2. Delve into each crime:
Discuss each crime attributed to the Boston Strangler by providing a few details about each victim and how they were discovered. Inform students of the connections between these crimes and emphasize their complex nature, such as discrepancies found during investigations or uncertain suspect profiles.
3. Describe the investigation:
Give an overview of the investigative process that was used to identify the potential suspect(s) of these crimes. Explain how authorities worked together, including forensic techniques applied to gather evidence (e.g., fingerprinting) along with eyewitness testimony and local news coverage. Highlight notable figures involved in resolving the case, such as investigator John Bottomly or Attorney General Edward Brooke.
4. Analyze Albert DeSalvo’s confession:
Present information about Albert DeSalvo who ultimately confessed to being the Boston Strangler. Discuss his confession and background alongside conflicting theories that question his guilt in some or all cases. Assign readings and primary sources to spark critical thinking when examining his confession and various perspectives surrounding it.
5. Discuss societal impact:
Explore how the Boston Strangler’s case influenced society, including shifting attitudes towards crime prevention, the treatment of mental health, and how media sensationalized the events. Have students compare these aspects to today’s crime-related news coverage and discuss whether the past has impacted our present perceptions of criminal cases.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about the Boston Strangler offers not only valuable insights into a significant period in American history but also encourages them to think critically about complex criminal cases. By combining engaging content, primary sources, and analytic discussions, educators can provide students with a thorough and thought-provoking lesson on this infamous serial killer.