Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers The Boston Strangler, a notorious serial killer who terrorized Boston in the early 1960s,

This was the subject of extensive media coverage, including significant contributions from women journalists. These tenacious reporters played a crucial role in uncovering the details of the case, influencing public perception, and shaping the narrative around the investigation. Here’s a look at some of the key female figures in this critical moment in American journalism and how they contributed to exposing the Boston Strangler.

Key Female Reporters

1. Nina M. L. Decker:
- Decker was a reporter for the Boston Herald who covered the Boston Strangler case extensively. She provided detailed accounts of the victims and the investigations, helping to humanize the story and draw attention to the societal implications of the crimes.

2. Mary McGrory:
- A prominent journalist, McGrory wrote for the Washington Star and later for the Boston Globe. She was known for her insightful commentary and in-depth reporting. McGrory’s work often highlighted the societal issues surrounding crime, including the fear and trauma experienced by the community during the Strangler's reign of terror.

3. Martha H. McMahon:
- As a reporter for the Boston Globe, McMahon reported on various aspects of the Strangler case, including the police investigations and the legal proceedings that followed the arrest of Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to the murders. She was known for her perseverance and dedication to uncovering the truth.

4. Jean O’Leary:
- O’Leary worked as a reporter for the Boston Herald. Her coverage included interviews with the families of the victims and community leaders, providing a broader context to the impact of the murders on Boston's neighborhoods.

Their Contributions

- Investigative Reporting: These women employed thorough investigative techniques, including interviewing witnesses, victims' families, and law enforcement officials. Their work often involved digging through police reports and public records to piece together the timeline and details of the murders.
- Public Awareness: The reports by these journalists brought national attention to the Boston Strangler case. They highlighted the fear gripping the city and the urgency of addressing the broader issues of violence against women and urban safety.
- Challenging Gender Norms: At a time when journalism was predominantly male-dominated, these women reporters broke through barriers, proving that female journalists could excel in hard-hitting investigative reporting.