Morbid · Podcast summary
The Stamford Bra Murders
Alaina and Ash discuss the horrifying case of the Stamford Bra Murders, a series of unsolved killings that plagued Connecticut in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the subsequent mishandling of the investigation by law enforcement.
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Alaina and Ash open this episode with a lighthearted discussion about their love for Halloween and the autumn season, expressing their eagerness to decorate and enjoy seasonal treats despite it still being August. They playfully lament the 'summer lovers' who resist the early onset of fall festivities, with Ash declaring, "I will fucking holly jolly your ass!" Alaina adds, "You can have your shitty ass weather!" before they transition into the episode's main topic: a very serious and sad case.
The Disappearance of Rosellen Pasta and Donna Roberts
Ash introduces the Stamford Bra Murders, clarifying the pronunciation of "Stamford, Connecticut." The first victim discussed is Rosellen Pasta, whose life had been difficult, marked by sex work and addiction in a time with limited support. Her disappearance in early August 1967 was reported to the police, but the investigation quickly went cold. Ash notes that Stamford, being close to New York City, often experienced a spillover effect, including crime. When sex workers from Stamford began disappearing, it was often assumed they had simply moved to New York, rather than being victims of foul play. Alaina expresses her disbelief, stating, "Yeah, because that's never happened." Ash highlights the sad reality that violence against sex workers was often dismissed.
On May 3, 1968, Stamford Patrolman David Hughes discovered what he initially thought was a mannequin in a wooded area near Merritt Parkway, a popular spot for sex workers. It turned out to be the body of 22-year-old Donna Roberts. Her bra was wrapped tightly around her neck, and she had been severely beaten in the face and head. Drag marks suggested she was killed elsewhere and then dumped. The autopsy confirmed strangulation, and she had been dead for several hours. Her ankle was also broken post-mortem, possibly during transportation. Investigators struggled to find information, as friends and relatives were reluctant to speak with the police. Captain Thomas O'Connor stated, "No one in the area knows anything." The case went cold within weeks.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 7-minute article, 4 more sections, and every new episode from Morbid and the creators you follow.
- The Murders of Gloria Cahn and Gail Thompson
- The Murder of Alma Henry and the Community's Response
- The Arrest of Benjamin Miller and the Unanswered Questions
- The Lingering Doubts and the Real Killer
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