Alice Hochhausler, a 51-year-old woman, was tragically murdered on October 11, 1966, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was found strangled in her home, making her the fourth victim in a series of similar killings that had terrorized the city over the previous ten months. The circumstances surrounding her death were deeply unsettling. She had returned home from visiting her daughter's nearby apartment when she was attacked.
As she stepped out of her vehicle, she was struck on the head with such force that her dental plate was dislodged. She was then dragged by her heels into the garage, where she was strangled with the cord of her red bathrobe. Her body was left in a disturbing manner, suggesting a deliberate act of violence.
The murder of Alice Hochhausler was part of a string of killings attributed to the so-called 'Cincinnati Strangler,' a serial killer who targeted middle-aged women in the area. The city was gripped with fear as multiple women were found murdered in similar fashion—strangled, beaten, and in most cases, sexually assaulted. The killings led to widespread panic, with residents rushing to buy door locks, deadbolts, and self-defense weapons. The police launched an extensive investigation, dedicating significant resources to tracking down the perpetrator. They suspected that a single individual was responsible for the murders, given the similarities in the victims' profiles and the methods used.
Authorities eventually arrested Posteal Laskey Jr., a local cab driver, in December 1966. He was convicted of one of the murders, though he was widely believed to be responsible for the entire series of killings. Despite his conviction, he was never formally charged with Alice Hochhausler's murder. The case remains a haunting chapter in Cincinnati's history, with lingering questions about whether justice was fully served for all the victims. The fear and uncertainty that gripped the city during this time left a lasting impact on its residents, shaping their sense of security for years to come.
