Fred Cowan

Mass Murderer

Fred Cowan and the 1977 New Rochelle Massacre

Overview of the Crime

Frederick William "Fred" Cowan was a 33-year-old suspended employee who carried out a deadly workplace shooting at the Neptune Worldwide Moving Company in New Rochelle, New York. On the morning of February 14, 1977, Cowan entered the company's office and warehouse complex armed with a semiautomatic rifle, several handguns and a large supply of ammunition. He killed five people that morning, including four employees and a responding police officer. A sixth victim died from his injuries approximately six weeks later. The attack developed into a prolonged siege that brought hundreds of police officers to the industrial property. Cowan barricaded himself inside the building, fired at officers and people outside, and kept authorities at a distance for several hours. When police eventually entered the structure, they found that Cowan had taken his own life.

Fred Cowan's Background

Fred Cowan was born on June 1, 1943, and was raised in New Rochelle. He served in the United States Army and reportedly developed considerable skill with firearms. He later became involved in weightlifting and bodybuilding and was described as a physically imposing man, standing approximately six feet tall and weighing about 250 pounds. People who knew Cowan offered conflicting descriptions of him. Some remembered him as friendly or quiet, while others described him as hostile, prejudiced and prone to making threatening remarks. Cowan openly expressed racist and antisemitic beliefs. He admired Adolf Hitler, collected Nazi objects and decorated his body with tattoos associated with Nazi Germany, including swastikas and iron crosses. Coworkers reported that he made hateful statements about Black and Jewish people and occasionally referred to himself as a successor to Hitler. Cowan was also an enthusiastic gun collector. His firearms included rifles and semiautomatic pistols, and he was familiar with their operation. Although some people were aware of his extremist beliefs and access to weapons, the full danger he presented was not understood until the morning of the massacre.

Suspension from Neptune Worldwide Moving Company

Cowan worked as a furniture mover for Neptune Worldwide Moving Company, which operated from a large office and warehouse complex on Nardozzi Place in New Rochelle. The company employed movers, drivers, warehouse workers, mechanics, office staff and other employees. Shortly before the shooting, Cowan was suspended from his job following complaints about his conduct toward customers. His supervisor, Norman Bing, was involved in the disciplinary action. Bing was Jewish, and Cowan reportedly directed antisemitic hatred toward him. Investigators concluded that Cowan's anger over the suspension, combined with his longstanding racial and ideological hatred, contributed to his decision to attack the workplace. Cowan was believed to have intended to kill Bing. However, Bing survived by hiding under a desk while Cowan searched through portions of the building. Instead of reaching his intended target, Cowan opened fire on other employees who happened to be present when he arrived. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Joseph Hicks 60 yr old Male

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