Bergen County Strangler: Robert Reldan's Suburban Nightmare Terrorizes New Jersey Community
Robert Reldan, known as the Bergen County Strangler, terrorized New Jersey communities in the 1970s. His outwardly charming demeanor masked a violent criminal who committed a series of rapes and murders. Reldan was convicted of raping and murdering two women, Susan Reeve and Susan Heynes, in 1975, shocking residents of Bergen County.
Born in 1940, Reldan grew up in New York before moving to Fort Lee, New Jersey at age 11. His criminal career spanned decades, starting with a rape conviction in 1967 that resulted in a three-year prison sentence. After his release, Reldan's crimes escalated, culminating in the murders that earned him his notorious moniker.
The case of Robert Reldan highlights the vulnerability of suburban communities to seemingly trustworthy individuals. His ability to gain trust through his friendly persona allowed him to prey on unsuspecting victims, creating a climate of fear in Bergen County neighborhoods. The story of the Bergen County Strangler serves as a chilling reminder of the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic suburban life.
The Crimes of Robert Reldan
Robert Reldan terrorized Bergen County, New Jersey in the 1970s through a series of rapes and murders. His crimes shocked local communities and left a lasting impact on the area.
Murderous Beginnings
Robert Reldan's criminal career began in his teens. By age 16, he had already started down a dark path. In 1967, at age 27, Reldan was convicted of raping a woman in Teaneck, New Jersey. He served three years in prison for this crime before being paroled.
Upon release, Reldan's criminal behavior escalated dramatically. He became known as "The Charmer" for his ability to gain women's trust before attacking them. His crimes primarily targeted young women in Bergen County suburbs.
Pattern of Violence
Reldan's most notorious crimes occurred in 1975. That October, he strangled two women to death - Susan Reeve and Susan Haynes. Their bodies were found in North Bergen and Montvale, respectively.
Autopsies revealed both victims died by strangulation. Investigators noted similarities to other unsolved attacks in the area. Reldan's method typically involved:
Targeting young women
Using charm to approach victims
Strangling with items like pantyhose
Dumping bodies in secluded areas
Final Captures and Evidence
On October 31, 1975, police arrested Reldan in Closter, New Jersey for attempted burglary. This arrest led investigators to connect him to the murders of Reeve and Haynes.
Key evidence against Reldan included:
Fibers matching victims' clothing found in his car
Witness sightings near crime scenes
Similar M.O. to his past rape conviction
In 1979, Robert Reldan was convicted of murdering Susan Reeve and Susan Haynes. The prosecution, led by Charles Buckley, successfully argued Reldan's guilt. He received two life sentences for these crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Robert Reldan faced a complex legal journey that spanned years, involving multiple trials, appeals, and parole hearings. His case highlighted the intricacies of the justice system in dealing with a serial offender.
The Trial of a Killer
Robert Reldan's trial for the murders of Susan Reeve and Lorraine Kelly began in 1979 in Hackensack, New Jersey. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, led by Richard Muti, presented a strong case against Reldan.
Key evidence included:
Fibers linking Reldan to the victims
Witness testimonies
Reldan's criminal history
The trial lasted several weeks, with the prosecution painting Reldan as a calculating killer. His defense team argued insufficient evidence, but the jury remained unconvinced.
Sentencing and Appeals
In October 1979, the jury found Robert Reldan guilty of both murders. The judge sentenced him to two consecutive life terms plus 30 years. Reldan's legal team immediately filed appeals, citing procedural errors.
Key points of the appeals process:
Challenged admissibility of certain evidence
Questioned jury selection procedures
Argued ineffective counsel
Despite these efforts, higher courts upheld Reldan's conviction. His attempts to overturn the verdict continued for years, all ultimately unsuccessful.
Parole and Legal Complexities
Reldan's case continued to present legal challenges long after his conviction. He became eligible for parole in 2000, sparking debates about the justice system's handling of violent offenders.
Parole hearings:
2000: Denied
2010: Denied
2020: Denied
Each hearing brought renewed pain for the victims' families. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office consistently opposed Reldan's release, citing his violent history and lack of remorse.
Reldan also faced additional legal troubles. In 1979, he was convicted of conspiracy to murder his aunt, Lorraine Kelly, adding 20-25 years to his sentence.
Reldan's Life and Background
Robert Reldan's life was marked by a stark contrast between privilege and criminality. His charming facade masked a violent predator who terrorized Bergen County, New Jersey in the 1970s.
Early Life and Charm
Robert Reldan was born in 1940 in New York. At age 11, his family moved to Fort Lee, New Jersey. Reldan grew up in relatively affluent circumstances and developed a charismatic personality. His charm and good looks allowed him to easily gain trust from others.
Despite his outward appeal, Reldan's criminal tendencies emerged early. He struggled to conform to social norms and began engaging in petty crimes as a youth. His family's resources often shielded him from serious consequences.
Criminal History Unveiled
Reldan's criminal career escalated in adulthood. In 1963, he faced his first major trial for a violent offense. His aunt Lillian Booth hired prominent attorney Frank P. Lucianna to defend him.
In 1967, Reldan was convicted of rape in Teaneck and served three years in prison. Upon release, he quickly reoffended. His crimes grew more serious, culminating in the murders that earned him the moniker "Bergen County Strangler."
On October 31, 1975, police arrested Reldan in Closter, New Jersey for attempted burglary. This arrest led to his connection to two murders committed that month.
Relations and Inheritance
Reldan's relationship with his wealthy aunt Lillian Booth was a significant factor in his life. She repeatedly provided financial support, including funding his legal defenses.
Booth named Reldan as a beneficiary in her will. This inheritance became a point of contention in the criminal justice system. Victims' families sought to block Reldan from receiving the money.
The inheritance issue highlighted the complex interplay between Reldan's privileged background and his violent crimes. It raised questions about justice and the rights of convicted criminals to inherit wealth.
Reldan's Imprisonment
Robert Reldan's incarceration was marked by multiple incidents and attempts to escape. His status as a convicted sex offender had significant implications for his imprisonment and potential release.
Incarceration and Incidents
Robert Reldan received a life sentence for his crimes. He was initially held at Trenton State Prison in New Jersey. During his time there, Reldan made several escape attempts.
In one notable incident, he managed to briefly escape custody while being transported. This led to increased security measures for Reldan and other high-risk inmates.
Prison officials described Reldan as a challenging inmate who required close monitoring. He faced disciplinary actions for various infractions during his incarceration.
Sex Offender Registry Impact
As a convicted sex offender, Reldan faced additional restrictions and scrutiny within the prison system. His status affected his housing assignments and access to certain programs.
If ever considered for release, Reldan would have been subject to strict registration requirements under Megan's Law. This would have severely limited his housing options and employment opportunities.
The sex offender registry aimed to protect communities, but critics argued it hindered rehabilitation efforts for offenders like Reldan. Balancing public safety with potential reintegration remained a complex issue throughout Reldan's imprisonment.
Public and Media Perception
Robert Reldan's crimes sent shockwaves through Bergen County, New Jersey in the 1970s. As news of his violent offenses spread, public fear and outrage grew rapidly.
Local media outlets extensively covered Reldan's criminal activities and subsequent trials. Newspapers ran front-page stories detailing the murders and police investigations, while television news programs provided regular updates.
The public's perception of Reldan was overwhelmingly negative. Many residents of Bergen County felt a sense of betrayal, as the killer had grown up in their community. His charming demeanor and ability to blend in made his crimes seem even more chilling.
True crime enthusiasts became fascinated with the case. Books and documentaries about Reldan emerged, exploring his background and the details of his crimes. These works often portrayed him as a cunning and dangerous predator.
Law enforcement officials praised the media's role in raising awareness about the case. Public tips and information proved crucial in piecing together evidence against Reldan.
The Bergen County Strangler case had a lasting impact on the community's sense of safety. Many residents became more cautious and vigilant, particularly regarding the safety of young women.
Reldan's notoriety as a serial killer continued long after his conviction. His name became synonymous with the dark underbelly of suburban life, serving as a reminder that danger can lurk in unexpected places.
