ROBERT R. RELDAN | "The Susan Strangler" | “The Charmer” | A Cunning Rapist and Serial Killer (8) Used His Charm To Become A Multi-Millionaire Behind Bars | Typed Letter, Signed

Robert Reldan. Typed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Trenton, NJ. November 18, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.

Overview of Robert Reldan

• Classification: Murderer

• Characteristics: Rape

• Number of victims: 2 - 8

• Date of murders: 1974 - 1975

• Date of arrest: October 31, 1975

• Date of birth: June 2, 1940

• Victims profile: Mary Pryor, 17, and Lorraine Kelly, 16 / Doreen Carlucci, 14, and Joanne Delardo, 15 / Susan Reynes, 26 / Susan Reeve, 22 / Denise Evans, 15, and Carolyn Hedgepeth

• Method of murder: Strangulation / Suffocation

• Location: New Jersey, USA

• Status: Sentenced to life in prison on two counts, 1979

Robert Reldan, also known as “The Charmer,” is a notorious figure in American criminal history, primarily recognized for his heinous crimes committed during the mid-1970s. He was born on April 24, 1940, and became infamous for charming and subsequently murdering several young women in New Jersey between August 1974 and November 1975. His modus operandi involved luring victims with his charm before committing brutal acts of violence against them.

Criminal Activities

Reldan’s criminal activities began to surface when he was linked to the disappearances of multiple young women.

Between August 1974 and November 1975, eight young women in northern New Jersey were murdered by a man who targeted them in pairs. In a pinch, he would switch to solo targets, changing his tactics on a whim. The first victims were Mary Pryor, 17, and Lorraine Kelly, 16, who were reported missing in North Bergen. Their remains were discovered four days later, raped and suffocated.

Susan Reynes, 26, went missing from her home in Haworth, New Jersey, becoming the first single victim. The bones of these victims were discovered seven miles apart in Rockland County, New York. Robert Reldan, 35, was arrested on October 31, 1975, for attempted burglary. He was convicted of raping a lady in 1967 and spent three years in prison before being released on parole.

Reldan was later charged with attempting to orchestrate the deaths of a wealthy aunt and her partner in order to speed up a much-needed inheritance. He was convicted of conspiracy in June 1978 and sentenced to 20 to 50 years in jail. His first murder trial ended in a hung jury in June 1979, and a retrial was set for October.

Reldan fled from Hackensack's courthouse after using a smuggled key to free his restraints and spraying his guards with chemical Mace. He was apprehended hours later after crashing his stolen getaway vehicle into a ditch. The trial began the following day, despite the anonymous mailing of $100 bribes to numerous jurors. Reldan remains a suspect in six other homicides, but no new charges have been brought.

He was ultimately convicted of the murder of Susan Reeve, among others. The details surrounding his crimes reveal a pattern where he would often gain the trust of his victims before attacking them. His ability to present himself as charismatic and non-threatening contributed significantly to his success in evading capture initially.

Legal Consequences

Following his arrest, Reldan faced significant legal challenges. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, where he remained for decades. A notable aspect of Reldan’s case is the financial implications following the death of his aunt, who left him an $8.9 million trust fund upon her passing. This inheritance raised concerns among the families of his victims, particularly Arthur and Barbara Reeve, parents of Susan Reeve. They took legal action to prevent Reldan from accessing these funds that could potentially aid in gaining parole.

In a landmark decision, the Reeves were awarded a $10 million judgment against Reldan, effectively stripping him of what was referred to as “America’s richest inmate.” This judgment not only served as a form of justice for the Reeves but also allowed them to establish a scholarship fund in their daughter’s name using Reldan’s money to help educate young men and women.

Impact on Victims’ Families

The aftermath of Reldan’s crimes had profound effects on the families of his victims. The Reeves’ establishment of a scholarship fund highlights their commitment to turning tragedy into something positive by supporting education in memory of their daughter. This initiative represents a broader effort by victim families to reclaim agency after experiencing profound loss due to violent crime.

Media Representation

Reldan’s story has been covered extensively in various media formats, including books and documentaries that explore not only his criminal actions but also the psychological aspects behind such behavior. The book “The Charmer: The True Story of Robert Reldan” by Richard Muti and Charles Buckley delves into both Reldan’s life and the impact on those he victimized.

In summary, Robert Reldan remains a significant figure in discussions about serial killers in America due to his chilling methods and the subsequent legal battles that ensued after his crimes were uncovered.

VIDEO: Robert Reldan | https://youtu.be/veM-F7512_8

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