Tony Costa: The Cape Cod Cannibal Who Lured Innocence to the Edge
In the shadowy depths of 1969 Cape Cod, a little-known serial killer emerged—a man whose charm masked unspeakable brutality. Known as the “Cape Cod Vampire” and “Cape Cod Cannibal,” Tony Costa’s reign of terror was a dark saga that claimed the lives of multiple women, leaving behind a trail of mutilation and mystery that still haunts the region.
A Charming Mask for Monstrous Crimes
At first glance, Tony Costa seemed like any other affable local. He managed a Taco Bell restaurant in Provincetown and mingled with the community with an easy smile. But behind that charm lurked a predator who used his charisma to gain the trust of his victims. Costa lured young women—friends, colleagues, even acquaintances from the restaurant—into his web of deceit, only to subject them to horrific violence.
Though he was convicted for the brutal murders of Patricia Walsh and Mary Anne Wysocki—whose bodies were dismembered beyond recognition—he was suspected of having killed at least three more women during his killing spree. Costa even had the audacity to attend the funerals of his victims, an eerie gesture that underscored his warped sense of control and detachment.
The Alter Ego That Claimed Responsibility
In a chilling twist, Costa defended his crimes by blaming them on an alter ego he called “Cory.” Author and journalist Casey Sherman, who meticulously pored over over 2,000 documents—including crime reports, trial transcripts, and autopsy photos—revealed in his new book Helltown: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod that Costa’s unpublished memoir provides a rare glimpse into the twisted mind of a killer. According to Sherman, Costa’s writing doesn’t just recount events; it draws you into the horror of those dark moments, as if you were one of the victims lured into the woods.
A Time When Disappearances Were Dismissed
The era was defined by a unique cultural backdrop. In 1969, areas like Provincetown and Greenwich Village were havens for transient hippies, and the disappearance of young women was often brushed off as just another adventure gone wrong. When these women went missing, authorities initially assumed they had simply joined the counterculture, riding off in VW buses to explore the country. But when the disappearances of Patricia Walsh and Mary Anne Wysocki struck home—prompting immediate outcry from their families—it became clear something far more sinister was unfolding.
A Killer with Inside Access
One of the most disturbing aspects of Costa’s criminal career was his ability to manipulate law enforcement. A former drug informant with access to police, Costa charmed his way into the Provincetown Police Department, keeping his finger on the pulse of the investigation. Rather than hide, he baited the police in a twisted cat-and-mouse game, convinced he was always one step ahead of those sworn to stop him. His connections even afforded him access to drugs, which he used to further ensnare his victims.
Early Warnings from a Disturbed Youth
Casey Sherman’s research uncovered alarming red flags in Costa’s adolescent years—graphic instances of animal abuse and even an attempted sexual assault. His early fascination with taxidermy and his tumultuous relationship with his mother painted a portrait eerily reminiscent of Norman Bates, as depicted in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. These childhood behaviors not only foreshadowed his later crimes but also highlight a pattern seen in many serial killers—a dark genesis from which unspeakable violence eventually emerges.
The Legacy of the Lost Victims
Growing up on Cape Cod, Sherman recalls how the local community treated the Costa murders with a mix of morbid humor and disbelief. Nicknamed “Tony Chop Chop” for his gruesome methods of dismemberment, Costa’s crimes were spoken of in hushed tones and dark jokes. Yet, behind the infamous monikers lay a tragic loss of life—a loss of daughters, sisters, and friends. Sherman emphasizes that his book isn’t just about the killer; it’s about the victims. These women were more than mere names in a crime report. They had hopes, dreams, and families who were left to mourn them.
The Haunting Impact on True Crime
Costa’s case, although overshadowed by more notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, and John Wayne Gacy, offers a unique lens into a culture of toxic masculinity and systematic misogyny—a legacy that continues to influence society’s attitudes toward violence against women. His brutal murders challenge us to look beyond the sensational headlines and remember the lives that were irreparably shattered.
