Vincent Musetto: Man who wrote 'Headless Body in Topless Bar' headline has died
Writer and editor was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vincent Musetto wrote many articles and headlines during his career at the roaring, soaring New York Post.
But none will be better remembered than the headline he conjured up for an article that appeared on April 13 1983 about a murder in the Jamaica section of Queens.
Charles Dingle, a customer who was drinking, argued with the owner and ended up shooting him to death. According to reports, he took several women hostage, raped one and cut the head of another, apparently to confuse police.
“Headless Body in Topless Bar,” said the headline Mr Musetto wrote for the story.
Apprehended the next day, Mr Dingle was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. Denied parole several times, he died in the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo in 2012, the New York Times wrote.
Mr Musetto, who had just turned 74, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three weeks ago, the Post said. He passed away while in hospice care at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx with Claire, his wife of 50 years, by his side.
“He wasn’t in any pain. He was comfortable,” his daughter Carly VanTassell told the newspaper. “He passed peacefully in his sleep.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments