Ed Gein: The Disturbing True Story Of The Butcher Of Plainfield
The story of Ed Gein is one of the most chilling and infamous in American crime history. His gruesome acts and disturbed psyche have inspired countless horror films and books. This is the true story of the Butcher of Plainfield.
The Early Life of Ed Gein
Born on August 27, 1906, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Edward Theodore Gein had a troubled upbringing. His mother, Augusta, was a deeply religious and domineering woman who preached to Ed and his brother, Henry, about the evils of the world and the inherent sinfulness of women. His father, George, was a passive alcoholic who failed to provide a stable home life. The family eventually moved to a secluded farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin, where Augusta isolated her sons from outside influences.
The Impact of Augusta Gein
Augusta’s extreme religious views and constant criticism profoundly impacted Ed. She controlled every aspect of his life, ensuring he remained dependent on her. This isolation and psychological manipulation laid the groundwork for his later obsessions and bizarre behavior.
The Descent into Darkness
After the deaths of his father in 1940 and his brother Henry in 1944, Ed was left alone with his mother. When Augusta died in 1945, Ed was completely isolated. He became increasingly eccentric, living as a recluse in the decaying farmhouse. It was during this time that his fascination with the macabre began to intensify.
The First Crimes
As Gein’s mental state deteriorated, he began visiting local cemeteries at night. Initially, he claimed he was simply observing the graves, but he soon started digging up recently buried bodies. He would bring the corpses back to his farm, where he began crafting bizarre trophies and household items from their bones and skin.
The Discovery
Ed Gein's horrific activities remained largely undetected until November 16, 1957, when Bernice Worden, a local hardware store owner, disappeared. Gein was a suspect because he had been seen in the store the night before, and he told Worden he would be back in the morning to buy antifreeze.
The Gein Farmhouse
When investigators searched Gein's farmhouse, they were confronted with a scene of unimaginable horror. They found Bernice Worden's body hanging upside down in a shed, along with a collection of gruesome artifacts made from human remains:
- Bowls made from human skulls
- Chairs upholstered with human skin
- A wastebasket made from human skin
- Leggings made from human skin
- Masks made from human faces
The discovery shocked the nation and exposed the terrifying reality of Ed Gein's crimes.
The Trial and Aftermath
Ed Gein was arrested and charged with the murder of Bernice Worden. He was initially found unfit to stand trial and was committed to a mental institution. In 1968, he was deemed competent to stand trial but was found guilty by reason of insanity. He spent the rest of his life in mental institutions.
The Legacy of Ed Gein
Ed Gein's story has had a lasting impact on popular culture. He inspired several iconic horror films, including:
- Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), directed by Tobe Hooper
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme
His crimes also served as inspiration for numerous books, documentaries, and true crime stories.
Conclusion
The story of Ed Gein remains a disturbing reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary individuals. His traumatic upbringing, coupled with his descent into madness, created a monster whose actions continue to fascinate and horrify us. The Butcher of Plainfield's legacy lives on in the annals of true crime, forever etched in our collective consciousness.
