The Clown Killer: John Wayne Gacy

To the outside world, Gacy was a pleasant man. He was a caring and giving person. He became involved in politics, and helped both financially and personally in aiding those less fortunate. He even dressed as a clown for children at social events. Outwardly, everything was perfect in Gacy's world.

Things took a turn for Gacy in March of 1978 when an abused 27 year old male checked into a Chicago hospital. When discussing the incident with the police, the man's mind was hazy, due to being knocked unconscious with a cloth which had been soaked in Chloroform. He did however remember that the man who had lured him into his car was heavy-set and drove a black Oldsmobile. The man told the officers he was taken to a house, sexually assaulted, and then beaten with a whip. He could not, however, recall where the house was that he was taken to. The victim, unwilling to let the crime go unsolved was diligent in his pursuit to track down Gacy. Finally, the victim recognized Gacy's car and gave the license plate number to the police. Although arrested, Gacy was released due to lack of evidence.

Gacy pushed his luck even further on December 11, 1978. A 15-year old boy who had gone to discuss details of a job with Gacy disappeared. His name was Robert Piest. He was last seen by his mother. After Robert failed to come home, his mother notified the police. This time a warrant was issued and Gacy's home was searched. As the police entered the house they encountered a penetrating odor. The investigators followed the smell until they came to a crawlspace beneath the house. There they found 3 decomposing male bodies. Gacy was immediately arrested. When brought in by police he confessed to sexually torturing and murdering over 30 victims. Searching for the other victims, investigators removed the floor boards throughout the entire house. They found several bodies in shallow graves and long trenches. To hasten the decomposition, Gacy had covered

the bodies with quicklime. The house was raised from its foundation, and more bodies were found. A total of 33 victims were recovered, five of which were found in the Des Plaines River. Many had been strangled, and most were burried with underwear stuffed in their mouths.

 

Gacy was sentenced to death in 1980. More than ten years passed by before he was finally killed by a lethal injection.

 

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