Episode 53: House of Horrors - Ed Gein, the Butcher of Plainfield

In this gripping episode of "Super SUS," we dive into the bone-chilling story of Ed Gein, the infamous "Butcher of Plainfield." Known for his gruesome crimes that have inspired horror classics like "Psycho," "Silence of the Lambs," and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," Ed Gein's tale is both disturbing and captivating. Join us as we delve into the haunting details of his life and the horrors he committed.

The Formative Years: A Recipe for Horror

Ed Gein was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1906, to a household plagued by dysfunction. His mother, Augusta, was a domineering and fanatically religious woman who instilled in Ed a deep-seated fear of women and the outside world. Meanwhile, his father, George, was an abusive alcoholic. This toxic environment laid the groundwork for Ed’s future atrocities.

The family relocated to a secluded farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin, when Ed was a child—a decision Augusta believed would protect her sons from the evils of the world. Isolated from society, Ed turned to reading about anatomy and engaging in eerie pastimes, including grave robbing, which later fueled his horrific exploits.

A Descent into Madness and Murder

With the death of his brother Henry under suspicious circumstances, Ed was left alone with Augusta until her death in 1945. Augusta's passing marked the beginning of Ed’s descent into madness. He began exhuming graves of recently buried women and using their remains to craft macabre items such as a suit made of human skin, reminiscent of his mother's. His obsession ultimately escalated to murder.

In November 1957, the Plainfield community was rocked by the disappearance of a local shopkeeper, Bernice Worden. The trail of evidence led authorities to Ed Gein's farmhouse, where they discovered Bernice's decapitated body, among other gruesome remains fashioned into household items.

The Psychological Profile of a Monster

Upon his arrest, Ed confessed to the murders of Bernice Worden and tavern keeper Mary Hogan, as well as to grave robbing over 40 cemeteries. Despite initially claiming to rob graves in a trance-like state, experts later diagnosed Ed with schizophrenia and a severe attachment disorder, linked to his twisted devotion to Augusta.

Ed’s trial was delayed due to his mental incompetence, and he was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity. He spent the remainder of his life in psychiatric institutions, passing away in 1984.

Legacy of Horror

Ed Gein's heinous acts have left an indelible mark on both popular culture and the small town of Plainfield. While the physical reminders of his crimes have been erased, the psychological scars remain.

Through Ed Gein’s story, we explore the disturbing intersection of familial influence and insanity, offering insights into how such an infamous figure came to be.