SERIAL KILLER Ed Gein is the latest to be depicted in Netflix’s “Monster” anthology series.
Ed Gein is known as the serial killer who influenced the horror genre, inspiring classics like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs.
Ed Gein was the inspiration behind Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs
He follows Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, who’s stories were told in seasons one and two.
Netflix have regarded the latest season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster anthology as the “most harrowing instalment yet.”
Who was Ed Gein?
Gein was a killer and grave robber from Wisconsin.
He was the inspiration behind Psycho’s Norman Bates, Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Silence of the Lambs serial killer Buffalo Bill.
He infamously collected human organs and used dead bodies he stole from local graveyards to make clothing and accessories.
His macabre creations included a chair padded with human skin, face masks and a “woman suit” that he could wear.
“The Butcher of Plainfield” was obsessively committed to his mother, never leaving home or dating any women.
When she died in 1945 Gein began to descent into madness having idolized her his whole life.
Ed Gein had an obsession with his mother Augusta
How many people did Ed Gein kill?
“The Plainfield Ghoul” admitted to killing two women but he is believed to be connected to multiple other unsolved cases.
His first definitive victim, Mary Hogan, 54, ran a tavern in Pine Grove that Gein regularly visited.
She disappeared in December, 1954 and three years later, Gein confessed to shooting and killing the woman.
Gein’s second victim, Bernice Worden, 58, was a hardware store owner who was also shot and killed by the serial killer.
Both women were singled out by Gein as victims because of their stark resemblance to his late mother.
Under questioning, along with the two murders, he admitted to digging up corpses and performing necrophilia as well as fashioning masks and suits out of their skin.
Hearing this, authorities tried to connect him to recent murders and disappearances at the time but no definitive conclusions were made.
Bernice Worden (shown above) was a hardware store owner who was shot and killed by Ed Gein
News Corp AustraliaEd admitted to fashioning masks and suits out of the skin of dead bodies[/caption]
Where did Ed Gein live? Where was Ed Gein from?
Ed Gein was born on August 27, 1906, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to his alcoholic father George and verbally abusive mother Augusta alongside his older brother Henry.
The family moved to a farm outside Plainfield around 1915, where Ed spent most of his time other then school.
His father died in 1940 of Congestive heart failure and his brother would follow in 1944 after a fire raged out of control.
The cause of death was initially believed to be as a result of the fire but given the mysterious circumstances and what we now know about Ed, the younger brother may have been responsible.
Augusta, whom Ed adored, would die of a stroke the following year and leave him a wreck.
Gein began to section off areas of the house his mother predominantly used and turn them into shrines.
Being the last remaining member of the family, he took up jobs as a handyman and occasionally as a babysitter to support himself.
Getty – ContributorThe Gein family moved to a farm outside Plainfield around 1915, where Ed spent most of his time other then school[/caption]
When was Ed Gein caught?
Gein was caught after killing his second victim Bernice Worden.
Her son, who was deputy sheriff at the time, suspected Ed was responsible for his mother’s disappearance and apprehended him while he was at his neighbor’s home.
His house was searched by authorities who stumbled across a gruesome scene.
Bernice Worden was found gutless and decapitated hanging from the ceiling, her head found in a sack and heart in a plastic bag.
They searched further and would find organs in jars, skulls used as soup bowls, and a belt made from human nipples.
Gein was arrested but couldn’t be put on trial until early 1968 due to being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
He spent his time at Central State Hospital in Waupun, Wisconsin until his trial and would be recommitted after being found insane at the time of murder.
Getty ImagesEd was arrested after being caught for the murder of Bernice Worden[/caption]
How did Ed Gein die?
Gein was transferred to the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin after his health began to deteriorate in the late 1970s.
At aged 77, he died of complications from lung cancer and respiratory illnesses.
“The Plainfield Ghoul” was buried in a county cemetery near Plainfield.
His grave is now unmarked after his gravestone was stolen in June 2000, it was found the following year but placed in storage where it remains to this day.
When does Monster on Ed Gein come out?
Monster: The Ed Gein Story lands on Netflix on October 3 with Charlie Hunnam portraying the deranged serial killer.