Episode 675: The Life and Death of “Lobster Boy”, Grady Stiles Jr.

May 26, 2025

Grady Stiles Jr., known as 'Lobster Boy,' led a life full of spectacle and tragedy. From his rise as a sideshow performer to a tumultuous marriage marked by abuse, his story is both captivating and heartbreaking. The podcast explores the conspiracy that led to his murder, orchestrated by his wife and stepson. It delves into the struggles of domestic abuse and the far-reaching consequences of such violence. Ultimately, it highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of trauma in the circus of life.

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ANECDOTE

Grady Stiles Jr.'s Early Life

Grady Stiles Jr., born with a deformity, grew up performing in the carnival sideshow, living a nomadic, difficult life.
Despite hardships, he built incredible upper body strength and learned to adapt to his condition for daily tasks.

INSIGHT

Trauma Fuels Grady's Violence

The trauma and stress from multiple deaths and financial strain amplified Grady's bitterness and alcoholism.
His worsening anger turned into violent abuse towards his wife Teresa and children.

ANECDOTE

Donna’s Fiancé Murdered by Grady

Donna, Grady's daughter, found love and protection with Jack Lane, who helped her escape her abusive father.
Grady shot Jack in a jealous rage, killing him shortly before Donna and Jack's planned wedding.

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From the moment he was born, Grady Stiles entertained audiences around the United States as the sideshow performer “Lobster Boy.” But behind the scenes, Stiles’ life was one of turmoil, alcoholism, and even murder. That all came to an end one night in the fall of 1992, when a killer entered Stiles’ Florida home and shot him to death.

In the days that followed Grady Stiles murder, investigators quickly unraveled a conspiracy plot to kill Stiles, which had been set in motion by his wife, Mary Theresa, and his stepson, who’d hired a teenage carnival worker to commit the murder. After a lifetime in the spotlight because of his physical deformity, it was Grady Stiles’ death that brought him the ultimate fame, but what had he done to earn such a brutal end?

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Allen, William. 1978. "Her dad faces trial in fiance's slaying." Pittsburgh Press, October 6: 4.

Associated Press. 1994. "Defense: Abuse led wife to hire husband's killer." Miami Herald, July 13: 24.

Florida Department of Corrections. 2014. Corrections Offender Network. March 5. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/detail.aspx?Page=Detail&DCNumber=532246&TypeSearch=IR.

Ireton, Gabriel. 1979. "'Lobster Man' guilt in kin's fiance death." Pitsburgh Post-Gazette, February 23: 3.

Jackson, Orval. 1994. "Judge rules self-defense must include admission." Tampa Tribune, July 15: 20.

—. 1994. "Wife of 'Lobster Boy' guilty." Tampa Tribune, July 28: 1.

Lester, John. 1992. "Legless carny slain at his house." Tampa Tribune, December 1: 7.

Maryniak, Paul. 1979. "Deformed slayer gets probation." Pittsburgh Press, April 30: 1.

—. 1979. "Performer's slay trial goes to jury." Pittsburgh Press, February 22: 2.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . 1978. "Legless man charged in slaying." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 28: 7.

Rosen, Fred. 1995. Lobster Boy: The Bizarre Life and Brutal Death of Grady Stiles Jr. New York, NY: Pinnacle.

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