Episode 553: Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield (Part 1)

Apr 8, 2024

Explore the dark legacy of notorious figure Ed Gein, inspired Hollywood's horror films. Learn about Augusta's toxic influence on Ed, family turmoil, and mysterious deaths. Uncover disturbing relationship dynamics, lonely upbringing, and unsettling obsessions. Dive into twisted narratives, dark fantasies, and unsolved disappearances, teasing darker revelations in part two.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Exploring the Dark Legacy of a Notorious Figure in True Crime History

01:42 • 5min

Augusta's Influence on Ed Gein

06:39 • 13min

Beauty and Wellness Brand Recommendations with Personalization and Hydration Benefits

19:40 • 8min

The Disturbing Relationship Dynamics of Augusta and Ed

27:13 • 15min

Augusta's Influence on Ed's Views

42:08 • 4min

Family Turmoil and Childhood Struggles

45:53 • 10min

Exploring the Dark Events Surrounding Ed Gein's Brother and Mother

56:12 • 2min

Exploring the Emotional Fallout of Loss and Loneliness

58:18 • 3min

The Deteriorating Farm, Odd Jobs, and Dark Fascinations of Ed

01:01:18 • 6min

Exploring Dark Realities and Fascinations with Twisted Narratives

01:07:05 • 5min

Exploring the Distorted Reality and Dark Fantasies

01:11:38 • 4min

The Mysterious Disappearance of Mary Hogan

01:15:31 • 9min

Exploring Intriguing and Disturbing Events

01:24:06 • 2min

Not since Jack the Ripper or H.H. Holmes had a criminal so thoroughly shocked and captivated the public imagination; yet Gein’s crimes went far beyond what anyone imagined a person could be capable of. Indeed, he has served as the basis for some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror films including Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And, while he is only known to have killed two people during his active period, the list of crimes he is suspected of having committed is long and likely to remain a source of speculation for a long time to come.

Thank you to the magical Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research!

References

Associated Press. 1968. "Gein prosecution winds up murder testimony." Capital Times, November 9: 9.

—. 1968. "Gein ruled fit to stand trial." Green Bay Press-Gazette, January 16: 1.

Capital Times. 1958. "Bar Gein house admission fees." Capital Times, March 12: 4.

—. 1957. "Claims ten skulls came from graves ." Capital Times, November 18: 1.

—. 1958. "Gein insane, psychiatrist tells court." Capital Times, January 6: 3.

—. 1957. "Nearly wed gein, woman reveals." Capital Times, November 20: 1.

—. 1957. "Plan to open at least two." Capital Times, November 23: 1.

—. 1957. "Weeping Gein joins minister in prayer." Capital Times, November 22: 1.

—. 1957. "'Won't believe' graves robbed ." Capital Times, November 19: 1.

Daily Tribune. 1954. "Believe Bancroft tavernkeeper was slain." Daily Tribune, December 9: 1.

—. 1944. "Rites today for the man who died in Roche-a-Cri fire." Daily Tribune, May 19: 1.

Engel, Dave. 2005. "Whatever happened to Mary Hogan?" Daily Tribune, December 5: 6.

La Crosse Tribune. 1957. "State pushes murder charges against ." La Crosse Tribune, November 22: 1.

Portage Daily Register. 1957. "New rifle in shop used in slaying storekeeper." Portage Daily Register, November 19: 1.

Schechter, Harold. 1998. Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho. New York, NY: Gallery Books.

Stevens Point Journal. 1958. "Ed Gein's real estate sold for under $4,000." Stevens Point Journal, March 31: 1.

—. 1958. "Gein farmhouse leveled by early morning blaze." Stevens Point Journal, March 20: 1.

—. 1958. "Open house at Gein farm draws crowds." Stevens Point Journal, March 24: 1.

—. 1957. "Results of lie test announced." Stevens Point Journal, November 20: 1.

—. 1954. "Woman's disappearance hints slaying at Pine Grove tavern." Stevens Point Journal, December 9: 1.

United Press. 1957. "Hospital gets ready for Gein." Capital Times, November 23: 2.

United Press International. 1968. "Ed Gein found guilty of 1957 murder in Plainfield." Capital Times, November 14: 2.

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