The Wisconsin Murderer Behind Netflix’s ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’
Ed Gein, an American serial killer, is the inspiration behind Netflix’s latest series, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” His chilling crimes have influenced numerous horror films, including “Psycho” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” This article delves into the life of Ed Gein, his relationship with his mother, and the events that led to his infamous legacy.
Who Was Ed Gein?
Ed Gein was a serial killer known for his disturbing acts of violence. He confessed to killing two women, and police discovered the remains of at least 10 others in his home. Known as the Butcher of Plainfield, Ed was arrested in 1957 after being linked to the disappearance of local hardware store owner Bernice Worden. Authorities later found her dismembered body in his farmhouse, along with other evidence of his crimes.
The Influence of His Mother
Ed Gein’s mother, Augusta Wilhelmine Gein, played a significant role in shaping his psyche. Born on July 21, 1878, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of German immigrants. She married George Philip Gein in 1900 and had two sons, Henry George Gein and Edward Theodore Gein. The family moved to a farm outside of Plainfield, Wis., around 1915.
Augusta was a religious woman who often preached against modern women to her sons, even predicting that a flood would wash out women’s sins. Her influence on Ed was profound, shaping his views on women and contributing to his eventual descent into madness.
Ed Gein’s Upbringing
As a young boy, Ed rarely left his family’s farm except for school. He spent much of his time listening to his mother’s teachings about the immorality of women. Augusta often warned her sons against making friends, and Ed did not go on dates. Despite this, he idolized his mother and became obsessed with pleasing her.
What Happened to Augusta Gein?
After George’s death from heart failure in 1940, Henry and Ed took odd jobs to support themselves. In 1944, Henry died in a fire near the family’s farm, leaving Ed and Augusta alone. After Henry’s death, Ed cared for his mother until she passed away from a stroke on December 29, 1945.
Following her death, Ed sealed off his mother’s quarters, preserving her room in a museum-like state. When police raided the Gein home years later, they noted that Augusta’s room remained intact while the rest of the house was filled with clutter and evidence of his crimes.
Ed Gein’s Crimes and Motivations
In the 12 years following Augusta’s death, Ed frequently visited cemeteries at night to exhume corpses of women he believed resembled his mother. He used these remains to create furniture and even a skin suit made from human remains of at least 15 women. Ed told investigators that his desire to become his mother led him to construct the suit.
He also claimed that Hogan and Worden resembled his mother, which may have contributed to his decision to kill them.
What Happened to Ed Gein?
Ed was arrested in 1957 after being linked to Worden’s disappearance. At the time, officials found him mentally unfit to stand trial and diagnosed him with schizophrenia soon after. For around a decade, Ed resided in several psychiatric institutions before being deemed fit for trial.
In 1968, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was then sent to the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Wisconsin, where he remained until his death from a respiratory ailment in 1984. He was 77 years old.
