John Wayne Gacy

 

American serial killer John Wayne Gacy, whose real name was John Wayne Gacy Jr., was active in the 1970s. He ranks among the most infamous serial killers in American history. Gacy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 17, 1942.

Gacy was regarded as an honourable resident of his neighbourhood, active in local politics and a volunteer for a number of charity organisations. But he was actually living a double life as a serial killer below this mask.

Gacy primarily preyed on young men and teenage boys in his atrocities. He would entice his victims with guarantees of work, cash, or by posing as a police officer. Once he had them under his control, he would abuse them sexually before killing them. Many of Gacy's victims were reportedly interred beneath his home, which later gained notoriety as a crime scene.

Gacy was detained in December 1978 when authorities found evidence connecting him to a number of young men's disappearances. Further research revealed that 29 victims' bodies were hidden on his property, in the crawl space, and under the floorboards. Due to his periodic appearances as "Pogo the Clown" at children's parties and charitable activities, Gacy earned the moniker "Killer Clown."

John Wayne Gacy was one of the most active serial killers in American history when he was tried in 1980 and found guilty of 33 charges of murder. He received a death sentence and was on death row for 14 years. On May 10, 1994, Gacy was put to death via lethal injection.

The Gacy case had a profound effect on how people viewed serial killers and clowns, and it continues to be a frightening and terrifying illustration of the contrast between a person who appeared to be normal on the outside and who secretly had a dark and deadly side.