Ed Gein's Capture: How Was The 'Butcher Of Plainfield' Caught?
Ed Gein, infamously known as the "Butcher of Plainfield," committed heinous crimes that shocked the world. His capture was the result of a detailed investigation following a key discovery. This article delves into the events leading to his apprehension and the evidence that brought him to justice.
The Disappearance of Bernice Worden
On November 16, 1957, Bernice Worden, a hardware store owner in Plainfield, Wisconsin, disappeared. Her son, Deputy Sheriff Frank Worden, reported her missing after finding the store open but unattended. The last sale recorded was for a gallon of antifreeze, and the sales slip indicated that Ed Gein had made the purchase. This immediately made Gein a prime suspect in the disappearance of Bernice Worden.
The Search of the Gein Farm
Acting on the evidence, authorities went to Gein's farmhouse. What they discovered was beyond their worst nightmares. Inside the house, investigators found Bernice Worden's body, decapitated and hanging upside down in a shed. This gruesome discovery was just the beginning.
Inside the House of Horrors
The subsequent search of Gein's home revealed a horrifying collection of objects made from human remains:
- Bowls made from human skulls
- Chairs upholstered with human skin
- A wastebasket made from human skin
- Leggings made from human skin
- Masks made from the skin of female faces
- A corset made from a female torso
These macabre findings painted a clear picture of Gein's depravity and confirmed his involvement in Worden's disappearance, as well as other possible murders.
The Arrest and Interrogation of Ed Gein
Ed Gein was arrested and taken into custody. During interrogation, he admitted to robbing graves from local cemeteries and using the remains to create his disturbing artifacts. While he admitted to killing Bernice Worden, he initially denied committing other murders, claiming the other body parts were obtained from graves.
Gein's Confession and Motives
Gein’s motives appeared to stem from a complex psychological state, heavily influenced by his relationship with his domineering mother. He confessed that he wanted to create a "woman suit" so he could literally become his mother.
The Aftermath and Trial
Due to his mental state, Ed Gein was deemed unfit to stand trial initially. He was sent to a mental institution. Eventually, he was tried for the murder of Bernice Worden. He was found guilty by reason of insanity and spent the rest of his life in mental institutions. Gein died on July 26, 1984, at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Legacy of the "Butcher of Plainfield"
The case of Ed Gein continues to fascinate and horrify people. His crimes inspired numerous books, films, and documentaries, solidifying his place in the annals of true crime history. The details of his capture and the subsequent discoveries at his farm remain a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary individuals.
The capture of Ed Gein was a pivotal moment, bringing an end to his horrific activities and providing some measure of closure to the families of his victims. The thorough investigation and the shocking discoveries at his farm ensured that the "Butcher of Plainfield" would be brought to justice, revealing the depths of his depravity to the world. Learn more about true crime and forensic psychology to understand similar cases.
