Criminal Psychologist Explains The Sick Mind Of Ed Gein

Summary

Ed Gein, born in 1906, was a notorious murderer influenced by a traumatic childhood under his abusive mother Augusta's control. His deviant behavior escalated to grave robbing and murder, driven by a complex relationship with his mother. He confessed to two murders but was suspected of more. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Gein was institutionalized until his death in 1984. His case exemplifies the impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior.

Takeaways

• 👤 Ed Gein, known as the Butcher of Plainfield, confessed to two murders but was suspected of more due to the disturbing contents of his home.
• 📚 Dr. Eric Hickey, a criminal psychologist, suggests that Gein's actions were rooted in a traumatic childhood and a dysfunctional family.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Gein's mother, Augusta, was highly controlling and had a negative view of sex, which likely contributed to Gein's psychological issues.
• 🛏️ There is speculation that Gein may have had an inappropriate relationship with his mother, which further complicated his sexual development.
• 🔪 Gein's first memory of sexual arousal was witnessing the gutting of a pig, which may have contributed to his later acts of violence.
• 🏚️ After his mother's death, Gein became a recluse and developed a morbid interest in death and the macabre.
• 💀 To cope with his mother's absence, Gein exhumed her body and other graves to create a skin suit, attempting to assume a feminine appearance.
• 👵 He killed women who resembled his mother, possibly as a way to deal with the psychological and sexual trauma she inflicted on him.
• 🏠 Police discovered a house filled with human remains and objects made from human body parts, indicating a deep obsession with death.
• 🚨 Despite the gruesome evidence, Gein only admitted to two murders and was deemed not guilty by reason of insanity, suffering from schizophrenia.
• 🧠 Dr. Hickey suggests that Gein's lack of social skills and empathy, combined with his traumatic upbringing, led to his descent into serial murder.

Q & A

What was Ed Gein's childhood like?

Ed Gein had a difficult childhood, growing up with an alcoholic father and an abusive, controlling mother. His mother, Augusta, was particularly intimidating and is believed to have had a significant impact on Gein's psychological development.

How did Ed Gein's mother influence his views on sex and women?

Ed Gein's mother, Augusta, was said to have a strong aversion to sex and warned her sons about the dangers of women. She encouraged Ed to remain a virgin to stay loyal to her, which contributed to his confusion and distorted views on sexuality.

What is the significance of the pig-gutting incident in Ed Gein's life?

Witnessing his mother gut a pig on the farm and feeling sexual arousal during the process was a pivotal moment for Ed Gein. It marked the beginning of his association between violence and sexual stimulation.

How did Ed Gein's mother's death affect him?

Ed Gein was devastated by his mother's death in 1945, which led him to become a virtual hermit. He began to show interest in macabre literature and started digging up her grave, eventually decapitating her as a way to maintain a connection with her.

What was Ed Gein's relationship with his brother Henry like?

The relationship between Ed Gein and his brother Henry was strained, with Henry reportedly concerned about Gein's idolization of their mother. Henry's mysterious death, with Gein being the one to find his body, has led to speculation that Gein may have been involved in his brother's death.

How did Ed Gein's upbringing contribute to his becoming a serial killer?

Ed Gein's upbringing, marked by a traumatic childhood, an abusive mother, and a lack of normal social interactions, contributed to his development as a serial killer. His isolation and lack of healthy attachments led to a lack of empathy, which is a critical factor in understanding his crimes.

What was the nature of the items found in Ed Gein's home?

The items found in Ed Gein's home were made from human remains, including a bowl made from a human skull, a chair and lampshade made from human skin, and belts made from human skin. These items indicate his compulsion to create trophies from his victims.

How did Ed Gein select his victims?

Ed Gein chose to kill women who resembled his mother, as a way to deal with the psychological and sexual trauma she had inflicted upon him. This selection process was influenced by his deep-rooted fantasies and trauma related to his mother.

What was the outcome of Ed Gein's trial?

Ed Gein was arrested but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and deemed unfit to stand trial. Consequently, he was sent to Central State Hospital for the criminally insane, where he remained until his death in 1984.

What is the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath as it relates to Ed Gein?

While both psychopaths and sociopaths exhibit antisocial behavior, psychopaths are characterized by a lack of empathy and manipulative social skills. Ed Gein, on the other hand, was more of a sociopath, as he was driven by his fantasies about his mother and did not exhibit the manipulative social skills typical of a psychopath.

What was the role of shame in Ed Gein's life?

Shame played a significant role in Ed Gein's life, particularly due to his mother's influence. He felt shame about masturbation, women, men, and sex in general, viewing all of these as dirty. This shame was a source of trauma for him and contributed to his deviant behaviors.