Serial Killer Profile: John Wayne Gacy

From simple things come intricate twists. John Wayne Gacy, on the outside, seemed to be a normal American man. He married a co-worker named Marilyn Jean Myer and eventually took over her fathers company. The couple had twins, lied the model suburban dream and everyone that knew them never suspected that a monster was lurking in the shadows. That first glimmer of horror came in June of 1968 when Gacy tried to blackmail and force a male employee to perform sexual favors to keep his position in the company. He was arrested, charged, found guilty and sentenced to ten years in prison. He served a total of eighteen months behind bars before being released on parole. It wouldn't be long before he was in trouble again, this time for soliciting an under aged male in a park.

From late 1971 to 1974 Gacy worked for various construction companies in the Chicago area. After learning the tricks of the trade he started his own company, PDM Contractors, and used it as a cover for his growing bloodlust. It is suspect that he molested, raped, tortured and killed at least four of the teenage boys that he hired to work for him but since police were leery to release such information when excavation took place at his 8213 West Summerdale Drive residence.

How was Gacy able to lure young men into his web? His construction company offered him the perfect excuse; they worked for less, rarely complained and Gacy supplied them with alcohol and drugs. From the outside looking in, a teen boy on summer vacation looking to make some easy money and have someone buy them alcohol was the perfect scenario for Gacy to spring his trap. His reign of terror lasted for more than two years. All the while Gacy put up a brave front; hosting parties for the community, donating time and supplies to repair properties of the elderly and volunteering at local hospitals to entertain children.