Ep. 4 - Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield

Snow drifts across the quiet fields of Plainfield, Wisconsin. Behind the sagging curtains of a lonely farmhouse, deputies would uncover one of the most disturbing crime scenes in American history. From bowls carved out of skulls to masks made of human skin, Ed Gein’s story blurred the line between reality and nightmare — and inspired some of the most iconic horror films of all time.

This week, we explore the twisted life of Ed Gein: his isolated childhood under the grip of his domineering mother, the grave robbing that turned his farmhouse into a house of horrors, and the murders that shocked the town of Plainfield in 1957.

🔍 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Ed Gein’s strict, suffocating upbringing under Augusta Gein
• His double life as the “quiet handyman” who also babysat children
• The descent into grave robbing — and the horrifying artifacts found in his farmhouse
• The murders of Mary Hogan and Bernice Worden
• The shocking discovery that brought Ed’s crimes to light
• His trial, insanity ruling, and life inside Central State Hospital
• The enduring legacy: how Gein inspired Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence, grave robbing, and human remains. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

📚 Sources Cited

• Schechter, Harold. Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho. Pocket Books, 1989.
• “Ed Gein.” Murderpedia. https://murderpedia.org/male.G/g/gein-edward.htm
  
  
• Biography.com Editors. “Ed Gein.” Biography.com, A&E Television Networks. https://www.biography.com/crime/ed-gein
  
  
• “Ed Gein – The Plainfield Ghoul.” Crime Museum. https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/ed-gein/
  
  
• Douglas, John E., and Mark Olshaker. Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. Scribner, 1995.
• Newspaper archives: The Milwaukee Journal and Wisconsin State Journal (1957–1958 coverage).

🕯️ Next on Veil of Echoes

Starting this week, Veil of Echoes releases two episodes every week:

• 🩸 True Crime Mondays
• 👻 Paranormal Fridays

Up next: one of America’s most famous hauntings — The Bell Witch of Tennessee.

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