Infamous murderer Ed Gein assists investigators in tracking down serial killer Ted Bundy in the latest season finale of the Netflix series “Monster.” But is it accurate? By Sean Neumann, a reporter at PEOPLE.
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They’re known as two of the most infamous killers in United States history, but how intertwined were the lives of Ed Gein and Ted Bundy? Netflix’s new season of “Monster” delves into Gein’s tumultuous life and gruesome crimes, prompting questions about whether “The Butcher of Plainfield” played a role in the capture of “The Campus Killer,” who terrorized the Pacific Northwest between 1974 and 1978, preying on and murdering numerous women and young girls.
In the recent season of the Ryan Murphy-directed drama series, there is a storyline that connects the lives of these two murderers. The eighth and final episode of the season depicts Gein assisting authorities in the pursuit of Bundy, who managed to evade capture for four years while carrying out a series of brutal killings. However, it is important to note that the inclusion of the Gein-Bundy narrative is fictional.
Despite the fictional portrayal, Ed Gein was indeed alive during Bundy’s reign of terror and could have followed his case closely. Gein’s criminal history dates back to 1954 when he murdered tavern owner Mary Hogan and engaged in grave robberies in his hometown of Plainfield, Wisconsin. These gruesome crimes involved creating macabre items from human body parts, such as skin masks and lampshades, giving Gein the moniker of “The Butcher of Plainfield.”
Gein’s actions led to his arrest in 1957 for the murder of Bernice Worden, a local hardware shop owner. Following his arrest, Gein confessed to the two murders and was eventually deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. He was subsequently placed in a mental institution where he remained until his passing in 1984 at the age of 77.
While Gein was serving his sentence, Ted Bundy was active as a serial killer in the 1970s. Bundy’s killing spree came to an end in 1978 after a routine traffic stop led to his arrest. Bundy confessed to 30 murders while awaiting execution on death row. Remarkably, Gein had passed away just five years before Bundy’s execution, leading to the conclusion that there was no direct involvement or assistance from Gein in Bundy’s capture.
The Netflix series may have taken creative liberties in intertwining the narratives of these two notorious criminals, but it serves as a reminder of the chilling legacy left behind by individuals like Ed Gein and Ted Bundy. The fascination with true crime stories continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on the darkest corners of human nature and the complexities of criminal minds.
In conclusion, while the connections drawn between Ed Gein and Ted Bundy in the “Monster” series finale may be fictitious, the enduring intrigue surrounding these infamous figures underscores society’s ongoing fascination with the realm of true crime and the enigmatic personas of those who commit heinous acts.