What Happened to Sheriff Arthur ‘Art’ Schley? All About the Police Officer’s Life After Arresting “Monster ”Inspiration Ed Gein

Sheriff Arthur ‘Art’ Schley’s Life After Arresting Ed Gein

Sheriff Arthur Schley played a crucial role in ending the reign of terror of notorious American serial killer Ed Gein. It was on November 16, 1957, that Schley, alongside his deputy Frank Worden, apprehended Gein, also known as “The Butcher of Plainfield.” Gein came under suspicion after reporting his mother, Bernice, missing from her hardware store in Plainfield, Wisconsin. A sales receipt for antifreeze, with Gein as the last customer, led the investigators to his farmhouse on the outskirts of town.

Inside Gein’s residence, a scene of unimaginable horror unfolded before the investigators. Bernice’s mutilated body was discovered in a shed, while the house itself harbored a collection of human remains, including gruesome items like masks made from human skin and furniture upholstered with flesh. The grisly findings shocked both the local community and the entire nation. Gein was arrested at a neighbor’s house where he was having dinner on the same day.

Sheriff Arthur Schley’s investigation into Gein’s crimes uncovered such disturbing details that they served as inspiration for numerous horror films and TV shows, including classics like Psycho. The Netflix series “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” released on October 3, further delved into the chilling narrative of Gein’s atrocities.

Following these tumultuous events, one may wonder, what became of Sheriff Arthur Schley after his heroic act in 1957? Arthur Schley was born on February 19, 1925, in Richford, Wisconsin. He later moved to Wautoma with his wife, Nita Straw, whom he married in 1943. The couple raised three daughters, and Schley went on to serve as the sheriff of Waushara County from 1957 to 1963 before assuming the role of the county’s highway commissioner.

In the Ed Gein case, Sheriff Arthur Schley played a pivotal role in uncovering the harrowing truth behind Gein’s heinous crimes. The investigation commenced with the disappearance of Bernice Worden, Frank Worden’s mother and the owner of a hardware store in Plainfield. Schley’s swift actions led to the discovery of Bernice’s decapitated body in a shed on Gein’s property. The farmhouse revealed further horrors, including items made from human remains, suggesting Gein’s macabre practices.

Despite his instrumental role in the case, Sheriff Arthur Schley did not testify against Ed Gein in court. Tragically, Schley passed away due to a heart attack on March 22, 1968, just seven months before Gein’s trial. It was believed that the stress of potentially testifying in court hastened his untimely demise. Gein, found guilty by reason of insanity, was confined to a psychiatric institution for the remainder of his life, passing away in 1984 due to complications from lung cancer.

In conclusion, the life of Sheriff Arthur ‘Art’ Schley, intertwined with the chilling tale of Ed Gein’s crimes, stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officials in the face of unimaginable evil. Schley’s legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and dedication in the pursuit of justice.