Serial Killers, By John Wayne Gacy Essay

Serial killers are like the actual Boogey-Man; hiding under the bed or lurking in the shadows is exactly what one would think they would do. However, some serial killers build up a camouflage and interact with others without any gut-feelings or blaring signs of what is actually going on in their head. John Wayne Gacy is the perfect example of this type of killer. Born on March 17, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, John Wayne Gacy faced an abusive childhood and conflict over his sexuality (Vronsky 92). Growing up, Gacy was subjected to abuse from his drunken father who would discipline the Gacy children with a razor strap; because showing emotion during the beatings fueled the father’s rage, Gacy learned to control his emotions and not cry. However, alienation did not stop only at the home front; he was not allowed to play outside with the other children in his grade because he was suffering from congestive heart failure. It was then later discovered that Gacy was attracted to men. During the 1960s, Gacy worked as a fast-food chain manager, became a self-made building contractor, and worked as a Democratic precinct captain in the Chicago area. He was well-liked in his community and even dressed up as a clown for children’s birthday parties. He was also married and divorced twice with both children and stepchildren (Gerdes 48). However, his astute background, Gacy was tried and convicted for a ten year sentence for the molestation of two teenage boys in 1968, but was released on…