Join Hannah and Mark on Love, Lies and Alibis as we dive into this chilling case. We want you to know that this is a shocking and scary case and if this type of stuff upsets you. please please please skip it.
Sylvia Likens (1949–1965) endured one of America’s most horrific murders. In 1965, her parents, carnival workers, left Sylvia (16) and sister Jenny (15) with Gertrude Baniszewski, a struggling Indianapolis mother of seven. When a $20 weekly payment arrived late, Gertrude began abusing the girls, escalating to sadistic torture.
Over three months, Gertrude enlisted her children and neighborhood kids to participate. Sylvia was beaten with belts and paddles, burned over 100 times with cigarettes, starved, forced to eat feces and drink urine, scalded in boiling water, and sexually assaulted with objects. She was carved with a hot needle: “I’M A PROSTITUTE AND PROUD OF IT” on her abdomen.
Neighbors ignored cries; authorities dismissed reports. Sylvia died October 26 from shock, malnutrition, and brain hemorrhage. Gertrude was convicted of first-degree murder but paroled in 1985. The case exposed community apathy and inspired films like The Girl Next Door.
If this case left you feeling shaken, depressed, or overwhelmed, please reach out – you’re not alone:
United States
- Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free)
- Text HOME to 741741 – Crisis Text Line
United Kingdom
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7, free from any phone)
- Text SHOUT to 85258 – Shout Crisis Text Line (24/7, free)
- Call 999 or go to A&E if you’re in immediate danger
Anywhere in the world
- Visit findahelpline.com and select your country for local, free support numbers
Talking helps. Take care of yourselves out there. ❤️
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