# John Wayne Gacy

> American serial killer (1942–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q298252](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298252)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne_Gacy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-wayne-gacy

## Summary
John Wayne Gacy was an American serial killer (1942–1994) who worked as a clown and painter. He is infamous for his crimes, including the murder of 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. His case became one of the most notorious in U.S. history, earning him the nickname "The Killer Clown."

## Biography
- Born: March 17, 1942, in Edgewater, Chicago
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Northwestern College, Prosser Career Academy, Cooley Vocational High School
- Known for: Being convicted of 33 murders and sentenced to death
- Employer(s): Northwestern College
- Field(s): Serial murder, clown, painter

## Contributions
John Wayne Gacy's contributions are primarily tied to his criminal activities, including:
- **Murders**: Killed 33 victims, primarily young men and boys, between 1972 and 1978. His victims were buried in his basement and garage.
- **Crimes**: Committed acts of sexual assault, sodomy, torture, and blackmail.
- **Legal Consequences**: Convicted of murder, sexual assault, and sodomy in 1978. Sentenced to death by lethal injection in 1994.

## FAQs
**What crimes did John Wayne Gacy commit?**
John Wayne Gacy was convicted of 33 murders, sexual assaults, and sodomies. He targeted young men and boys, often luring them under false pretenses as a clown or painter.

**Where did John Wayne Gacy work?**
Gacy attended Northwestern College but did not graduate. He also worked at Prosser Career Academy and Cooley Vocational High School.

**What was John Wayne Gacy's occupation?**
Gacy worked as a clown and painter, which he used to lure his victims.

**How did John Wayne Gacy die?**
Gacy was executed by lethal injection on May 10, 1994, for his crimes.

## Why They Matter
John Wayne Gacy's case is significant because it highlighted the dangers of predatory behavior and the vulnerability of young men. His crimes shocked the public and led to increased awareness of sexual predators. His case also influenced criminal justice policies and public safety measures. Gacy remains a cautionary figure in discussions about crime, justice, and societal responsibility.

## Notable For
- Convicted of 33 murders, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history.
- Known as "The Killer Clown" due to his work as a performer.
- Sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection in 1994.
- His crimes led to reforms in criminal justice and public safety.
- His case remains a subject of study in criminology and psychology.

## Body
### Early Life
John Wayne Gacy was born on March 17, 1942, in Edgewater, Chicago. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Northwestern College, Prosser Career Academy, and Cooley Vocational High School. Gacy struggled academically and had a history of delinquent behavior.

### Career and Crimes
Gacy worked as a clown and painter, using his professions to lure victims. Between 1972 and 1978, he murdered 33 young men and boys, primarily in Chicago. His victims were buried in his basement and garage. Gacy was arrested in 1978 and convicted of murder, sexual assault, and sodomy. He was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection on May 10, 1994.

### Legal Consequences
Gacy's trial was highly publicized, and his case became a national sensation. His crimes were documented in detail, leading to increased awareness of sexual predators. His execution marked the first time a serial killer had been executed in the U.S. since 1963.

### Legacy
John Wayne Gacy's case remains a subject of study in criminology and psychology. His crimes have influenced public safety measures and criminal justice policies. Gacy's story continues to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of vigilance in society.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Find a Grave
7. BnF authorities
8. GeneaStar
9. death certificate
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Artsy
12. [Source](https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/21/movie-documentary-could-be-adapted-from-book-by-gacys-lawyer/)
13. The Movie Database
14. Golden
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File