Murder of Sylvia Likens

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Eugen de Blaas The Flirtation

The murder of Sylvia Likens was a torture and murder case that occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, in October 1965. The victim, Sylvia Marie Likens, was a 16-year-old girl who was subjected to prolonged abuse and torture by her caregiver, Gertrude Baniszewski, and several of Baniszewski's children and neighborhood youths.

Background

Sylvia Likens was born on January 3, 1949, to Lester Likens and Betty Likens. She had four siblings: Diana, Danny, Jenny, and Benny. Sylvia and her younger sister, Jenny, were left in the care of Gertrude Baniszewski by their parents, who were traveling with a carnival.

Abuse and Torture

Over the course of three months, Sylvia was subjected to escalating abuse and torture. Gertrude Baniszewski, along with her children Paula and John, and neighborhood youths Coy Hubbard and Richard Hobbs, participated in the abuse. Sylvia was beaten, burned, and starved. She was also forced to endure humiliating acts and was denied access to basic hygiene.

Death

On October 26, 1965, Sylvia Likens succumbed to her injuries. The official cause of death was brain hemorrhage, shock, and malnutrition. Her body was discovered in the Baniszewski home, and the subsequent investigation revealed the extent of the abuse she had suffered.

Trial and Convictions

The trial for the murder of Sylvia Likens began in April 1966. Gertrude Baniszewski was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Paula Baniszewski was convicted of second-degree murder and received a life sentence, which was later reduced. John Baniszewski Jr., Coy Hubbard, and Richard Hobbs were convicted of manslaughter and served shorter sentences.

Legacy

The murder of Sylvia Likens is considered one of the most heinous crimes in the history of Indiana. The case has been the subject of several books, films, and documentaries, highlighting the brutality of the crime and the failure of the community to intervene.

See also

• Child abuse
• List of murder victims
• List of homicides in Indiana

Further reading

• House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying
• The Basement: Meditations on a Human Sacrifice