How successful or unsuccessful a person is in the future can be affected by their past. John Wayne Gacy was a victim of a horrific childhood, and he went on to become one the most notorious serial killers. His life in his early years was a terrible one. It influenced his later years.

The brain can be affected by trauma from childhood. John Wayne Gacy saw his father, an alcoholic, beat his siblings and mother while beating him. Gacy was clearly a different individual because of the abuse he witnessed. Gacy is a victim of domestic violence. Gacy has poor judgement, lies, and assaul. Gacy’s childhood trauma was a major factor in his future decisions. Gacy was raised in a blue-collar family, but he had an awful childhood. Gacy was an outsider in his home and at school. Because of a heart condition, he couldn’t play with other kids. Gacy was later able to see that he was attracted toward males. This caused him more pain and confusion. He was able to overcome these situations and eventually became a respected member of his community. His community loved him for dressing up as a clown at children’s parties.

Even though his friends loved him, there were clearly some problems. Gacy’s past is what can be attributed to his homicide. Another possibility is that Gacy was sexually restricted in his past. He had several children, including a divorce, a marriage, and another. One could speculate that he attempted to conceal his sexuality by having children and marrige. This is the most likely reason he preferred young men to be sexually assaulted.

John Wayne Gacy, also known by the “Killer Clown”, murdered around thirty young men. To lure them, he used his skills in construction to make them believe he could get work. But he eventually captured and sexually assaulted the young men, killing them all. He would often dress in a clown costume and sexually abuse his victims. Gacy would hide most bodies in crawlspaces and under his house, according to police. The bodies of the two young boys were discovered by suspicious police officers who got a warrant for Gacy’s house. Gacy was quickly tried and convicted. He was then executed with lethal injection in 1994.

Childhood experiences can change a person’s outlook on life. A child’s psychological trauma can lead to severe mental health problems that will continue into adulthood. This causes an adolescent either to flourish or to wither. John Wayne Gacy’s story demonstrates that one can fall from their past. After his horrible childhood, John Wayne Gacy became the killer clown we all know today.

Author

  • kaylynnnewman

    I am Kaylynn Newman, an educational blogger and mother. I am passionate about helping others learn and grow, and I believe that education is the key to a successful future. I am a teacher's helper and an Adolescent/Teen education advocate. I also offer online coursework and resources for parents and educators.