Ed Gein: Did He Kill His Brother? The Unsettling Truth

The story of Ed Gein, the infamous "Butcher of Plainfield," is one shrouded in mystery and horror. While he's known for his grave robbing and the creation of macabre items from human remains, a lingering question often arises: did Ed Gein kill his brother, Henry?

The Mysterious Death of Henry Gein

On May 16, 1944, Henry Gein died under suspicious circumstances. He and Ed were burning brush on their farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin. According to Ed, the fire got out of control, and Henry died of asphyxiation. However, the incident was quickly ruled an accident, and no further investigation was conducted at the time.

Why Suspicions Arise

Several factors contribute to the suspicion that Ed Gein may have been responsible for his brother's death:

• Troubled Relationship: Reports suggest that Henry was critical of Ed and their mother's unhealthy relationship. He disapproved of Ed's seemingly blind devotion to their domineering mother, Augusta.
• Lack of Concrete Evidence: While Ed claimed it was an accident, the lack of a thorough investigation left room for doubt.
• Ed's Later Crimes: Gein's subsequent horrifying discoveries naturally led people to question the circumstances surrounding Henry's death.

What the Evidence Suggests

Despite the suspicions, there's no concrete evidence directly linking Ed Gein to his brother's death. The official cause of death remained asphyxiation, and no witnesses contradicted Ed's account. However, the following points are often debated:

• The Autopsy: The original autopsy was limited. Modern forensic science might have uncovered inconsistencies or evidence of foul play.
• Ed's Conflicting Accounts: Over time, Ed Gein offered slightly different versions of the events, though none explicitly confessed to murder.

Could Ed Gein Have Gotten Away With Murder?

It's certainly plausible. The rural setting, the limited resources of local law enforcement at the time, and the initial acceptance of Ed's explanation all could have contributed to a missed crime. However, without further evidence, it remains speculation.

The Final Verdict: Unproven but Unsettling

Ultimately, the question of whether Ed Gein killed his brother remains unanswered. While the circumstances are suspicious, and Gein's later crimes paint a disturbing picture, there's no definitive proof. The death of Henry Gein remains a chilling footnote in the already disturbing story of one of America's most notorious criminals.

Further Reading:

• Ed Gein: American Psycho by Harold Schechter
• Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original "Psycho" by Robert Bloch