The Terrifying Childhood of John Wayne Gacy: How Abuse and Trauma Shaped a Killer

Step inside the disturbing origins of John Wayne Gacy, one of America’s most infamous serial killers. Long before the murders that shocked the nation, Gacy’s terrifying childhood revealed the early cracks in his psyche. Raised by a violent, alcoholic father and a cold, distant mother, he lived in constant fear and emotional isolation. Even then, he showed a disturbing duality—the affable, charming son in public and a deeply wounded child in private.

Was Gacy born a psychopath, destined for darkness, or was he made by years of abuse, trauma, and neglect? This episode explores the psychology of evil, the battle of nature versus nurture, and the chilling question—what really makes a killer?

This is the first in a four-part true crime podcast series on the life, crimes, and trial of John Wayne Gacy. Follow along as each episode uncovers new layers of his twisted story, from childhood trauma to his horrifying killing spree and the investigation that finally brought him down.

👉 For deeper insight into surviving the mind games of a psychopath, get my book Surviving a Psychopath.   https://kerriedroban.com/surviving-psychopath

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