Anatomy of a Crime Scene
The Ed Gein Farmhouse: November 16, 1957
Discovery Timeline
The investigation began with the disappearance of a local hardware store owner, Bernice Worden. A single sales slip left at her store was the final clue that led authorities to the isolated Gein farm, unraveling a story of murder and grave robbery.
1
Morning
Bernice Worden disappears from her hardware store in Plainfield, WI. A pool of blood and a receipt for antifreeze made out to Ed Gein are found.
2
Afternoon
Deputy Frank Worden, Bernice’s son, informs investigators that Gein had been in the store the previous evening and was the likely antifreeze customer.
3
Evening
Authorities arrive at the Gein farm. Gein is arrested at a neighbor’s house. The search of his property begins in the dark.
4
Night
In a shed, deputies discover the decapitated, gutted body of Bernice Worden. The full horror of the farmhouse is slowly revealed.
An Inventory of Horror
The search of the unlit, squalid farmhouse uncovered a vast collection of human remains fashioned into household items, clothing, and keepsakes. The artifacts were later photographed at the state crime lab before being disposed of.
🪑 Household Items
- Chairs upholstered with human skin
- Bowls made from human skulls
- A wastebasket made of human skin
- Lampshade made from the skin of a face
- Skulls mounted on bedposts
- A pair of lips on a window shade drawstring
🎠Apparel & Masks
- Masks made from the skin of female heads
- A corset made from a female torso
- Leggings made from human leg skin
- A belt made from human nipples
- A complete “woman suit” of preserved skin
📦 Preserved Remains
- Nine vulvas in a shoebox
- Four noses in a box
- Whole human bones and fragments
- Fingernails from female fingers
- Organs stored in various containers
Evidence Sources: Murder vs. Grave Robbery
Gein confessed to two murders but claimed the vast majority of remains came from dozens of nocturnal visits to local cemeteries. He stated he robbed fresh graves of middle-aged women who reminded him of his deceased mother. Authorities confirmed his claims by exhuming three graves he identified.
Claimed Grave Robbing Visits
40
Between 1947 and 1952
The Confirmed Victims
While the remains of at least ten individuals were found, Gein was only ever criminally linked to the deaths of two local women. Both were shot with a .22 caliber rifle, and their bodies were mutilated post-mortem.
Bernice Worden
Disappeared November 16, 1957
The 58-year-old hardware store owner’s murder directly led to Gein’s capture. Her death was the only charge for which Gein stood trial.
Evidence Found:
- Decapitated, gutted body in a shed
- Head found in a burlap sack
- Heart found in a plastic bag
Mary Hogan
Disappeared December 8, 1954
The 51-year-old tavern owner vanished from her business three years before Gein’s arrest. Gein later confessed to her murder.
Evidence Found:
- Face mask found in a paper bag
- Skull found in a box
Leave a Reply