John Wayne Gacy is a name that strikes fear and captivates the imagination when it comes to the history of American serial killers. Infamous for his crimes, Gacy, also known as the “Killer Clown,” spread terror in a peaceful Chicago suburb and deeply affected those who worked tirelessly to apprehend him.
In December 1978, the discovery of a missing teenager, Robert Piest, would reveal a horrifying reality. Piest’s disappearance led investigators to John Wayne Gacy, who had become a well-known figure in his community.
Gacy gained notoriety for his role as Pogo the Clown, entertaining children at parties. However, beneath his amiable facade, he concealed a chilling secret.
What was discovered during the search for Piest was beyond anyone’s expectations, taking a dark and disturbing turn. During the investigation, detectives uncovered disturbing discoveries beneath Gacy’s home that continue to haunt them.
Rafael Tovar, one of the detectives involved in the case, recounted his terrifying ordeal. Tovar shared the impact that the revelation of Gacy’s victims had on all those who were involved.
On the evening of December 11, 1978, Robert Piest vanished without a trace. His final words were about discussing a job opportunity with a contractor.
That contractor turned out to be John Wayne Gacy. Upon initial observation, Gacy seemed to be a highly regarded individual in the community.
He was the proud owner of a construction business, known for his involvement in hosting neighborhood events and bringing joy to children as Pogo the Clown. However, beneath this friendly exterior hid a dangerous murderer.
Gacy enticed young men and boys to his residence by offering them employment opportunities or financial incentives. Frequently, he would pretend to require assistance with his “scientific research.”
Once inside, Gacy would exploit his victims by offering them alcohol. He would render them helpless before subjecting them to unspeakable torment.
Gacy restrained his victims, sexually assaulted them, and then ended their lives using a rope. This method, ominously referred to as his “rope trick,” rendered his victims completely vulnerable.
As the search for Piest intensified, Des Plaines investigators obtained a warrant to search Gacy’s home. Upon investigation, no unusual findings were discovered during the initial search.
However, investigators quickly detected a foul odor emanating from Gacy’s crawl space. After this realization, they decided to conduct a second search, this time with more thoroughness.
Armed with a fresh warrant, the detectives made their way back to Gacy’s residence. On this occasion, they delved into the Crawl space and uncovered a horrifying find.
Tovar and his team made a startling discovery that exceeded all expectations. The initial bone discovered was a femur, which clearly did not belong to Piest.
Later, additional bones were discovered. The magnitude of the situation gradually became apparent.
“We kept digging and found a second femur,” Tovar recalled. “And then we found a third left femur.”
By then, the team realized the horrific truth. Gacy had buried multiple victims under his home.
As they continued to dig, Gacy made the decision to cooperate with the investigation. He gave detectives a hand-drawn map detailing the locations of the buried bodies.
Gacy had hidden 29 bodies in the crawl space, in different stages of decay. He had meticulously excavated trenches around the perimeter of the house to conceal his victims.
The detectives had to proceed with great care to prevent any harm to the remains. Tovar described the challenges encountered during the excavation of the crawl space.
“We couldn’t dig with a shovel because we were concerned about potential injuries,” Tovar explained. Instead, they utilized small gardening tools and their hands to retrieve the bodies.
Tovar vividly depicted the harrowing conditions of the excavation. It was quite damp and humid in that area.
The detectives were unable to wear gloves during their excavation. Tovar mentioned that the mud had a tendency to easily remove the gloves from their hands.
For half a year, the team endured these dreadful conditions. Gradually, the true scope of Gacy’s heinous acts came to light.
A certain discovery continues to haunt Tovar, even after all this time. One of the bodies they discovered had been decapitated.
The head had been removed as a result of the intense force exerted by Gacy during the strangulation of his victim. This lingering memory still haunts Tovar after all these years.
“It was a case of a lifetime,” Tovar reflected. “But I saw the damage he did, and I can’t forget.”
The case had a significant impact on the detectives involved. Tovar and his fellow officers continue to gather frequently for mutual support.
The lasting impact of discovering Gacy’s victims still lingers with them today. “It’s an experience that will always stay with you,” Tovar said.
John Wayne Gacy was ultimately found guilty of the heinous crimes of murdering 33 young men and boys. He faced a grim fate, receiving a death sentence in 1980 and ultimately meeting his end through lethal injection in 1994.
The execution of Gacy brought some closure for the families of his victims. However, the detectives are constantly haunted by the memories of what they uncovered.
“It’s an experience that stays with you,” Tovar acknowledged. Still, the memories resurface.
The atrocities committed by John Wayne Gacy extend far beyond the sheer number of victims. His strategic approach and unemotional disposition intensified the fear surrounding his reputation.
Bringing Gacy to justice took a toll on detectives like Tovar. They are still haunted by the unfathomable cruelty they witnessed.
The story of John Wayne Gacy is a haunting and chilling tale that has left a lasting impact on American criminal history. However, for those who discovered his disturbing legacy, it is a chapter they revisit on a daily basis.
This article is based on the personal experience of Des Plaines detective Rafael Tovar. His bravery and unwavering resolve, alongside his dedicated team, provided solace to the families affected.
Feature Image Credits: Netflix
