Murder Toll Up To 21 (Press, 30 December 1978)

On 30 December 1978, the death toll related to a suspected sex murderer in Chicago rose to 21 after six more bodies were discovered, intensifying a harrowing investigation. The alleged perpetrator, John Gacy, a 36-year-old building contractor and admitted homosexual, was scheduled to appear in court to face formal murder charges. Gacy had confessed to sexually molesting and strangling 32 young men and had buried 26 of them under his suburban Chicago home. The grim discovery of the bodies left police officers visibly distressed, contending with the unpleasant conditions and the shocking nature of the crime scene. This marked the fifth day of a search that began when Gacy was arrested the previous week. To assist in locating the bodies, investigators were utilising a rough map drawn by Gacy that outlined burial sites. There were also reports regarding Gacy's mental state while in custody. Following an incident in which he allegedly tried to commit suicide in his isolation cell—by crawling under his bed and attempting to strangle himself with a towel—prison officials confirmed that he was instead acting out rather than genuinely attempting to end his life. Gacy was moved to the psychiatric section of the hospital afterward and was restrained to his bed with leather straps for safety. Gacy's behaviour in prison raised concerns that he might fear for his safety among other inmates, as child molestation is often condemned within the prison environment. Jail officials acknowledged that Gacy had been reporting various ailments, seemingly in an effort to remain in the hospital instead of being transferred to a general cell block, where he might be at greater risk. Overall, the case exposed a disturbing pattern of violence against young victims and highlighted issues surrounding prison dynamics, particularly regarding the treatment of inmates charged with sex crimes. As the investigation unfolded, it was expected that more bodies could still be uncovered, adding to the already horrifying count associated with Gacy's alleged activities. The tragic findings and the details emerging about Gacy's past only deepened the shock and horror felt by the community and law enforcement.

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