Serial Killer: Gary Michael Heidnik
Introduction
Gary Michael Heidnik was an American serial killer who kidnapped, tortured, and murdered women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the late 1980s. His crimes were particularly horrifying, as he held his victims captive in a pit in his basement, subjecting them to extreme abuse. Heidnik was arrested in 1987 and later sentenced to death.
Background
Born on November 22, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gary Heidnik had a troubled childhood marked by alleged abuse and mental illness. He later served in the U.S. Army before being discharged due to psychological issues. In the 1970s, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent time in mental institutions. Despite this, he became financially successful through stock market investments.
The Crimes
Heidnik's crimes took place between November 1986 and March 1987. He lured women to his home under false pretenses, imprisoned them in his basement, and subjected them to brutal torture. He forced them to endure starvation, sexual assault, and psychological torment. Two of the women died due to his abuse.
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