Unforgotten CasebookThe cases. The books. The screen stories.Plainfield, Wisconsin · 1954–1957
Photographs are cropped to fit. Photo dates and original images are available through the source credits.
Multiple & serial murders
The disappearance of shopkeeper Bernice Worden in 1957 led police to Ed Gein’s Wisconsin home, where they found her remains and evidence of grave robbing. He was also linked to Mary Hogan’s death. His case inspired horror fiction, which should be distinguished from factual accounts.
Content note: violence, abuse, or loss. Linked material may contain graphic descriptions. Screen dramatizations may change events and dialogue.
Plainfield, Wisconsin. The map provides regional context; individually verified historical places are listed below.
Map sources checked September 14, 2026. 1 individual Odd Stops location pages matched this case.
“No verified match” describes the accessible material found in this review, not proof that a source has never covered the case. MAP’s anonymous records were not individually matched to people.
See the full case checklist →Second Avenue and Archer Avenue, Plainfield area, Wisconsin
Gein's farmhouse was part of the 1957 investigation. Fire destroyed the original building in 1958.
The original structure no longer exists. Present-day land or replacement buildings are not open attractions; no visitor access was verified.
Location history, maps & imagery at Odd Stops ↗Scripted stories and fictional inspirations. Scenes, characters, and dialogue can differ from the record.
Robert Bloch · Fictional inspiration · Abrams edition
A fictional horror novel inspired by Ed Gein’s crimes, as identified by its publisher. Norman Bates and the Bates Motel are fictional; the plot is not a biography or a reconstruction of Gein’s case. The publisher’s page includes edition details and retailer links.
Explore this book ↗Harold Schechter
Book-length account or personal perspective. This link provides bibliographic details; compare the author’s account with reporting and records.
Explore this bookRobert Bloch · Fictional inspiration · Abrams edition
A fictional horror novel inspired by Ed Gein’s crimes, as identified by its publisher. Norman Bates and the Bates Motel are fictional; the plot is not a biography or a reconstruction of Gein’s case. The publisher’s page includes edition details and retailer links.
Explore this bookWatch links, previews, and historical title listings are identified below. Availability varies by service and region; rentals or subscriptions may be required.
IMDb · Screen title
IMDb title reference connected to the Ed Gein case. Listed release: 2000. Cast, credits, and title information; viewing availability is separate.
Credits & title details on IMDbWatch links, previews, and historical title listings are identified below. Availability varies by service and region; rentals or subscriptions may be required.
Apple TV
Nonfiction screen coverage of this case. The linked page identifies the program or episode; playback, subscriptions, and regional availability vary.
Viewing options & episode detailsOriginal newspaper coverage, hosted by Newspapers.com. Read each article in the context of its publication date; later findings may differ. Full-page access may require sign-in.
Featured newspaper clipping
Read a featured clipping here, then explore more reporting in the newspaper archive.
The La Crosse Tribune · 1958-11-16 · Page 12
An anniversary report reconstructs the discovery of Bernice Worden’s body and the investigation.
Historical coverage contains graphic descriptions.
Continue with these dated reports on Newspapers.com.
Leader-Telegram · 1960-05-07 · Page 1
A report describes newly discovered bones and the forensic questions investigators hoped to answer.
The suggested identity was unconfirmed when published.
Read this article on Newspapers.comSearch original reporting, follow the trial, and compare how newspapers covered the case over time.
Explore more on Newspapers.comNewspapers.com controls access to its archive. A subscription may be required; existing subscribers can sign in.
Los Angeles Times
Linked reporting or commentary. Read the source date for its historical context; access may require a subscription.
Read sourceDirect links open the selected episode in Apple Podcasts or on its publisher’s site. Some editions may require a subscription.
youtube.com
Direct episode page for this case or its screen adaptation. Open it for listening options and the publisher’s episode notes.
Listen to the episodeMorbid
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released April 8, 2024. About 76 minutes.
Listen to the episodeMorbid
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released April 11, 2024. About 72 minutes.
Listen to the episodeMorbid
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released April 15, 2024. About 81 minutes.
Listen to the episodeLast Podcast On The Left
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released April 30, 2015. About 67 minutes.
Listen to the episodeTrue Crime All The Time
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released June 3, 2019. About 71 minutes.
Listen to the episodeLast Podcast On The Left
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released May 6, 2015. About 59 minutes.
Listen to the episodeMurder With My Husband
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released October 13, 2025. About 64 minutes.
Listen to the episodeRedHanded
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released September 18, 2025. About 79 minutes.
Listen to the episodeLast Podcast On The Left
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released May 13, 2015. About 70 minutes.
Listen to the episodeLights Out
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released November 3, 2025. About 112 minutes.
Listen to the episodeRotten Mango
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released September 16, 2020. About 82 minutes.
Listen to the episodeLights Out
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released October 23, 2020. About 60 minutes.
Listen to the episodePsychopedia: True Crime & Criminal Psychology
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released November 5, 2025. About 78 minutes.
Listen to the episodePsychopedia: True Crime & Criminal Psychology
Podcast coverage of the Ed Gein case. Released November 12, 2025. About 68 minutes.
Listen to the episodeOutside blogs, personal essays, and creator write-ups. These reflect each author’s perspective. Check publication dates and compare claims with reporting and court records.
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New material will appear here after editorial review.Individual records from Internet Archive: library books, historical broadcasts, and preserved web pages. A catalog listing does not guarantee free reading or full playback. Access, previews, and borrowing are controlled by Internet Archive.
This section is awaiting its first entry.
New material will appear here after editorial review.This section is awaiting its first entry.
New material will appear here after editorial review.Court opinions, filings, transcripts, and dockets, alongside clearly labeled parole records, released investigative files, and courtroom recordings. Each item identifies its source and scope. Allegations in filings are not findings of guilt. These selections are not complete case files. Where an online document could not be verified, a separate guide identifies the records office or archive to contact.
No sourced nickname has been added for this case.
New material will appear here after editorial review.The latest information verified for this collection is listed below. Each source has its own date; these are not live custody records.
A current-status update has not been verified for this case yet.
New material will appear here after editorial review.Documented laws, advocacy, and reforms connected to this case. Changes do not undo the harm, and listing a law does not claim that it is effective or universally supported.
No case-specific law, reform, or advocacy initiative has been verified for this collection yet. This does not mean that none exists.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
07Social Media
12 itemsCase videos, posts, family pages, and creator communities. Creator channels and groups cover multiple cases; each includes a link to the relevant episode. Facebook or TikTok may require sign-in, and groups may require membership approval. Community opinions are separate from verified reporting.
Real Crime
Behind Ed Gein's Case: Catching America’s Most Brutal Killer
Video from Real Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 50:00.
Watch on YouTubeKallmekris
The Most INFAMOUS Killer In History | Ed Gein
Video from Kallmekris covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 1:30:06.
Watch on YouTubeReal Crime
Ed Gein: The Killer That Inspired Many Horror Films | World’s Most Evil Killers | Real Crime"
Video from Real Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 42:46.
Watch on YouTubeEmma Kenny
ED GEIN - THE REAL LIFE LEATHERFACE - The Butcher of Plainfield
Video from Emma Kenny covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 1:43:25.
Watch on YouTubeFilmRise True Crime
World's Most Evil Killers - Season 1, Episode 15 - Ed Gein - Full Episode
Full episode or film as labeled by the publisher from FilmRise True Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 42:50.
Watch on YouTubeReal Crime
Ed Gein: Unseen Confessions From The Real-Life Psycho
Video from Real Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 49:40.
Watch on YouTubeReal Stories
The Secret Life of Ed Gein: Inside a Killer's Mind
Video from Real Stories covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 42:41.
Watch on YouTubeAbsolute Crime
Ed Gein: America's Strangest Killer | World's Most Evil Killers | Absolute Crime
Video from Absolute Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 42:45.
Watch on YouTubeAbsolute Crime
Is This America’s Most Disturbed Killer?
Video from Absolute Crime covering the Ed Gein case. Length: 50:00.
Watch on YouTubeReddit · r/LPOTL
Discussion: Side stories taught me that my two favorite boys were in an Ed Gein documentary series
Public community discussion connected to Ed Gein. Posts and comments are reader perspectives, not independently verified reporting.
Read the discussionReddit · r/LPOTL
Discussion: Ed Gein pt 2.
Public community discussion connected to Ed Gein. Posts and comments are reader perspectives, not independently verified reporting.
Read the discussionTikTok · Creator channel
Lights Out — TikTok channel
Linked by this creator in the episode notes for “Netflix Botched Ed Gein… Here’s the Terrifying True Story.” This creator channel covers multiple cases. The matching case episode is linked below. The platform may ask you to sign in.
Visit the TikTok channel