The murder of Sylvia Likens remains one of the most heinous acts of child abuse and murder in American history. This is the story of Sylvia, her suffering under the care of Gertrude Baniszewski, and the subsequent trials that shook the nation.

Highlights:

• Sylvia's early life and how she came under Baniszewski's care.
• The beginning of the abuse.
• The escalation to brutal torture.
• Sylvia's final days and her desperate attempts to survive.
• The aftermath, trial, and sentencing of the perpetrators.
• The shocking parole of Gertrude Baniszewski and the community's reaction.

The Early Life of Sylvia Likens: In July 1965, Sylvia Likens, affectionately known as "Cookie," found herself in the care of Gertrude Baniszewski due to her parents' carnival work and financial struggles. Despite Gertrude's unstable condition, Sylvia's father entrusted her and her sister Jenny to Baniszewski for $20 a week​​.

The Onset of Abuse: The initial kindness shown to Sylvia and Jenny soon turned into abuse when a payment from their father was late. Gertrude, with the help of her daughter Paula, started a relentless campaign of physical abuse against Sylvia, focusing on her and coercing her sister Jenny to participate​​.

The Torture of Sylvia Likens: The abuse escalated to extreme torture, involving Gertrude's children and other neighborhood kids. Sylvia suffered beatings, burns, and was force-fed to vomit, which she was then forced to consume. She was subjected to humiliation, and her body was used as a canvas for the children's cruelty​​.

Sylvia's Final Days: In the days leading to her death, Sylvia was forced to pen a note blaming her injuries on fictional encounters with boys, part of Gertrude's cover story for the abuse. On October 26, 1965, after a failed escape attempt and a final beating by Gertrude and a neighbor boy, Sylvia succumbed to a brain hemorrhage, shock, and malnutrition​​.

The Aftermath and Justice: Gertrude and several others were arrested following a tip from Sylvia's sister Jenny. Despite the clear evidence and the heinous nature of the crime, Gertrude was later paroled. The trials ended with Gertrude convicted of first-degree murder, Paula of second-degree murder, and the minors involved in manslaughter, though they were released just two years later​​.

Gertrude's Parole and Final Days: Gertrude Baniszewski was released on parole in 1985, to the outrage of the community. She lived freely until her death from lung cancer in 1990, a fact that brought some solace to Jenny Likens​​.

Reflections: The case remains a stark reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of vigilance against child abuse.

This tragic story has been recounted from various sources, painstakingly piecing together the events leading to Sylvia's death and the aftermath of her murder. Each detail paints a picture of the cruelty she endured and the justice system's response to her case.

As Always, Thanks For Reading

Rick

References:

"Sylvia Likens' Horrific Murder At The Hands Of Gertrude Baniszewski," All That's Interesting, accessed November 7, 2023.

sylviascac.org "Sylvia Likens and “Indiana’s most terrible crime"