The Tragic Story of Gertrude Baniszewski: The Indiana Woman Who Killed Sylvia Likens
In October 1965, 16-year-old Sylvia Likens died after enduring three months of unimaginable torture. The person responsible? Gertrude Baniszewski, a mother of seven from Indianapolis. What began as a temporary childcare arrangement turned into one of America’s most horrifying crimes.
This is the story of how jealousy, abuse, and cruelty led to Sylvia’s tragic death—and how Gertrude manipulated her children and neighborhood kids into joining her unspeakable acts.
Who Was Gertrude Baniszewski?
Gertrude Baniszewski was born in Indianapolis on September 19, 1928. Her early life was marked by hardship: her father died when she was 11, and she dropped out of school at 16 to marry John Baniszewski, a deputy sheriff. The couple had four children, but their marriage was filled with violence. After divorcing, remarrying, and divorcing again, Gertrude found herself raising seven children alone.
Struggling financially, she relied on unreliable child support payments and a chaotic personal life. She later dated a younger man, Dennis Wright, who abused her before abandoning her and their newborn son. By 1965, Gertrude was living in a small home on East New York Street, battling depression and anger—a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
Sylvia Likens: A Life Cut Short
Sylvia Marie Likens was born on January 3, 1949. Her parents, Betty and Lester Likens, worked for a traveling carnival and often left Sylvia and her younger sister, Jenny, with relatives. In July 1965, they asked Gertrude to care for the girls while they were away. Sylvia, a cheerful teen who loved music and babysitting, had no idea what awaited her.
At first, Gertrude seemed kind. But when Sylvia’s parents fell behind on the $20 weekly payments, Gertrude’s rage took over. She accused the sisters of being a burden and began beating them with belts and paddles. Soon, she focused her anger solely on Sylvia, forcing Jenny to join the abuse or risk becoming the next target.
The Descent Into Horror
The abuse quickly escalated. Gertrude spread lies that Sylvia was a “prostitute,” turning neighbors and even her own children against the teen. Sylvia was burned with cigarettes, starved, and forced to endure humiliating acts, like inserting a Coke bottle into her body. Gertrude’s children—Paula, Stephanie, and John Jr.—joined in, kicking Sylvia down stairs and rubbing salt into her wounds.
Neighborhood kids paid pennies to watch or participate in Sylvia’s torture. The worst came when Gertrude carved “I’m a prostitute and proud of it” into Sylvia’s stomach with a hot needle. Weak and malnourished, Sylvia whispered to Jenny, “I’m going to die.”
Sylvia’s Final Days
In October 1965, Sylvia tried to escape but was caught by Gertrude and a neighbor, Coy Hubbard. They beat her unconscious, and Gertrude stomped on her head, causing fatal injuries. Sylvia died on October 26 from a brain hemorrhage, shock, and starvation. Her body bore over 150 wounds, including burns, broken bones, and severe genital injuries.
Gertrude tried to cover up the crime by forcing Sylvia to write a fake “suicide note.” But Jenny bravely told police the truth, leading to Gertrude’s arrest.
The Trial and Unjust Outcomes
At the 1966 trial, Gertrude claimed insanity but was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Her daughter Paula received life for second-degree murder, while minors like Richard Hobbs and Coy Hubbard got 2–21 years for manslaughter. Shockingly, most served only 2 years.
Gertrude’s 1985 parole sparked outrage. She changed her name to Nadine Van Fossan and moved to Iowa, dying of lung cancer in 1990. Paula, released in 1974, vanished from public view.
Why Did This Happen?
Many speculate Gertrude envied Sylvia’s youth and resented her own struggles. Others blame the bystanders—neighbors who ignored Sylvia’s cries. The case exposed flaws in the legal system, as minors faced minimal consequences.
Legacy of the Case
Sylvia’s story inspired books and films like An American Crime (2007). Her grave in Indianapolis bears the heartbreaking inscription: “Sylvia Marie Likens – Only a Child.” The tragedy remains a warning about the dangers of unchecked cruelty and the importance of speaking up for victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gertrude Baniszewski?
Gertrude was an Indiana mother who tortured and murdered Sylvia Likens in 1965.
How did Sylvia Likens die?
She died from brain damage, shock, and starvation after months of abuse.
Why did Gertrude target Sylvia?
Jealousy over Sylvia’s youth and anger over late childcare payments likely played a role.
Were Gertrude’s children punished?
Yes, her daughter Paula served 7 years, while others received shorter sentences.
Did anyone help Sylvia?
Sylvia’s sister Jenny alerted police, but neighbors ignored signs of abuse.
What happened to Gertrude after prison?
She was paroled in 1985, changed her name, and died in 1990.
Were movies made about this case?
Yes, including An American Crime and The Girl Next Door.
How long did Sylvia suffer?
She endured torture for nearly three months.
Why were the sentences so light?
Many involved were minors, leading to reduced charges.
Where is Gertrude buried?
She was buried in Iowa under the name Nadine Van Fossan.