By Peter Harris

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Netflix’s latest true crime series revisits one of the most infamous real-life horror stories ever told, a tale that has inspired numerous iconic horror films. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is now available for streaming on the platform. Gein is remembered not only for his confirmed crimes and those he is suspected of committing, but also for the shocking discoveries made at his home. But who were Ed Gein’s victims? What were his crimes? And what transpired after his trial? Here’s everything you need to know. Despite his infamy, Ed Gein can’t truly be categorised as a serial killer, unlike many of the characters he may have inspired, as he only confessed to two murders. These included 58 year old Plainfield hardware store owner Bernice Worden, who vanished from her workplace in November 1957, reports the Mirror . While the shop saw only a handful of customers during the day, Bernice’s son, Deputy Sheriff Frank Worden, entered the store around 5pm and discovered the cash register open with blood stains on the floor. Gein was reported to be due back at the store that morning for some anti-freeze – and a sales slip for the murderer was the last receipt written by Bernice on the morning she went missing. Gein was apprehended and upon searching his farm, officers discovered Bernice’s decapitated body, hung upside down in a shed like a deer. It was established that she had been shot prior to the mutilation. Gein also confessed to shooting Mary Hogan, a 51 year old tavern owner who had been reported missing on 8 December 1954. Her head was discovered in Gein’s residence, although he later claimed he couldn’t recall the specifics of the murder. Gein also confessed to robbing at least nine graves. He informed authorities that he made approximately 40 visits to cemeteries, exhuming bodies and transforming parts of them into various items found in his home. These included bowls crafted from skulls, lampshades and masks made from skin, and a belt made from nipples. He also fashioned a suit from human skin, which many believe was intended to resemble Gein’s mother. However, he denied ever having sexual intercourse with any of the corpses. Ed Gein was associated with several other suspicious deaths. He was a suspect in seven unresolved cases. This included two children who disappeared: Georgia Jean Weckler, eight, and Evelyn Grace Hartley, 14, both vanished while babysitting. There were also neighbours who went missing, including James Walsh, 32. Following her husband’s disappearance, Gein had performed chores for James’ wife. However, Gein passed lie detector tests when questioned about these cases. Psychiatrists also suggested that Gein’s violent acts and crimes were solely directed towards women who physically resembled his mother. Charged with first degree murder in 1957, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and declared unfit for trial. He was subsequently sent to the Central State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. However, in 1968, doctors deemed him fit to stand trial, which lasted just one week and was conducted without a jury. A psychiatrist testified, claiming that Gein had told him he was unsure if Bernice Worden’s death was accidental or not. A second trial was held regarding Gein’s sanity. A judge ruled him “not guilty by reason of insanity” and ordered his commitment to Central State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Ed Gein passed away at the Mendota Mental Health Institute due to respiratory failure on July 26, 1984, at the age of 77. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is streaming o n Netflix