as much as I want to feel bad for her parents for losing their child in such an awful way, I really can't wrap my head around on how they just didn't notice the HUNDREDS of scars, bruises and burns on that girls body. All the adults really failed Sylvia, it breaks my heart
I think they were so afraid of everyone and so out of hope that they lied about stuff to their parents. And thought there were only two weeks to go but still I can't get over they went for sodas with their parents away from all that and still didn't say anything I guess they were too terrified but still hard to comprehend. Their older sister hadn't believed them at all when they tried telling her.
@@mightyroy2064 That’s not even close to how it works, think about what you’re saying. Having a formal education doesn’t somehow make you smarter than people in regards to your basic intelligence, it makes you more knowledgeable than other people. The man might not have been able to do certain geometry equations but that doesn’t somehow impact his ability to observe bruises, and cuts on his child, and realize something is wrong.
The way I understand the story, the most intense abuse occurred in the final few weeks. Cigarette burns, and other visible cuts and bruises would not have appeared until after Sylvia’s last visit with her parents.
The fact that Gertrude was released from prison simply because she "got old" is sickening to me. She deserved to spend the rest of her miserable life in a cage like she did to Sylvia. One author described it as "Sylvia's torture was worse than what christ endured because he went in a day." That stuck with me forever.
@@skibee420 that's not what blasphemy is. They stated that, although horrible, the torture was at least a day long, whereas Sylvia was horribly tortured for months on end. Blasphemy would be to outright deny he was even tortured, or even existed in the first place. Please let's keep Sylvia in our minds instead of arguing.
Violence against women was rampant at the time. Not always quite this badly (Sylvia's case is very extreme), but *a lot* of people really didn't see hitting women as a big deal. Even in the 1950's newspapers would interview different men asking about their opinion on beating wives and all of them answered some variant of "yes, if she deserves it". The fact that stuff like this was even published is revealing. In addition to that, people have a horrible ability to rationalise all the cruel things they do.
It kills me that Sylvia was going through all this and still insisted her sister go along with it to protect her. Even being horrifically tortured, she was looking out for her little sister. Sylvia was an innocent girl and lovely human being, and her horrific murder will always haunt me. I can't even listen to all the details because they're so awful.
It really is horrible. How could all of those people know this was going on and not one of them had the conscience to report it? That house was filled with evil. Don’t even get me started on the the parents never checking up on them my God this story made me cry.
I can't understand how so many people stood by and did nothing. I can't understand how so many teens participated. How were so many people so sick and so callous?
@@Andreamom001 The bystander effect, peer pressure, the fact she is the adult in the situation, sadism/the chance to "be the bully" because they are victims of abuse or hate themselves, partying and smoking and drinking in the house plus the fear of "getting in trouble" or "throwing her under the bus" if they dont go along with the abuse, lack of smart phones, and Gertrude's ability to manipulate them. The "cool mom" was able to control them easily. Some of the kids actually reported the abuse, and the police came to investigate; but Gertrude was able to dissuade them, I believe. Could be wrong on that part, though. Sad thing is that parents like the Baniczewskis and the Likens exist, and they walk among us. If you have good parents, you better treat them like good parents if you dont already do, because they wont be around forever. I hope you never encounter a similar situation in your life; but if--God forbid--you do, you remember Sylvia Likens and do the right thing.
@@stoptheinsanity8963 I found this story very intriguing myself, and I often revisit it. Also be sure to look up Junko Furuta(girl in concrete) and read the book "A Child Called 'It'" if you havent already.
As a result of her case, Indiana passed one of the more broad mandated reporting laws that requires anyone with suspicion of abuse to report it or face criminal charges if it comes to light that they were aware and failed to report. It obviously doesn't save Sylvia, but it is designed to prevent her situation from ever happening again
Sounds like it could ruin lives for no other reason than the kneejerk emotional reaction. Like dont get me wrong the idea of a law that holds people accoubtable for not reporting crimes sounds great. But the words "broad" and "if it comes to light" sounds like it violates more than a few constitutional affects.
@@xenn4985How else should we ensure that abuse is reported? Do you have a better idea? We can't just tell all people "okay guys, if you see something, say something! Oh! And don't lie! :)" People literally have to be threatened with criminal charges to care.
Sylvia is one of the strongest young women to ever live and her life was tragically cut short by the monsters who were trusted to look after her. Rest In Peace, Sylvia.
I know. If u have a shitty life and then watch Sylvia tragic life, your life doesn't seem shitty anymore. She was soo brave at only 16. Why do I want to slap the parents in the face.
The fact that *no one* did anything despite seeing Sylvia deteriorating is the sickest part of this story. She could've survived so much earlier, but no one said a word. Disgusting.
Judy Duke (one of the neighborhood girls who briefly participated in Sylvia's abuse) told her mother that she was worried about Sylvia and that they were really hurting her, and her mother responded, "They're just punishing her, aren't they?"
If you kill someone, you shouldn't be allowed to legally change your name. Just in case you happen to be released, you shouldn't be allowed to hide what you've done. It's a matter of public safety.
They're not allowed to get away that easily now. A Law Enforcement Officer, when the house got torn down, said he really wished the laws now had been older because if the wicked woman had gotten out of prison with today's laws she would be required to register as a child abuser and wouldn't be allowed to run away and change her name like that.
I don’t think that’s possible anymore, thank the Lord. Criminals now as far as I know go on some type of registry before sentencing or after release (can’t remember exactly when) and they’re required to keep their maiden legal information public in case they move states, get a job, etc.
This says she didn't tell them, because she didn't want them to worry. I call BS. Survival, is so much more powerful than that. Fear for sure, but "being a burden", no. Surely, there's so much more to it than that. As a parent, you KNOW when something is wrong wrong with your kid, ESPECIALLY if they're being starved and brutally beaten. idk.
For anyone who wants to know Paula is now Paula Pace. Someone alerted the Grundy County Sheriff's Department about her criminal history in 2012. The convicted killer who named her first child after Gertrude (WTF?) was a teacher's aid in Conrad, Iowa, working with diverse learners and admitted to deliberately evading the background check when she was hired in the late '90s.
As an adult sister to many siblings, if ANY of my siblings came to me and said one of these incidents happened, I’d go to jail almost immediately. It blows my mind that their parents and sister dismissed it or didn’t notice.
Same here! I'm only 3 years older than my sister but on my 10th birthday I had a slumber party. One of the girls suggested stripping her and "doing stuff"- I literally freaked out and woke up my parents. NO ONE was going to touch my little sister!!! Needless to say, that party was OVER!
@@melancholycat3978makes me wonder if that child was suffering through some sort of csa, NOT to excuse it but because i could not imagine being that age and wanting to do that to another child. very concerning regardless and im so glad u were so diligent
@@kaznova_ I've often thought over the years that something was definitely happening to that child because certainly, like you said, that's not a normal thing for a child to want to do to another child.
I remember reading that they did try to tell their older sister what was going on and she didn't believe them. If she's still alive today, I hope she still lives with extreme guilt.
The thing that really gets me is that the youth who had a smaller hand in her abuse probably just grew up and led normal lives after, never speaking about what they did to/ saw happen to Sylvia maybe even forgetting that it happened. They could literally be anyone, might even be someone's parent or grandparent that participated in that violence and never seeing any consequences for their actions
The kids were normal people. We’d like to think that we wouldn’t have done it, and certainly many of us wouldn’t- but many of us would have. It’s a consequence of our social nature. We are very susceptible to the influence of our peers. Think of little Steph? Her mom and peers made her comply. but it’s clear she took no pleasure in the torture and had no ill will for Sylvia. Think of Junko Furuta? It seems all it takes for humans to be demonised is the greenlight from one or two particularly evil people. Stephanie’s reluctance gives hope.
@@witchflowers6942 there’s not a chance I would’ve participated in the violence. I think it’s completely abnormal to participate. At worst we would’ve remained silent and not reported to the authorities. I like to believe that I would have. Regardless there’s not a chance I would’ve participated.
@@someone8323 i mean, thats how i feel to. I genuinely cannot imagine a possible universe where i partook, or even a universe where i allowed it to continue without calling the police - but… thats what people did. This isn’t the only case like this. Yes, it is certainly abnormal, but under the right circumstances, profoundly immoral behaviour is normalised, and partaken in by otherwise ordinary people. Its not a pretty thing to confront, but it’s something i think its wise to come to terms with.
I’m not one for the death penalty but honestly half the people involved in this case deserve it. I listen to a lot of true crime and this is probably one of the cruelest most terrifying stories I’ve heard. It’s disgusting and utterly hope shattering that the punishments were so light.
Fr man, the part where she forced her to "masturbate" with that bottle in front of others. That alone should warrant death penalty idc how much you went through. Nothing justifies that. Sylvia was completely innocent and undeserving and while she was going through all that was still trying to protect her sister.
I truly believe that this case and that of Junko Furuto are the worst I've ever heard of wherein there is one victim. It's beyond words. *Edit: Sylvia of course was the main victim here, her sister also being abused, but I hope you know what I mean.
There is a problem with the "I am against the death penalty but" phrase, although I agree that the people involved were basically monsters. Advocates of the death penalty will use cases like this to bolster their argument for it, but as a society we must stop doing this crazy punishment. Many innocent people have died, and more will in the future. The death penalty has never stopped anyone from doing a crime. We are supposed to be good people(and better than the criminals) when on our behalf someone gets executed it should bring us great shame. Its just not right. Because of that I would never use the "I don't believe in the death penalty but." Hopefully you see that I am not trying to attack you on your statement, I'm just trying to bring awareness to my thoughts in this type of thing. Cheers
The quote “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” feels very fitting for this situation. What that whole family did is horrifying, but the level of turning a blind eye from their whole community is just baffling to me.
I felt like all of the offenders were literal demons masquerading in human skin. There is no eternal punishment severe enough to deal out to these monsters. Sylvia was a true hero having sacrificed herself so selflessly for her sister. I hope she is atleast in a better place. Thank you for your well researched video.
Only humans can come up with such brutality. Just remember that every human is capable of monstrosity and will find any reason to make themselves feel justified ("she's a prostitute/bad kid so her beatings are justified!").
The part that people find most unbelievable about this story, the fact that so many people knew and did nothing, doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I grew up in an abusive home. My mother was beaten, regularly, in front of the rest of my family. We were held at gunpoint more than once, a neighbour walked in to visit, stated sorry, I've come at a bad time, and walked out again, told nobody, did nothing. Thankfully, him doing so broke the moment and we were all okay. I lived in a small community, many people knew about the violence in our home. I never remember anyone speaking about it to me, not once. Everybody took the position of - it's none of our business, or it's family problems and stayed out of it. My mum took us kids and left maybe 12 times, each time we would find a new home, a new school, only to return home weeks or months later. She would come to pick us up with sunglasses on or heavy makeup. It must have been incredibly obvious to so many people. Nobody, ever, did a thing. Not once. No help. I was born in 1985, my mother finally found the courage to leave for good in the year 2000 or 2001. My mother was born the year that Sylvia died. I'm now almost 37 and have PTSD from my upbringing, along with other life long mental health issues. My country still to this day has the highest domestic violence stats in the western world. This is why this story doesn't surprise me. There are so many stories like it, where people choose to do nothing. They know what is happening, see it with their own eyes, and choose not to intervene. Please don't see this case as an outlier from a time long ago. Things like this still happen today. Take in your surroundings with your eyes open. Be a voice for a child who can not speak for themselves. Don't look the other way. Please.
I hate getting off the bus from school when I saw his truck in the driveway. I knew I was gonna get beaten. No one ever said anything because it was normal. Every kid got beat. Was made to drink bleach. Had glass broken over our backs at 10 years old. Got molested by someone older. Fuck
I'm sorry. It wasn't right that no one was brave enough to challenge their fears and insecurities enough to actually SAY SOMETHING. People fear stepping outside their "comfort zones" and saying something, even when a child is involved. You must've hoped and wished things would change because adults would step in and help one day. That's what we all expect when we're little. That someone will save us. When they don't, we never stop hurting and blaming ourselves for the consequences. Thank you for speaking. Thank you for helping others by saying something. You're not alone.
I am so sorry to hear about what you went through and am even more so that no one did anything. I send love and light and pray that your spirit has been able to truly heal and move past the injustices
The fact that Sylvia stayed a good person to her death and even tried to escape through this horrible torture shows the true strength of the indomitable human spirit.
The worst parts of this case is that Gertrude never took full responsibility for what happened to Sylvia and continued to minimize her involvement even after her release. Paula to this day feels no remorse and was on a true crime forum where the case was being discussed and said that Sylvia was a “terrible person” and deserved everything she got. Both her oldest daughters changed their names, had several children and went on to work with children. Sylvia’s sister, Jenny, had to be on medication for anxiety the rest of her life due to the horrors she was forced to witness and inflict on her sister. Their oldest sister, Diana, feels regret and remorse for not believing them. But facts that were left out was one of the reasons she didn’t believe them was their own father had beat them with a belt to discipline them. Another thing was that she went to Gertrude’s home hoping to have regular contact with her sisters but gertrude stated that she “received permission” from their father to forbid her from seeing and speaking to her sisters. Before Sylvia died she saw Jenny one last time and tried to inquire about Sylvia’s well-being but Jenny said that she couldn’t tell her or she’ll get in trouble. This case is horrifying and I remember watching a movie on it but it didn’t nearly go into full detail and even tried to make Paula look like she was remorseful. Everyone agreed that the likely motivation was jealousy and honestly I believe that to be the case. I’m still pissed none of them servered more time for this.
I also want to add, Stephanie would regularly try to rally to Sylvia’s defense after the abuse escalated, occasionally she would intervene and remove objects from Paula and Gertrude’s hands that they were striking Sylvia with. -Stephanie actually watched coy beat Sylvia and giggled. She actually felt remorse for this later on. -Gertrude forbade Sylvia from attending school after she found out Sylvia stole a gym uniform (Gertrude wouldn’t buy her one) and repeatedly kicked her in the genitals screaming at her the sins of premarital sex and some other misogynistic bs. She also beat Jenny when she learned Jenny stole a gym shoe for her strong foot. -Lester, their father, knew Gertrude’s family was poor but never checked the house hold conditions before sending his daughters to stay there. -The alleged rumor Sylvia spread about them being prostitutes, Jenny spent her life telling everyone Sylvia never said this and never said or did anything to warrant what was done to her.
@@JennyJeong425 And Gertrude. They said she was a model prisoner but she never expressed remorse or took any responsibility for what she did to Sylvia, she should’ve rotted in prison the rest of her life,
The most amazing thing about this story of a living hell is that the poor girl trapped within it never became cruel, or lashed out, or even fought back. She never became a violent bully like Gertrude did. She died a good person, with nothing to feel ashamed of. Maybe that’s why Gertrude hated her so much.
It probably was. I feel like Gertrude was trying to break her the entire time, but Sylvia never gave in even until the moment she died. This case has a special place in my heart and I wish nothing but peace and love for her in the next life.
she didnt became cruel or lashed out because like you said she was trapped in that living hell until the end. People who became cruel and lashed out do it when they are out of their living hell, its when they feel safe that they became cruel.
Gertrude was a jealous person, period. She was jealous of Sylvia, of her beauty, her innocence, etc. Basically, Sylvia was everything she was not. Gertrude was even in competition with her older daughters for the attention of the neighborhood boys (I'm convinced to this day, that she committed some type of SA on Richard Hobbs, and possibly Coy Hubbard, who was the boyfriend of Gertrude's daughter Stephanie). Dennis Wright, the father of her youngest child, wasn't even old enough to vote.
This case has always haunted me. I think it’s one of the worst torture murders I’ve ever heard about. To think of all of that happening to a 15 yr old is horrifying. And the fact not a single child or adult stepped in to help. It’s so sad that Sylvia died feeling unloved and in pain. Rest In Peace ❤
this and the Junko Furuta case are the worst cases that i’ve ever heard, and the fact that none of the murderers were incarcerated for long. no justice was truly served for either of them.
For me too, this is one of the worst cases of abuse and torture I've ever heard of. Sylvia's story always pains my heart. How? HOW does anybody do these things to another human being?? The level of depravity is beyond belief.
@@secretvoids5973that one was so gruesome too. But this one struck me more as the Junko Furata one was committed by Yakuza members while this one was committed by seemingly normal people. Idk why but the idea that such a big group of kids that weren’t previously involved in any crime would do this absolutely broke me. Plus the fact that her sister was watching all of it happening
Tragically, everybody you say failed her actually didn't fail at all. They unfortunately succeeded in doing exactly what they set out to do to her. And if hell exists in some dimension, I truly hope they're stuck there, reliving the torment they caused forever as the receiver.
the only two worse I know of are Kelly Ann Bates and Junko Furuta, bless their innocent hearts those cases are the most extreme horrible cases, along with this one... they make me cry every time and I can't get them out of my head for days after...
Paula was so evil and bold about it, she boiled water and threw it in Sylvia's face in front of the neighbours, but they didn't report it. I think they were a bit simple and didn't even know how to explain it to police or anyone. And then Paula gets found with a new last name, working as a "teacher's assistant" I think not a teacher's aide,... but some probably minimum wage job where she kept track of resources and filed papers and stuff at the school. She got exposed and kicked out. Probably should have chosen a new first name for herself as well but she didn't so she got exposed.
I never knew about Gertrude's background. Obviously it doesn't excuse ANYTHING she did, but may explain her character a bit better. Thank you for covering this case.
OP did deliver and fulfill the intent of background and good insight on the cycle of abuse but it’s still hard to comprehend; this channel is very good at helping that
Honestly people who were abused in their past and turn around to do it to someone else are even more evil in my mind. I get 'its' (I refuse to identify the thing known as Gertrude as a person) brain was broken but it should've known better.
I hope that Sylvia at least is at peace now. Every aspect of this case is truly sick, down to the sheer delight so many expressed in abusing this poor girl. Laughing and joking about the torture of a child, then going on to become ministers and masquerading as upstanding citizens. I hope for them, hell is real.
@@opheliaoftheripples9472i mean it's not real and all we can actually do instead of relying on fairytales is try to lift up those around us, try to change things. Resist the urge to be so jaded by reality that all you can hope for is something happening after demise... don't give up.
@@Lizzifer7Dude the victim is dead and so are 90% of the people who killed her. The story's lessons have been spread. A case has never been so closed. Let someone wish for divine justice for her
Every single person who touched & abused Sylvia, should’ve been imprisoned! Evil people. My god, this was horrific. And as a parent, how would you not notice your child is acting different?!
you are not owed literally anything- not food, housing, or protection from abuse- she died because she thought she was owed help, she did not help herself and she got exactly what that mindset results in she made a choice to die.
@@blahblah-hz8ey you’re either mentally ill or a misguided troll and either way I feel so sorry for you. Are you okay? Are you getting enough support in your life?
The worst part is that it wasnt just Gertrude who did it, or her children, who were at least extremely troubled and had experienced abuse themselves, but the NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS participated. People who were likely not in the same frame of mind. How tf were they convinced this was ok?
Gertrude told Corey Hubbard that Sylvia had told everyone that his girlfriend was a prostitute and that Paula was pregnant which Sylvia actually did do. But Corey was a psychopathic pervert who wanted to practice his judo moves and was getting off on the sexual part of throwing her around getting to touch her body and see her things that became exposed through his "moves" and Gertrude told the other kids that Sylvia said their mom's sold themselves for $5 and slept around and that she was sleeping with all their crushes and that she had STDs and was disgusting etc...etc.... and every idiot fell for it.
The whole of Germany perpetrated the holocaust, and they ALL knew it was going on. That’s the scariest thing, not only will people ignore depravity like this, they’ll go along with it if they think it’s permitted.
It's believed that Gertrude was grooming some of the boys (she liked the attention she got from them). Richard Hobbs, for example, stated that he was a friend of Gertrude's, not of her children, which is a big red flag - a 14-year-old being "friends" with a 37-year-old? I'd say that it's likely she committed sexual abuse on him in some form, but that wasn't talked about back then. She would dance for the boys too, which is inappropriate on so many levels. (The father of her youngest child was only 20 when he became involved with her). Two of the neighborhood girls who briefly participated in abusing Sylvia, were remorseful and one of them even told her mother that Sylvia was being hurt very badly but her mother dismissed it as "punishment". Gertrude would tell the kids that Sylvia had said something bad about them, and they would just take her word for it. It's sickening that an adult would instigate and encourage such behavior.
@@stan8479this is really important since COCSA is a thing, and it's usually a cycle of abuse thing. hard not to see the perpetrators as monsters even if they're kids though.
This is actually vile. I absolutely don’t believe the parents didn’t see any issues physically or mentally with their kids when they would come back to visit. And was there anything about what happened to the parents after Sylvias death? Did they comment on what happened? Something just feels so off with the parents. Those kids were let down by so many people it’s heartbreaking.
There are more than enough people in this video with actual evidence to their depravity to turn it on their parents based on an assumption. I'm not saying they did or didn't know, but it seems kinda fucked up to just assume they did and demonize them without any evidence
The only story that's ever really told about the family after Sylvia's death... is told over and over....and it is that Jenny wrote to her mother, "Some good news old Gertrude died. Hahaha! I am happy about that." And Jenny said "My mom was a really, good mom, all she did was trust Gertrude." But her mom and dad were so poor, they got offered the job at the carnival but couldn't afford all the stuff they needed to work at the carnival, so their mom tried to shoplift a little of the stock they needed to have something to sell at the fair, and that's when Sylvia's dad thought letting them board at the house of a girl they'd only just made friends with, would be better than having young girls around all the carnival men. Ironic to think that even if some man at the carnival had molested or raped them they'd still probably would have ended up better off than what happened. 😑But that's why the dad did it. Because he feared that if they came, only Sylvia would be able to help with the work, Jenny would have nothing to do and men would try to prey on them. Which they no doubt would.
@@inyrui Of course the ones that tortured and murdered Sylvia are to blame. That’s obvious… I’m saying I can’t believe that the parents didn’t see anything wrong with the kids when they visited a few times. Not saying it’s their fault I just think it’s mad they didn’t notice anything wrong physically or mentally or even in the kids personalities. Seemed like in this case their only hope to escape those monsters was by being taken back by their parents. It’s upsetting the parents apparently didn’t notice.
@@inyrui We can judge the parents! They are/where not the only parents on earth! As a mom I can tell u 100% sure! U know when something is wrong with your kids, it is like a biological thing! The question is, do you wanna check up on it? I think the parents choose not to step in because it was a cheap baby sister...
@@kimmyfreak200 I replied to another comment with the exact sent thing. Junko and Sylvia often pop into my head and I wept for both of them when I first learned of their cases. These poor girls deserved so much better. I can't even begin to imagine what they went through.
i think what horrifies me the most is how many girls are going through this right now? how many will be forgotten or found and helped? if gertrude wasnt such an idiot toward the end, would she have been imprisoned at all? these things keep me up at night.
So far, this is the very best documentary I've seen on this case. It's heartbreaking to know Sylvia was such a loyal, true, kind girl who stood up for her sister and family. But no one stood up for her.... so ironic. Everyone failed her. Her parents. The adults around her. The kids they raised, her school, the neighbors. Everyone. It's so sad. She deserved someone in her life a little more like her.
We still live in a world where no one stands up for what's right, as long as there are reprecussions. Everyone is high and mighty when it comes to standing up for nature, and against (black) slavery 200 years ago, but no one will stand up for actual problems we face here and now, which could cause themselves problems. People do what todays society tells. People we meet and like, would've gladly beaten their kids and wives back in the day. If they had the money, they would've owned slaves in the 1800s or burned witches in the 1600s.
This case is truly the most disturbing, demented, and purely evil scenario I've ever heard... The case of Junko Furuta is tied with this one for the most stomach turning. Sylvia seemed like a sweet, pretty, intelligent, and independent girl who lost her life before she was actually able to live it. The fact that she died protecting someone she loved makes her a hero to me, this poor girl deserved so much more than she got. What really makes my blood boil is that, much like Junko Furuta's killers, the demons who murdered this girl received minimal punishment for the atrocities they committed. This whole thing is just horrifying to listen to, how can someone be so sick as to torture another human being in this twisted manner? I will never be able to understand it... Rest in peace, Sylvia, I hope you're in a better and happier place now.
wow, only ten minutes in and there’s already so much information here that nobody else has covered (i’ve seen at least a dozen different re-tellings of this awful case). the details about Sylvia’s parents are often glossed over - they’re usually presented as vagrant “carnies” without further context. also appreciate the information about Gertrude’s early life and mental health struggles, which are also frequently overlooked, other than a passing remark that “little is known” about her. you have provided so much depth, nuance, and rich context to this case that i have not seen from any other creator. impeccable work as always, Dreading!
Agreed. There was a series in the Indianapolis paper when I was a teen about this case- maybe upon her release- and it got me very interested in the case. However I had never heard Gertrude's childhood described in such detail until now. This was a great and detailed deep dive. The "update" portion on the defendants is absolutely sickening. Wonderful job as always on such a tragic case.
My grandmother was born in 1924 and was the youngest of 5 children. Her mother was severely abused by their alcoholic father (my great grandparents). Around the time my grandmother was 13, she had enough of this, so one night when the beatings were going on, my grandma went to the shed, grabbed a shovel, and almost beat her father to death. Needless to say he never touched another person.
Hell yeah. I'm sure that took some real guts, both of yall (OP's grandma as well as author of the comment above - sorry, I can't see yalls names while writing this). Hope life has shown a kinder, gentler, and fairer side to yall since ❤
this is such a horrific case. You're right that it doesn't really feel like justice was served. Their punishments were no where close to what they deserved.
justice would have been the immediate death of every single person who contributed to her abuse. those people shouldn't be allowed to breathe the same air as the rest of us.
I really appreciate how you took the time to explain Gertrude’s upbringing. I’ve heard this story many times, but no one has given the backstory like you’ve done. Thank you
I think everything about this monster should be erased from history. She doesn’t deserve have any place in the world dead or alive. I frankly don’t care what her upbringing was. She deserved everything that happened to her.
Their torture of Sylvia just keeps going. Had to take a break from this video part way through. Thank you for putting in the work to get these stories out into the public eye again.
Shit I had step away for a minute because of how DISGUSTED I was, I was SEETHING WITH RAGE over what Gertrude and her equally evil children (Minus Stephanie, thank GOD she played no part in that) and those other evil children, I literally had to breathe when I finished it
Silvia and I were born in the same year and I grew up, not far from Indianapolis. My Mother followed this case from the begining, she was absolutely livid!! My Mom read everything that came out. I remember my Mom crying during one of the news reports, she was angry with everyone. Gurtrude, Silvia's parents, Silvia's older sister, the neighbors, the school. My Mom was furious with everyone. I have never forgotten this sad, sad story and the pain this innocent girl endured.
Hello! May I ask why you miss spell Sylvias name several times? I mean no harm, i am just so curious as to why since her name is written all over, hundreds of times. I see this from time to time, and I cant figure it out.
I guess Sylvia's older sister who didn't believe her, was using some kind of a psychological defence mechanism of not wanting to believe, that so many people were so evil.. After all, that would have meant she would have had to face the scary, unpleasant truth, that the world can be an extremely bad place. After all, it makes me anxious and sad, so I can imagine someone trying to deny such knowledge from herself. I don't remember what the defence mechanism is called, but there are several of them in psychology. I don't think the sister at least let her down out of malice.
Her sister, Dianna, upon looking her up she has a freaking wild story of her own. Dianna Bedwell. She was found alive after going missing, in a car, in the desert, with the dead body of her husband. In no other case would I ask for a sequel cause good god, this shouldn't have one, but if you're so inclined would you cover that as well? I had known about this specific case for a very, very long time, and had never heard any further information about Sylvias siblings. I don't want to say it would be cool, cause none of this is, but I would immensely appreciate a follow up.
@@desdemonadupre5591 No she's SYLVIA'S sister, the story isn't true crime and she didn't kill anyone. She got lost with her husband in the dessert as two elderly people with diabetes and he just died at age 79.
It's not very interesting and not true crime. They were two elderly over 70 people who tried to take a short cut through the desert to get to his son's home. Got lost and he at 79 succumbed confused with his diabetes and heat stroke when they got lost in a rural desert wilderness, and just couldn't find his son's house.
I honestly think this is one of the most disturbing cases I've ever heard. That poor girl. I don't understand how so many kids were so heartless to Sylvia's obvious pain. How did aa community if children do this without word getting to any if the parents? Rumors fly so fast and no one heard about these horrors? And if they did, they just didn't care? I've never thrown up at a story before but that scene with Gertrude raping Sylvia with a bottle made bile rose up in my throat and I couldn't stop crying. I can't imagine the kids who participated he up to lead normal lives. I feel like they either drank themselves to death or became psychopaths. RIP Sylvia
What floors me the most is the apathy of nearly every person aware of Sylvia's abuse. Gertrude couldn't have gotten away with doing those things to a vicious animal.
not just apathy. participation. None of the teens thought it might be wrong? This is sickening to most of us to even hear about, yet there were kids going there to participate in her torture.
"Gertrude couldn't have gotten away with doing those things to a vicious animal." ^ This is an untrue statement. Animals (vicious and otherwise) are abused daily with no one coming to their aid.
I can't understand why their older sister, Diana, didn't believe Sylvia and Jenny when they begged for help. And their parents...how did they not notice anything when they visited? The weight loss, subdued mood, etc. RIP, sweet Sylvia...x
Yeah that’s what got me too, even if they were making it up, there was definitely something going on. They even noticed something was up. I don’t get it at all
@@annikkirahko6714 The family was complicit as well. They didn't want to believe it because it was more expensive to get them back and have to take care of them again.
@@polo619652 Apparently, their father did hit them with a belt, so this may explain why Sylvia and Jenny didn't tell their parents what was happening. That was why their sister Dianna didn't take them seriously when they told her what was going on. I'm also convinced that Gertrude was probably sexually abusing Richard Hobbs, and maybe Coy Hubbard (or at the very least, she was grooming them). Gertrude had no business having children, much less being around them.
Yes I’ve watched many crime shows since I was a little girl and this one stood out to me more than any of them, I remember hearing about it in a doc years ago and just the details in the actions made me realize it was the same people. Very unforgettable :’(
Thanks for all your efforts. In the absence of JCS, there have been so many awesome channels that have come about and in my opinion, yours is the best. Hope you’re feeling much better now
So many "JCS inspired" channels are not that - it's just clickbait. People don't know a thing about anything. I AVOID the channels that have "JCS inspired" in their titles. This channel is amazing.
@@Y0JA IF they were as good as JCS, that would be one thing, but they are not. They just have "JCS inspired" in their title to lure viewers and you can tell that they don't know law OR psychology. I avoid them like the plague and one of them deletes any negative comments about it.
I cried so hard while listening to this case, Sylvia was truly alone, no one, and I mean NO ONE, protect her, nor her sister, nor the neighbors, nor the school, nor her "friends", much less her parents. I refuse to believe they didn't notice anything different, by the last visit the extended of the physical and mental wounds would have to be so bad as for not to be able not notice them, but weren't bad enough as to no be able to pretend they don't exist, especially if your priority is "doing what is necessary to save the family", 'cus in their minds money was the big wolf. I'm beyond disgusted for the neighbors apathy. At the moment you think: "that has nothing to do with me" is the moment we as society start to become in the most despicable beings. Is this set of mind what allowed things like concentration camps to exist. The last fact that made me cry like a baby was her older sister's reaction to her cry her help. . .I have no words to express how that made me feel . . .I wish I could be by her side and hug her tight, show her how love she deserves to be, allow her to become in the most amazing, unique woman. How the F√¢k is possible the monsters were allow to be free in some few years?? Everything about this case is infuriating!! She deserved so much more that this rotten society give it to her.
Well said 💜 I’m so sad right now. I want so much to cuddle Sylvia and take care of her. I’m so lucky I have my cat to love. Quite speechless too. The worst story I’ve ever heard but one that needs attention for sure. xxx
Despite Gertrude's abusive childhood and abusive relationships its about impossible to feel any pity for her other then for the child she once was. What they all did to Sylvia is so hard to comprehend. Hearing what the gang psychology could make one lose faith in humanity. Gertrude and Paula should have been given life and a day, never released. P.s. Actually what Gertrude did and provoked others to do was as bad as war crimes. Absolutely heinous. Really no words to apltly describe it. P.s.s. I hope Gertrude and Paula both suffered horribly in prison. I think I remember reading that Paula went on to have a family and live in a community? I hope to God her heart changed and she became human.
I’d heavily argue it’s worse than tactics in war crimes because it’s not done with a collective purpose of countries full of people on one little girl, may she Rest In Peace. That’s why it’s so god damn inexcusable. I keep trying to acknowledge the cycle of abuse but I can’t even wrap my head around this absurdity. It makes me sick.
@the25thprime people that have been abused understand how terrible it is and that they are ok doing it to another makes them even worse and possibly more culpable than thier abuser
Plenty of people have been abused even worse when they were younger but they don’t go out and torture other people until they get killed, the demonic entity that calls itself “Gertrude” was always evil even before it was born.
I've never heard of this case before. It's absolutely horrific. Not many true crime cases truly make me sick to my stomach anymore, but this one did. Thank you, dreading, for covering something so disgusting with so much research and respect yet again.
The case is horrific and angering. There is a counterpart in the kidnapping and torture of a Japanese teen whose ordeal was well known, but not reported to authorities because of the kidnappers’ alleged ties to organized crime.
This reminds me of the Junko Furuta case in terms of the levels of abuse the victim suffered and that the abusers got away with a lot. This one is worse in a lot of ways, because so many people were involved and got away with it.
There were a lot of people involved in Junko's case, and they also got away with it (those who were prosecuted each got a slap on the wrist, and they didn't even bother prosecuting all the perpetrators who were involved.) If it weren't for one repoter defying the identity protection order made by the court, they wouldn't have ever been publicly named at all. Regardless, both Sylvia and Junko experienced pain that no living being should ever be put through. It's utterly mind boggling that there are people out there who are capable of such horrific torture.... I'll never understand it.
This one is worst??? How??? I think they are at the same level, dont forget they found out around a hundred of men raped Junko, more than 400 times. She was often put on the freezer and burned alived 3 times (the last one she finally died). And she was pregnant when they found her body. Fireworks and bottles in her anus, light bulbs in her vagina (they stump her belly until it exploded inside of her), needles in her breast, one ripped nipple, she was used as a punching bag. There was a point when she stunk so bad that they lost sexual interest on her. The only that Sylvia got worse was the time. She endured about 2 more months of tortures than Junko, but still is hard to me to decide which case was more horrific...
Why are you watching these things and comparing how bad the abuse was? It’s not a game it’s not entertaining. This is an unbelievable story that shouldn’t be shared with anyone. It shouldn’t be on the internet it’s that sick. How can you even watch this and be okay after? Let alone compare other cases, you’re all psychotic.
I’d like to say that Jenny is an incredible survivor who played it up till she found a way to get out and to name every single person involved showed amazing wit for such a young and traumatized mind
I can hear or read almost anything without letting it physically affect me (actually seeing it, however, is another story entirely). But this one plus Furuta Junko are the two 'stories' that actually manage to make me cry everytime I hear or read about them. RIP.
I thought the exact same thing. This case reminded me if the Junko case a lot. That one and this video are some of the few true crime videos I had to pause bc i needed a break before continuing to listen.
Same! I read something that said a lot of the criminals were probably exaggerating what they did to Junko for notoriety, but at least some of it had to have been rooted in reality.
Yeah, most cases don’t affect me. I might have become rather desensitised to them tbh as most murder cases don’t even shock me anymore. But this one really does. I could barely get through the movie that was based on this horrible case and I haven’t been able to watch it again. I just find it so hard to understand why she committed such horrible acts of torture and abuse. Why did all the others join in and not feel a single ounce of pity towards her? Why did nobody say anything? I understand why the sister didn’t as she must have been terrified but the rest of them?… it makes me sick.
"Jesus fucking tap-dancing Christ" yes...that sums this up quite nicely. Glad to have two episodes from you this week, but really hope you're getting enough rest and make a full recovery soon.
This tragically brutal and heartbreakingly sad story absolutely reinforces the undisputable fact that the idea of a ''cycle of abuse'' is all too real. Absolutely tragic.
I actually find true crime videos interesting free of guilt, well mostly. I know im fucked up for being interested in these really messed up cases of murder, torture and other despicable crimes some people have done. But its a constant reminder of how human nature was for the longest time, violent and selfish in nature.
it saddens me that their own sister didn’t believe them. maybe if she had, the girls would’ve been confident enough to tell their parents and Sylvia would be alive.
I am constantly asking my little sister about her life and even if she has a little scratch from playing outside. It’s beyond me how her sister couldn’t believe them
Part of the reason she didn’t believe them is because their father used to beat them with a belt when they were acting out, something she admits she regrets. However she did find out they were staying with Gertrude and wanted to have regular communication with them but Gertrude wouldn’t let her see or speak to them. (Reason for this is because she was estranged from her parents after getting married and their father forbade her from seeing or speaking to her sisters)
@@Groovybiha idk, in my opinion it’s way easier to say ‘omg but I didn’t believe them because of this/that’ after your sister has already died, more of a reason to come up with excuses
@@emmymoto No it came up in court, when they mentioned Sylvia was being beaten she thought they were exaggerating the severity because their own dad often used a belt to discipline his 5 kids. That said, maybe it’s just me but I would never let anyone physically discipline my children, especially if they’re not related to me and I’m paying them to watch over my child. Touch my kid and I’m going to assume you’re tired of living.
@@Groovybiha yeah but that’s what I’m saying, there’s way more pressure to say that she thought they were exaggerating when she could face possible consequences or scrutiny for ignoring them especially when she’s in court. personally, I could never stand by if my friends or family were being abused, and I have many times put myself in danger to protect people I love. I feel no sympathy and accept no excuse of hers, her sister died and she had the opportunity to prevent it, she didn’t take it and I hope it sits with her.
I usually don't feel a personal connection to these cases. But I do on this one. If I could bring one person in this story back to life, I would bring Gertrude back, so that I could kill her again. Sylvia has earned her rest. But Gertrude deserves much more suffering than she ever could have experienced in the life she had.
the assaults with the glass bottle were almost too much for me to make it through. everyone and anyone who knew about this or was involved should’ve gotten 10 years behind bars at the absolute minimum, with every single other inmate fully aware of what they did. they were all complicit.
I had to stop listening to this one. The stuff they did to this girl is pure evil in the truest sense of the word. It’s incomprehensible how much pain Sylvia had to endure. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish this episode out of respect for Sylvia. How can she go through the most brutal and inhumane physical and emotional torture I’ve ever heard of but I can’t even hear her story. Truly devastating to know people like Gertrude walk among us.
I struggle listening to this case every time I see someone cover it, but I feel like it’s the least I can do to honor her memory because Sylvia actually had to endure the physical and mental pain. Living in Indiana, this case sticks with me. I wish I could hug and take care of her, it just makes me sick.
I’m know you mean well, but who are we kidding - we don’t watch these videos for the victim’s sake. Any victim would likely not want the details of their abuse to be shown to people all around the world. If we wanted to honor her memory there are many better ways than to watch documentaries about her suffering. These dark events are interesting to learn about. It baffles me how evil people can be. That’s why I watch it at least.
@@Riroraruro I absolutely see what you’re saying and there is definitely truth to that. However, I didn’t state it’s the only reason I watch these cases, what I was trying to say is that this case is particularly gruesome. I actually have a hard time listening to all of the details of the abuse. Every victim I’m sure would have their own opinion about whether or not they want their stories to be told and that is a complicated topic. I absolutely listen to these stories because I find them interesting, morbid or not, they help my anxiety. I hope I made my prior comment make sense.
Whenever people say that kids and young adults today lack empathy and compassion, and are overly violent...I'm going to remember this story, where a bunch of neighborhood kids thought abusing this girl was totally normal.
This is one of the first true crime cases I ever read about, and it sucked me into this rabbit hole for good because I was so fascinated by what kind of absolute monster would not only do this to a child under their care, but get OTHER kids to participate as well. Truly horrific stuff, I hope her sister is doing fine these days.
It really pisses me off that YT demonetizes your content when other true crime channels can essentially say whatever tf they want without suffering the same. Your content is always very thorough and considerate of the delicate situations presented and you’ve quickly become one of my 3 favorite content creators in this genre. I hope you continue to get great sponsors and lots of support for this channel and that it continues to grow, it’s well deserved.
A lot of other channels are suppressed too. Many of these crime channels have patreons to post less censored content, and to support their channels. It’s sad that youtube tries to hide all this shit from people, especially the more modern cases. People need to know about the horrors the world can bring.. it’s not always a safe place.
They're all pretty much demonitized. It's the content they cover. In all honesty, it seems messed up for people to be able to profit off the suffering of others. I rarely hear about any of these crimes youtubers giving the profirs from their videos to the families of the victims
@@yesimsureienteredmynamecorrect No, they’re not all demonetized. And there are literally entire tv and cable channels devoted to true crime and none of them donate funds and nobody complains about the companies profiting. Ridiculous 🙄
@@yesimsureienteredmynamecorrect You're complaining about RUclipsrs profiting from these cases yet you're here watching... makes sense lmao. And they're not doing this to profit from people suffering, they generally genuinely have a deep interest in criminal cases and want to bring these cases to the attention of the masses instead of it being forgotten just like so many other horrible things that happen.
As a Christian, we're called to forgive others and love one another no matter what they've done, but in this case this is the first time i have wished hell on another person. May god hug sylvia tight in his hands and comfort her.
This case made my blood boil. What an absolutely evil, disgusting woman to treat Sylvia in this way. Rest In Peace, Sylvia - bless you darling girl. I’m so sorry you had to experience this. I pray to God that you are in a happy, safe place now.
To be fair, Gertrude's mother treated her horribly, she went through abuse herself and she never got any help for her bipolar or borderline personality disorder because at the time, mental illness wasn't taken seriously. I blame Gertrude's mother. Hurt people, hurt people. It all started with Gertrude's evil mother. I mean she would purposely drop Gertrude on her head and cause her brain damage. That's messed up
Sylvia was so beautiful and kind and she would've been an amazing adult. She WAS an amazing person. She was more brave than anyone I can think of or remember. I hope there is an afterlife where she falls in love with herself and gets to spend time with her sister whenever she desires. Where she receives the respect and attention she deserves. Rest in peace and quiet, Sylvia
Poor Sylvia… I can’t believe any one could treat a human being, especially a child, like that. I remember watching some documentary about Getrude getting paroled and that made me sick. She didn’t give Sylvia a chance at life so she shouldn’t get a second chance. I get that Gertrude had some deep rooted issues but if she loathed her children that much…stop having so many… for a start. And I totally agree with you, I don’t know how her parents couldn’t notice that big of a change in her when they visited. She was literally wasting away.
I totally agree. I hadn’t realized how bad Gertrude’s childhood was as well. You’d think she would be extra loving with her kids to make up for what she never received. I guess you can either become a survivor or a perpetrator.
Whenever I talk to friends about true crime (which seems to be getting more and more popular), I always bring up your channel. There's no flashy music, dramatic effects. Just pure and simple series of events, along with a narrative theme and compelling use of full audio recordings and interviews. Amazing work as always.
Me too, I like how he does it and his research is very thorough. Other channels focus on making it dramatic and flashy but they often gloss over important details or feed into wide spread misinformation (this is very common in many cases, for example the case of Kendrick Johnson). I exclusively watch dreading because of this.
The thing that sickens me the most is the neighborhood kids participating. If my neighbor asked me to hit or torture a girl I would not help them! I would run and call the cops! I hope they rot in hell for what they did to her!
same here..I guess the older siblings coerced them into doing what they were told. Gertrude seemed to have a hold over many people including Sylvia's parents.
I'm sitting here completely speechless. This is one of the most horrific stories I've ever heard. It must have been so hard for you to research and then tell this story. But thanks for revealing it in such a respectful way.
When I was very young I read a book called "The Girl Next Door" by Jack Ketchum. I had no idea until just listening to your recounting of the terrible abuse and suffering that Sylvie went through that the book, about a teenager named Meg who suffered unimaginable cruelty at the hands of a woman entrusted as her caretaker and the neighborhood children was based on a true story. I think the "Jesus tap dancing Christ" comment you made about the parents' obliviousness to their daughter's injuries sums up my horror that this story is much more than fiction. I enjoy your channel so much, and spend my work days listening to your excellent presentations of true crime cases. Thank you for your work, your research, and the detailed information you put into each case. I really appreciate it.
I'm a huge Ketchum fan but could never read the Girl next door because I knew that it's based on a real case that many true crime podscasts have covered.
@@kickconnection83 I did as well and it was so hard to watch it. The absolute terror that that poor girl went through is just unimaginable and I think I would've just offed myself after a very short while.
this case is without a doubt the one that haunts me the most, rivalled only by the Junko Furuto case. I wept when I first learned of Sylvia's story, and its stayed with me. My heart aches for the horrors that this poor soul was subjected to, and no amount of jail time or legal punishment would be enough to satisfy me that her abusers faced justice. The same goes for Junko's abusers.
Junko’s case haunts me. The worst part is one of the parents of the perpetrators vandalised junko’s resting place because they thought she had ruined their sons future. Absolutely horrific.
Same here. Sylvia’s and Junko’s deaths are two of the three cases that have stuck with me and haunted me. They make me genuinely terrified and broken. I could not imagine the pain and suffering they endured even with knowing the details. The only positive thought is that they are at peace and have relief from their torture, but they never should have been taken in the first place.
Junko's case was the second case that made me tear for hours (Na-young was the first one). Even if Junko's death is as horrible as this, for me knowing that Sylvia was able to ask for help but no one even care enough as to help her broke me. Junko never left that hell of a house, her parent didn't saw her and said: "yep, you are completely fine, you look even happy, nothing to notice here" . . . I'm not trying in any way to say that Junko's death is least horrible than Sylvia's, I'm just explaining what made me heart, brain and soul to collapse. . .I really, really, really try to believe in reform, repent and learn from your mistakes BUT some people don't deserve a second chance, sorry, I know I sound vindictive but I truly believe some people just deserve to be erase from the planet due to their crimes.
Now that you explained Gertrude's backstory, it gives insight into why she was so incredibly cruel and evil to Slyvia. She wanted some way to take out all of her misery and trauma on another person, she was threatened by Slyvia and began projecting all of her bad feelings onto her. What did that turn into? Pure evil. That's one lesson to take away from this, if you begin to project all of your negative emotions/trauma onto one individual; they lose their humanization, and then you lose your humanity.
Hearing about Gertrudes past puts the case in a slightly different light for me. I am sad for both Gertrude and Sylvia none of them deserved the abuse at their respective times, now i see how it happened. She was turned evil in a tragic way, however anyone else participating must have been born evil. From Paula to Stephanie's boyfriend should all suffer far harsher consequences for how eagerly they participated and how shamelessly enjoyed it years after. I spit on their graves.
@@pugettepugs6766 Yeah I mean, there's no justification or defending what Gertrude did to Slyvia. But I mean with her circumstances, the fact she was a broken human being living such a miserable life. That makes more sense in her case. As for the kids who participated, some of them seemed evil in their own way. If they literally chose to torture a girl just for the hell out of it, or some stupid reason like jealousy. That's awful.
@@arenzefischer8090 As for Gertrude's daughter, since she's the offspring of a monster, it's no surprise she was also a terrible human being. She sounded super insecure about herself and then took out her hate on Slyvia, just like her mother. As for the others, it's hard to explain the cruelty. Group mentality is a scary concept, either that or they were all equally as terrible.
Thank you so much for the level of detail included here. Most people’s versions are “parents ran away to the circus, ditched Silvia and a sister with evil bitch, evil bitch was born that way.” I always felt there was a lot more to the story.
People sometimes think of the past as this time of greater decency and simple rows of happy homes in a prosperous country. But I think the details of stories like these reveal that no era lacks people living in squalor and other issues. Looking up what short lives many of the players in this drama had, as many died of lung disease and other issues not so many years after these events, it's easy to see that earlier times were not necessarily healthier or happier times for all.
Yes. I agree. Also, with todays media we can hear about all the horrors from around the world. If there’s no horror in your own town ? Your local news will radiate out until they find a tragedy to bring to you. Some social scientist point to this a,Erica media trend as a huge contributor to our violent culture as compared to say the Canadian news media, where they tell stories about the found dog and good samaritams and don’t name the school shooters so they cannot be glorified . Our news directors say they only cover all the violent and depraved stories because we consume it. If we didn’t consume it ? They wouldn’t produce it. Conundrum.
This comment deserves way more thumbs up. I believe that when people talk about the "good old days" they have intentionally forgotten incidents like this, which was not an isolated incident by any means. The good old days are generally a myth perpetrated by people who didn't actually live through them.
This is the most upsetting case I've ever heard, like I've never had a case make me cry until now. My heart hurts for these poor girls, the world and the disgusting monsters in it never ceases to appall me.
I've cried only a few times in the last five years and watched many videos from this channel up to this point. At around the 40-minute mark, I finally broke down and cried. The suffering these girls endured is beyond anything I ever thought possible. I have a severe version of fibromyalgia, which means every day, I'm in excruciating pain that I can't escape from no matter how hard I try. I'm bitter that I can't live life like other people can. After watching this, I have a new perspective on life and what true suffering really is.
I can't remember which True Crime show I saw where someone said "Everything Sylvia went through Christ went through, but Christ died in a day." But pretty much. I have never been able to get through this case without skipping.
@@PandaMonium92827 Yeah, that's the one! I saw it literally like 5 years ago and don't even know if its still accessible on YT but that line just stuck with me
I remember watching “the girl next door” when I was young and years later realizing it was based on this case. I went into the rabbit hole of it, and it’s one of the only cases that makes me feel so horrible and terrified. The things Sylvia endured are grotesque and cannot imagine her strength.
@@mc1069 I commented before watching, hence why I said “can't wait to hear your take.” Regardless of research, consuming this case in any way is a lot to take in.
as much as I want to feel bad for her parents for losing their child in such an awful way, I really can't wrap my head around on how they just didn't notice the HUNDREDS of scars, bruises and burns on that girls body. All the adults really failed Sylvia, it breaks my heart
I think they were so afraid of everyone and so out of hope that they lied about stuff to their parents. And thought there were only two weeks to go but still I can't get over they went for sodas with their parents away from all that and still didn't say anything I guess they were too terrified but still hard to comprehend. Their older sister hadn't believed them at all when they tried telling her.
Mans had the education of a 8th grader. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed if you know what I mean
Exactly! Did they just want to return to their carny life? I’d notice and require an explanation if my kid had ONE bruise!
@@mightyroy2064 That’s not even close to how it works, think about what you’re saying. Having a formal education doesn’t somehow make you smarter than people in regards to your basic intelligence, it makes you more knowledgeable than other people. The man might not have been able to do certain geometry equations but that doesn’t somehow impact his ability to observe bruises, and cuts on his child, and realize something is wrong.
The way I understand the story, the most intense abuse occurred in the final few weeks. Cigarette burns, and other visible cuts and bruises would not have appeared until after Sylvia’s last visit with her parents.
The fact that Gertrude was released from prison simply because she "got old" is sickening to me. She deserved to spend the rest of her miserable life in a cage like she did to Sylvia. One author described it as "Sylvia's torture was worse than what christ endured because he went in a day." That stuck with me forever.
I honestly think the same each time I'm reminded of her case. She legitimately did.
I love the truth behind what you typed. Agree with you 100 %
sounds kind of like blasphemy to me. some author speculates about the pain Christ Jesus endured--die-ing for us!! wow..wrong wrong wrong
@@skibee420 I agree
@@skibee420 that's not what blasphemy is. They stated that, although horrible, the torture was at least a day long, whereas Sylvia was horribly tortured for months on end. Blasphemy would be to outright deny he was even tortured, or even existed in the first place. Please let's keep Sylvia in our minds instead of arguing.
How the hell was this woman able to find so many people in one town happy and willing to participate in this??? It's mind-blowing 😭
Violence against women was rampant at the time. Not always quite this badly (Sylvia's case is very extreme), but *a lot* of people really didn't see hitting women as a big deal. Even in the 1950's newspapers would interview different men asking about their opinion on beating wives and all of them answered some variant of "yes, if she deserves it". The fact that stuff like this was even published is revealing.
In addition to that, people have a horrible ability to rationalise all the cruel things they do.
You'd be surprised how susceptible people can be.... Look at cults such as Aum Shinrikyo, Jonestown, Charles Manson.
Oral is a helluva drug
It's Indiana don't be surprised. I did my time there. It's something in the water with some of the people there.
@@mikelansberry7026 hahahahaha
This is one of those cases where I think to myself “it can’t get any worse” and then proceeds to get so much worse
Facts
Word
It's like the definition of that phrase. At every turn it gets worse, and worse, and worse ..... and worse..... And worse
I’m thirty minutes in. And I’m like how is this only half?
Wow I read this at the start of the video and you aren't wrong lol
It kills me that Sylvia was going through all this and still insisted her sister go along with it to protect her. Even being horrifically tortured, she was looking out for her little sister. Sylvia was an innocent girl and lovely human being, and her horrific murder will always haunt me. I can't even listen to all the details because they're so awful.
It really is horrible. How could all of those people know this was going on and not one of them had the conscience to report it? That house was filled with evil. Don’t even get me started on the the parents never checking up on them my God this story made me cry.
I can't understand how so many people stood by and did nothing. I can't understand how so many teens participated. How were so many people so sick and so callous?
@@Andreamom001 The bystander effect, peer pressure, the fact she is the adult in the situation, sadism/the chance to "be the bully" because they are victims of abuse or hate themselves, partying and smoking and drinking in the house plus the fear of "getting in trouble" or "throwing her under the bus" if they dont go along with the abuse, lack of smart phones, and Gertrude's ability to manipulate them. The "cool mom" was able to control them easily.
Some of the kids actually reported the abuse, and the police came to investigate; but Gertrude was able to dissuade them, I believe. Could be wrong on that part, though.
Sad thing is that parents like the Baniczewskis and the Likens exist, and they walk among us. If you have good parents, you better treat them like good parents if you dont already do, because they wont be around forever.
I hope you never encounter a similar situation in your life; but if--God forbid--you do, you remember Sylvia Likens and do the right thing.
@@stoptheinsanity8963 I found this story very intriguing myself, and I often revisit it. Also be sure to look up Junko Furuta(girl in concrete) and read the book "A Child Called 'It'" if you havent already.
Yea I had to fast forward through parts….
As a result of her case, Indiana passed one of the more broad mandated reporting laws that requires anyone with suspicion of abuse to report it or face criminal charges if it comes to light that they were aware and failed to report. It obviously doesn't save Sylvia, but it is designed to prevent her situation from ever happening again
Sounds like it could ruin lives for no other reason than the kneejerk emotional reaction. Like dont get me wrong the idea of a law that holds people accoubtable for not reporting crimes sounds great. But the words "broad" and "if it comes to light" sounds like it violates more than a few constitutional affects.
That's good to hear.
@ravenski Big "if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear" energy
@@xenn4985 Yours is a reasoned comment.
@@xenn4985How else should we ensure that abuse is reported? Do you have a better idea? We can't just tell all people "okay guys, if you see something, say something! Oh! And don't lie! :)" People literally have to be threatened with criminal charges to care.
Sylvia is one of the strongest young women to ever live and her life was tragically cut short by the monsters who were trusted to look after her. Rest In Peace, Sylvia.
I know. If u have a shitty life and then watch Sylvia tragic life, your life doesn't seem shitty anymore. She was soo brave at only 16. Why do I want to slap the parents in the face.
@@evaskomuhangi8276 I'd do more than slap. It's a normal reaction when we see something like this. Getting back at people as their victims can't.
@@evaskomuhangi8276 because you know the rest of us would.
She was failed by literally everyone but her younger sister. Even her own family failed her horribly.
Sylvia must never be forgotten.
The fact that *no one* did anything despite seeing Sylvia deteriorating is the sickest part of this story. She could've survived so much earlier, but no one said a word.
Disgusting.
Totally agree
Yeah it's disgusting
Judy Duke (one of the neighborhood girls who briefly participated in Sylvia's abuse) told her mother that she was worried about Sylvia and that they were really hurting her, and her mother responded, "They're just punishing her, aren't they?"
If you kill someone, you shouldn't be allowed to legally change your name. Just in case you happen to be released, you shouldn't be allowed to hide what you've done. It's a matter of public safety.
They're not allowed to get away that easily now. A Law Enforcement Officer, when the house got torn down, said he really wished the laws now had been older because if the wicked woman had gotten out of prison with today's laws she would be required to register as a child abuser and wouldn't be allowed to run away and change her name like that.
I agree. Shouldn't have rights other than basic needs
Shouldn't even come to that
How could she ever be released to start with
I don’t think that’s possible anymore, thank the Lord. Criminals now as far as I know go on some type of registry before sentencing or after release (can’t remember exactly when) and they’re required to keep their maiden legal information public in case they move states, get a job, etc.
As a mother, I cannot understand how the parents didn’t see a change in Sylvia’s appearance and spirit. RIP Sylvia so many people failed you 💔
every adult in her life was pretty shit
This says she didn't tell them, because she didn't want them to worry. I call BS. Survival, is so much more powerful than that. Fear for sure, but "being a burden", no. Surely, there's so much more to it than that. As a parent, you KNOW when something is wrong wrong with your kid, ESPECIALLY if they're being starved and brutally beaten. idk.
Yeah, especially since they took her and her sister out for sodas. How can they be that dumb?
They just didn't give a shit, awful people and an awful era in history for watching for child abuse.
Parents, notably the father, were probably feeble-minded.
For anyone who wants to know Paula is now Paula Pace. Someone alerted the Grundy County Sheriff's Department about her criminal history in 2012. The convicted killer who named her first child after Gertrude (WTF?) was a teacher's aid in Conrad, Iowa, working with diverse learners and admitted to deliberately evading the background check when she was hired in the late '90s.
Wow..
Trash is as trash does.
If she’s still alive I hope she keeps getting reported and ostracized wherever she goes.
Yeah. She got doxxed by some unknown person who got wind of her criminal past.
Fucking disgusting.
As an adult sister to many siblings, if ANY of my siblings came to me and said one of these incidents happened, I’d go to jail almost immediately. It blows my mind that their parents and sister dismissed it or didn’t notice.
Same here! I'm only 3 years older than my sister but on my 10th birthday I had a slumber party. One of the girls suggested stripping her and "doing stuff"- I literally freaked out and woke up my parents. NO ONE was going to touch my little sister!!! Needless to say, that party was OVER!
You saved her a lot of stress & trauma. You're a good sibling:)@@melancholycat3978
@@melancholycat3978makes me wonder if that child was suffering through some sort of csa, NOT to excuse it but because i could not imagine being that age and wanting to do that to another child. very concerning regardless and im so glad u were so diligent
@@kaznova_ I've often thought over the years that something was definitely happening to that child because certainly, like you said, that's not a normal thing for a child to want to do to another child.
I remember reading that they did try to tell their older sister what was going on and she didn't believe them. If she's still alive today, I hope she still lives with extreme guilt.
The thing that really gets me is that the youth who had a smaller hand in her abuse probably just grew up and led normal lives after, never speaking about what they did to/ saw happen to Sylvia maybe even forgetting that it happened. They could literally be anyone, might even be someone's parent or grandparent that participated in that violence and never seeing any consequences for their actions
And they believed Sylvia had STDs and slept with everyone and called their mother a whore that sold herself for $5. All Gertrude's misogynistic lies.
The kids were normal people. We’d like to think that we wouldn’t have done it, and certainly many of us wouldn’t- but many of us would have. It’s a consequence of our social nature. We are very susceptible to the influence of our peers.
Think of little Steph? Her mom and peers made her comply. but it’s clear she took no pleasure in the torture and had no ill will for Sylvia. Think of Junko Furuta? It seems all it takes for humans to be demonised is the greenlight from one or two particularly evil people. Stephanie’s reluctance gives hope.
@@witchflowers6942 there’s not a chance I would’ve participated in the violence. I think it’s completely abnormal to participate. At worst we would’ve remained silent and not reported to the authorities. I like to believe that I would have. Regardless there’s not a chance I would’ve participated.
@@someone8323 i mean, thats how i feel to. I genuinely cannot imagine a possible universe where i partook, or even a universe where i allowed it to continue without calling the police - but… thats what people did. This isn’t the only case like this. Yes, it is certainly abnormal, but under the right circumstances, profoundly immoral behaviour is normalised, and partaken in by otherwise ordinary people. Its not a pretty thing to confront, but it’s something i think its wise to come to terms with.
Nah they've all slowly died over the years
I’m not one for the death penalty but honestly half the people involved in this case deserve it. I listen to a lot of true crime and this is probably one of the cruelest most terrifying stories I’ve heard. It’s disgusting and utterly hope shattering that the punishments were so light.
really agree man fuckin monsters
I was going to comment the same thing. Gertrude should have absolutely been sentenced to death, and many others.
Fr man, the part where she forced her to "masturbate" with that bottle in front of others. That alone should warrant death penalty idc how much you went through. Nothing justifies that. Sylvia was completely innocent and undeserving and while she was going through all that was still trying to protect her sister.
I truly believe that this case and that of Junko Furuto are the worst I've ever heard of wherein there is one victim. It's beyond words.
*Edit: Sylvia of course was the main victim here, her sister also being abused, but I hope you know what I mean.
There is a problem with the "I am against the death penalty but" phrase, although I agree that the people involved were basically monsters. Advocates of the death penalty will use cases like this to bolster their argument for it, but as a society we must stop doing this crazy punishment. Many innocent people have died, and more will in the future. The death penalty has never stopped anyone from doing a crime. We are supposed to be good people(and better than the criminals) when on our behalf someone gets executed it should bring us great shame. Its just not right. Because of that I would never use the "I don't believe in the death penalty but." Hopefully you see that I am not trying to attack you on your statement, I'm just trying to bring awareness to my thoughts in this type of thing. Cheers
The quote “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” feels very fitting for this situation. What that whole family did is horrifying, but the level of turning a blind eye from their whole community is just baffling to me.
I felt like all of the offenders were literal demons masquerading in human skin. There is no eternal punishment severe enough to deal out to these monsters. Sylvia was a true hero having sacrificed herself so selflessly for her sister. I hope she is atleast in a better place. Thank you for your well researched video.
Yes they were white (demons masquerading in human skin)
This one really got me upset, how could so many different people allow this torture to happen. They all deserved to be hung in my opinion.
Only humans can come up with such brutality. Just remember that every human is capable of monstrosity and will find any reason to make themselves feel justified ("she's a prostitute/bad kid so her beatings are justified!").
👩🏻🍳 😚🤌🏼
Not literal. But I see your point.
The part that people find most unbelievable about this story, the fact that so many people knew and did nothing, doesn't surprise me in the slightest.
I grew up in an abusive home. My mother was beaten, regularly, in front of the rest of my family. We were held at gunpoint more than once, a neighbour walked in to visit, stated sorry, I've come at a bad time, and walked out again, told nobody, did nothing. Thankfully, him doing so broke the moment and we were all okay. I lived in a small community, many people knew about the violence in our home. I never remember anyone speaking about it to me, not once. Everybody took the position of - it's none of our business, or it's family problems and stayed out of it. My mum took us kids and left maybe 12 times, each time we would find a new home, a new school, only to return home weeks or months later. She would come to pick us up with sunglasses on or heavy makeup. It must have been incredibly obvious to so many people.
Nobody, ever, did a thing. Not once. No help.
I was born in 1985, my mother finally found the courage to leave for good in the year 2000 or 2001. My mother was born the year that Sylvia died. I'm now almost 37 and have PTSD from my upbringing, along with other life long mental health issues.
My country still to this day has the highest domestic violence stats in the western world.
This is why this story doesn't surprise me. There are so many stories like it, where people choose to do nothing. They know what is happening, see it with their own eyes, and choose not to intervene. Please don't see this case as an outlier from a time long ago. Things like this still happen today. Take in your surroundings with your eyes open. Be a voice for a child who can not speak for themselves. Don't look the other way. Please.
I am so sorry this happened to you 💜
I hate getting off the bus from school when I saw his truck in the driveway. I knew I was gonna get beaten. No one ever said anything because it was normal. Every kid got beat. Was made to drink bleach. Had glass broken over our backs at 10 years old. Got molested by someone older. Fuck
I'm sorry. It wasn't right that no one was brave enough to challenge their fears and insecurities enough to actually SAY SOMETHING. People fear stepping outside their "comfort zones" and saying something, even when a child is involved. You must've hoped and wished things would change because adults would step in and help one day. That's what we all expect when we're little. That someone will save us. When they don't, we never stop hurting and blaming ourselves for the consequences. Thank you for speaking. Thank you for helping others by saying something. You're not alone.
I am so sorry to hear about what you went through and am even more so that no one did anything. I send love and light and pray that your spirit has been able to truly heal and move past the injustices
I hope you are doing well now.
The fact that Sylvia stayed a good person to her death and even tried to escape through this horrible torture shows the true strength of the indomitable human spirit.
The worst parts of this case is that Gertrude never took full responsibility for what happened to Sylvia and continued to minimize her involvement even after her release.
Paula to this day feels no remorse and was on a true crime forum where the case was being discussed and said that Sylvia was a “terrible person” and deserved everything she got.
Both her oldest daughters changed their names, had several children and went on to work with children.
Sylvia’s sister, Jenny, had to be on medication for anxiety the rest of her life due to the horrors she was forced to witness and inflict on her sister.
Their oldest sister, Diana, feels regret and remorse for not believing them. But facts that were left out was one of the reasons she didn’t believe them was their own father had beat them with a belt to discipline them. Another thing was that she went to Gertrude’s home hoping to have regular contact with her sisters but gertrude stated that she “received permission” from their father to forbid her from seeing and speaking to her sisters. Before Sylvia died she saw Jenny one last time and tried to inquire about Sylvia’s well-being but Jenny said that she couldn’t tell her or she’ll get in trouble.
This case is horrifying and I remember watching a movie on it but it didn’t nearly go into full detail and even tried to make Paula look like she was remorseful. Everyone agreed that the likely motivation was jealousy and honestly I believe that to be the case. I’m still pissed none of them servered more time for this.
I also want to add, Stephanie would regularly try to rally to Sylvia’s defense after the abuse escalated, occasionally she would intervene and remove objects from Paula and Gertrude’s hands that they were striking Sylvia with.
-Stephanie actually watched coy beat Sylvia and giggled. She actually felt remorse for this later on.
-Gertrude forbade Sylvia from attending school after she found out Sylvia stole a gym uniform (Gertrude wouldn’t buy her one) and repeatedly kicked her in the genitals screaming at her the sins of premarital sex and some other misogynistic bs. She also beat Jenny when she learned Jenny stole a gym shoe for her strong foot.
-Lester, their father, knew Gertrude’s family was poor but never checked the house hold conditions before sending his daughters to stay there.
-The alleged rumor Sylvia spread about them being prostitutes, Jenny spent her life telling everyone Sylvia never said this and never said or did anything to warrant what was done to her.
Getrude and her daughter were the absolute worst types of psychopaths.
@@JennyJeong425 Truly, and to this day Paula feels no remorse. The fact that she tried to escape prison twice and still got released early…wtf
@@JennyJeong425 And Gertrude. They said she was a model prisoner but she never expressed remorse or took any responsibility for what she did to Sylvia, she should’ve rotted in prison the rest of her life,
Paula is still alive?, is she living under an assumed identity?.
The most amazing thing about this story of a living hell is that the poor girl trapped within it never became cruel, or lashed out, or even fought back. She never became a violent bully like Gertrude did. She died a good person, with nothing to feel ashamed of.
Maybe that’s why Gertrude hated her so much.
It probably was. I feel like Gertrude was trying to break her the entire time, but Sylvia never gave in even until the moment she died. This case has a special place in my heart and I wish nothing but peace and love for her in the next life.
And if she had lashed out at them, she would've been no less of a good person
she didnt became cruel or lashed out because like you said she was trapped in that living hell until the end.
People who became cruel and lashed out do it when they are out of their living hell, its when they feel safe that they became cruel.
If she "lashed out" or actually physically defending herself she would still be a good person. Let's not glamorize her suffering.
Gertrude was a jealous person, period. She was jealous of Sylvia, of her beauty, her innocence, etc. Basically, Sylvia was everything she was not. Gertrude was even in competition with her older daughters for the attention of the neighborhood boys (I'm convinced to this day, that she committed some type of SA on Richard Hobbs, and possibly Coy Hubbard, who was the boyfriend of Gertrude's daughter Stephanie). Dennis Wright, the father of her youngest child, wasn't even old enough to vote.
This case has always haunted me. I think it’s one of the worst torture murders I’ve ever heard about. To think of all of that happening to a 15 yr old is horrifying. And the fact not a single child or adult stepped in to help. It’s so sad that Sylvia died feeling unloved and in pain. Rest In Peace ❤
One child actually did but her mother dismissed it as "Well I guess they are just punishing her."
this and the Junko Furuta case are the worst cases that i’ve ever heard, and the fact that none of the murderers were incarcerated for long. no justice was truly served for either of them.
For me too, this is one of the worst cases of abuse and torture I've ever heard of. Sylvia's story always pains my heart. How? HOW does anybody do these things to another human being?? The level of depravity is beyond belief.
@@secretvoids5973that one was so gruesome too. But this one struck me more as the Junko Furata one was committed by Yakuza members while this one was committed by seemingly normal people. Idk why but the idea that such a big group of kids that weren’t previously involved in any crime would do this absolutely broke me. Plus the fact that her sister was watching all of it happening
This is one of the saddest, sickest things I've ever heard. That poor girl. I wish we could go back in time and rescue her. RIP Sylvia.
I know. I kinda wish I didn’t listen to this one. I feel sick. This is the worst case I’ve ever heard of
There’s things I technically can’t type, about what I’d do to old gerdy birdie & the cruelty clan.
It's so freaking awful that these were the times. The whole neighborhood participated. Its horrifying.
@@harveycryst222you ever get around to it somehow, lemme know, I'll come with
Ik 💔💔💔😭😭😭
This story is one of the most horrific things I have ever learned about. It’s truly unbelievable. This girl was failed by literally everyone.
just one person could have saved her from her fate, it makes me weep for her.
Tragically, everybody you say failed her actually didn't fail at all. They unfortunately succeeded in doing exactly what they set out to do to her. And if hell exists in some dimension, I truly hope they're stuck there, reliving the torment they caused forever as the receiver.
Honey no. Everyone succeeded in tormenting and destroying her
the only two worse I know of are Kelly Ann Bates and Junko Furuta, bless their innocent hearts those cases are the most extreme horrible cases, along with this one... they make me cry every time and I can't get them out of my head for days after...
Paula was so evil and bold about it, she boiled water and threw it in Sylvia's face in front of the neighbours, but they didn't report it. I think they were a bit simple and didn't even know how to explain it to police or anyone. And then Paula gets found with a new last name, working as a "teacher's assistant" I think not a teacher's aide,... but some probably minimum wage job where she kept track of resources and filed papers and stuff at the school. She got exposed and kicked out. Probably should have chosen a new first name for herself as well but she didn't so she got exposed.
I never knew about Gertrude's background. Obviously it doesn't excuse ANYTHING she did, but may explain her character a bit better. Thank you for covering this case.
OP did deliver and fulfill the intent of background and good insight on the cycle of abuse but it’s still hard to comprehend; this channel is very good at helping that
I knew some like her dad dying and having faced some abuse as well but never until now knew about her bad experience with her mom and sisters.
Honestly people who were abused in their past and turn around to do it to someone else are even more evil in my mind. I get 'its' (I refuse to identify the thing known as Gertrude as a person) brain was broken but it should've known better.
I hope that Sylvia at least is at peace now. Every aspect of this case is truly sick, down to the sheer delight so many expressed in abusing this poor girl. Laughing and joking about the torture of a child, then going on to become ministers and masquerading as upstanding citizens. I hope for them, hell is real.
Torturing children and masquerading as upstanding citizens is lowkey the job description for a minister so it fits
@@opheliaoftheripples9472i mean it's not real and all we can actually do instead of relying on fairytales is try to lift up those around us, try to change things. Resist the urge to be so jaded by reality that all you can hope for is something happening after demise... don't give up.
@@Lizzifer7Dude the victim is dead and so are 90% of the people who killed her. The story's lessons have been spread. A case has never been so closed. Let someone wish for divine justice for her
@@Lizzifer7 child please you believe In it too with your user name so 🙄
Every single person who touched & abused Sylvia, should’ve been imprisoned! Evil people. My god, this was horrific. And as a parent, how would you not notice your child is acting different?!
you are not owed literally anything- not food, housing, or protection from abuse- she died because she thought she was owed help, she did not help herself and she got exactly what that mindset results in she made a choice to die.
@@blahblah-hz8ey did i read this correctly? you are evil personified.
@@blahblah-hz8ey you’re either mentally ill or a misguided troll and either way I feel so sorry for you. Are you okay? Are you getting enough support in your life?
@@blahblah-hz8ey ???????
@@blahblah-hz8ey wow you gotta be intentionally being dumb or somethin
THIS MADE ME SO F*CKING MAD, HOW DID NONE OF THE PEOPLE COMING IN AND OUT OF THAT HOUSE DO SOMETHING, TELL THE POLICE!?
F*CKING SAME!!!!!! I WAS BEYOND DISGUSTED, I WAS PISSED
The worst part is that it wasnt just Gertrude who did it, or her children, who were at least extremely troubled and had experienced abuse themselves, but the NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS participated. People who were likely not in the same frame of mind. How tf were they convinced this was ok?
Gertrude told Corey Hubbard that Sylvia had told everyone that his girlfriend was a prostitute and that Paula was pregnant which Sylvia actually did do. But Corey was a psychopathic pervert who wanted to practice his judo moves and was getting off on the sexual part of throwing her around getting to touch her body and see her things that became exposed through his "moves" and Gertrude told the other kids that Sylvia said their mom's sold themselves for $5 and slept around and that she was sleeping with all their crushes and that she had STDs and was disgusting etc...etc.... and every idiot fell for it.
The whole of Germany perpetrated the holocaust, and they ALL knew it was going on. That’s the scariest thing, not only will people ignore depravity like this, they’ll go along with it if they think it’s permitted.
It's believed that Gertrude was grooming some of the boys (she liked the attention she got from them). Richard Hobbs, for example, stated that he was a friend of Gertrude's, not of her children, which is a big red flag - a 14-year-old being "friends" with a 37-year-old? I'd say that it's likely she committed sexual abuse on him in some form, but that wasn't talked about back then. She would dance for the boys too, which is inappropriate on so many levels. (The father of her youngest child was only 20 when he became involved with her). Two of the neighborhood girls who briefly participated in abusing Sylvia, were remorseful and one of them even told her mother that Sylvia was being hurt very badly but her mother dismissed it as "punishment". Gertrude would tell the kids that Sylvia had said something bad about them, and they would just take her word for it. It's sickening that an adult would instigate and encourage such behavior.
@@Muirmaiden She did sexually abuse them. The video itself even briefly touches on how she would strip for the teenage boys. Disgusting.
@@stan8479this is really important since COCSA is a thing, and it's usually a cycle of abuse thing. hard not to see the perpetrators as monsters even if they're kids though.
This is actually vile. I absolutely don’t believe the parents didn’t see any issues physically or mentally with their kids when they would come back to visit. And was there anything about what happened to the parents after Sylvias death? Did they comment on what happened? Something just feels so off with the parents. Those kids were let down by so many people it’s heartbreaking.
There are more than enough people in this video with actual evidence to their depravity to turn it on their parents based on an assumption. I'm not saying they did or didn't know, but it seems kinda fucked up to just assume they did and demonize them without any evidence
The only story that's ever really told about the family after Sylvia's death... is told over and over....and it is that Jenny wrote to her mother, "Some good news old Gertrude died. Hahaha! I am happy about that." And Jenny said "My mom was a really, good mom, all she did was trust Gertrude." But her mom and dad were so poor, they got offered the job at the carnival but couldn't afford all the stuff they needed to work at the carnival, so their mom tried to shoplift a little of the stock they needed to have something to sell at the fair, and that's when Sylvia's dad thought letting them board at the house of a girl they'd only just made friends with, would be better than having young girls around all the carnival men. Ironic to think that even if some man at the carnival had molested or raped them they'd still probably would have ended up better off than what happened. 😑But that's why the dad did it. Because he feared that if they came, only Sylvia would be able to help with the work, Jenny would have nothing to do and men would try to prey on them. Which they no doubt would.
The girls just lied to them that Sylvia did feel that well.
@@inyrui Of course the ones that tortured and murdered Sylvia are to blame. That’s obvious… I’m saying I can’t believe that the parents didn’t see anything wrong with the kids when they visited a few times. Not saying it’s their fault I just think it’s mad they didn’t notice anything wrong physically or mentally or even in the kids personalities. Seemed like in this case their only hope to escape those monsters was by being taken back by their parents. It’s upsetting the parents apparently didn’t notice.
@@inyrui We can judge the parents! They are/where not the only parents on earth! As a mom I can tell u 100% sure! U know when something is wrong with your kids, it is like a biological thing! The question is, do you wanna check up on it?
I think the parents choose not to step in because it was a cheap baby sister...
Hearing you get audibly angry during this added a level of humanity True Crime media often lacks.
Sylvia likens case always makes me cry on how somebody could be so cruel to an innocent girl.
I can't comprehend the cruelty of those who knew and did nothing to help her.
same with junko furuta case...
@@kimmyfreak200 I replied to another comment with the exact sent thing. Junko and Sylvia often pop into my head and I wept for both of them when I first learned of their cases. These poor girls deserved so much better. I can't even begin to imagine what they went through.
I think this is one of the only true crime cases that has made me cry. I can’t possibly imagine what this poor, innocent girl went through.
i think what horrifies me the most is how many girls are going through this right now? how many will be forgotten or found and helped? if gertrude wasnt such an idiot toward the end, would she have been imprisoned at all? these things keep me up at night.
So far, this is the very best documentary I've seen on this case. It's heartbreaking to know Sylvia was such a loyal, true, kind girl who stood up for her sister and family. But no one stood up for her.... so ironic. Everyone failed her. Her parents. The adults around her. The kids they raised, her school, the neighbors. Everyone. It's so sad. She deserved someone in her life a little more like her.
I've read two books on the case and this still has additional info which I really didn't expect.
We still live in a world where no one stands up for what's right, as long as there are reprecussions. Everyone is high and mighty when it comes to standing up for nature, and against (black) slavery 200 years ago, but no one will stand up for actual problems we face here and now, which could cause themselves problems. People do what todays society tells. People we meet and like, would've gladly beaten their kids and wives back in the day. If they had the money, they would've owned slaves in the 1800s or burned witches in the 1600s.
@@jonathanvonwowern-barrefor6618and sadly, plenty of people today are still beating their wives and kids.
This case is truly the most disturbing, demented, and purely evil scenario I've ever heard... The case of Junko Furuta is tied with this one for the most stomach turning. Sylvia seemed like a sweet, pretty, intelligent, and independent girl who lost her life before she was actually able to live it. The fact that she died protecting someone she loved makes her a hero to me, this poor girl deserved so much more than she got. What really makes my blood boil is that, much like Junko Furuta's killers, the demons who murdered this girl received minimal punishment for the atrocities they committed. This whole thing is just horrifying to listen to, how can someone be so sick as to torture another human being in this twisted manner? I will never be able to understand it... Rest in peace, Sylvia, I hope you're in a better and happier place now.
wow, only ten minutes in and there’s already so much information here that nobody else has covered (i’ve seen at least a dozen different re-tellings of this awful case). the details about Sylvia’s parents are often glossed over - they’re usually presented as vagrant “carnies” without further context. also appreciate the information about Gertrude’s early life and mental health struggles, which are also frequently overlooked, other than a passing remark that “little is known” about her.
you have provided so much depth, nuance, and rich context to this case that i have not seen from any other creator.
impeccable work as always, Dreading!
Totally agree. I thought I'd heard everything there was available on this event until this video.
Agreed. There was a series in the Indianapolis paper when I was a teen about this case- maybe upon her release- and it got me very interested in the case. However I had never heard Gertrude's childhood described in such detail until now. This was a great and detailed deep dive. The "update" portion on the defendants is absolutely sickening. Wonderful job as always on such a tragic case.
seems gertrude was a magnifying glass of her own abuse at the hands of her mother
@@wiiztec well said. Tragic childhood for sure.
My grandmother was born in 1924 and was the youngest of 5 children. Her mother was severely abused by their alcoholic father (my great grandparents). Around the time my grandmother was 13, she had enough of this, so one night when the beatings were going on, my grandma went to the shed, grabbed a shovel, and almost beat her father to death. Needless to say he never touched another person.
I broke my abusive fathers leg at 16! He deserved so much more!
Hell yeah. I'm sure that took some real guts, both of yall (OP's grandma as well as author of the comment above - sorry, I can't see yalls names while writing this). Hope life has shown a kinder, gentler, and fairer side to yall since ❤
Based grandma
@@catsmith233 Good! How did you do it?
Grandma slayed💅💅💅
They were all jealous of her because she was beautiful,polite and intelligent. RIP Angel xx
this is such a horrific case. You're right that it doesn't really feel like justice was served. Their punishments were no where close to what they deserved.
Halfway through I went from 'Dexter is still a psychopath' to 'Maybe Dexter for these people'
They make me wish medieval torture devices was still around
That’s because the justice system was & still is skewed
justice would have been the immediate death of every single person who contributed to her abuse. those people shouldn't be allowed to breathe the same air as the rest of us.
@@starrsmith3810 if only that were the case.
I really appreciate how you took the time to explain Gertrude’s upbringing. I’ve heard this story many times, but no one has given the backstory like you’ve done. Thank you
Yes, I’ve watched other videos and they never went into detail about her life or Sylvia’s parents either.
I'd be really interested to know the sources.
@@Groovybiha what channels? Because the two channels I’ve seen talk about this originally absolutely talked about both Gertrude and Sylvia’s parents.
@@mausilw many don't. Neither the famous book The Basement or the movie really talked about her at all, either
I think everything about this monster should be erased from history. She doesn’t deserve have any place in the world dead or alive. I frankly don’t care what her upbringing was. She deserved everything that happened to her.
Their torture of Sylvia just keeps going. Had to take a break from this video part way through. Thank you for putting in the work to get these stories out into the public eye again.
Shit I had step away for a minute because of how DISGUSTED I was, I was SEETHING WITH RAGE over what Gertrude and her equally evil children (Minus Stephanie, thank GOD she played no part in that) and those other evil children, I literally had to breathe when I finished it
Silvia and I were born in the same year and I grew up, not far from Indianapolis. My Mother followed this case from the begining, she was absolutely livid!! My Mom read everything that came out. I remember my Mom crying during one of the news reports, she was angry with everyone. Gurtrude, Silvia's parents, Silvia's older sister, the neighbors, the school. My Mom was furious with everyone. I have never forgotten this sad, sad story and the pain this innocent girl endured.
Hello! May I ask why you miss spell Sylvias name several times? I mean no harm, i am just so curious as to why since her name is written all over, hundreds of times. I see this from time to time, and I cant figure it out.
my Grandparents were also born in 1949
@@jennybodin3710 they simply don't know how to correctly spell her name, that's why.
I guess Sylvia's older sister who didn't believe her, was using some kind of a psychological defence mechanism of not wanting to believe, that so many people were so evil.. After all, that would have meant she would have had to face the scary, unpleasant truth, that the world can be an extremely bad place. After all, it makes me anxious and sad, so I can imagine someone trying to deny such knowledge from herself. I don't remember what the defence mechanism is called, but there are several of them in psychology. I don't think the sister at least let her down out of malice.
Her sister, Dianna, upon looking her up she has a freaking wild story of her own. Dianna Bedwell. She was found alive after going missing, in a car, in the desert, with the dead body of her husband. In no other case would I ask for a sequel cause good god, this shouldn't have one, but if you're so inclined would you cover that as well? I had known about this specific case for a very, very long time, and had never heard any further information about Sylvias siblings. I don't want to say it would be cool, cause none of this is, but I would immensely appreciate a follow up.
Oh that sounds really intriguing! I’d definitely support a follow up with that case!
I didnt know anything about that, omg.. Dianna is Gertrude's sister?
@@desdemonadupre5591 heckin apparently, I was super confused at first until finding a specific article linking Dianna to Sylvia Likens
@@desdemonadupre5591 No she's SYLVIA'S sister, the story isn't true crime and she didn't kill anyone. She got lost with her husband in the dessert as two elderly people with diabetes and he just died at age 79.
It's not very interesting and not true crime. They were two elderly over 70 people who tried to take a short cut through the desert to get to his son's home. Got lost and he at 79 succumbed confused with his diabetes and heat stroke when they got lost in a rural desert wilderness, and just couldn't find his son's house.
I honestly think this is one of the most disturbing cases I've ever heard. That poor girl. I don't understand how so many kids were so heartless to Sylvia's obvious pain. How did aa community if children do this without word getting to any if the parents? Rumors fly so fast and no one heard about these horrors? And if they did, they just didn't care? I've never thrown up at a story before but that scene with Gertrude raping Sylvia with a bottle made bile rose up in my throat and I couldn't stop crying. I can't imagine the kids who participated he up to lead normal lives. I feel like they either drank themselves to death or became psychopaths. RIP Sylvia
What floors me the most is the apathy of nearly every person aware of Sylvia's abuse. Gertrude couldn't have gotten away with doing those things to a vicious animal.
Same 💜
not just apathy. participation. None of the teens thought it might be wrong? This is sickening to most of us to even hear about, yet there were kids going there to participate in her torture.
Everyone in that area was sick. All of them were mfking devils. They are evil, evil as the sullen ground. Man fuck them.
"Gertrude couldn't have gotten away with doing those things to a vicious animal."
^ This is an untrue statement. Animals (vicious and otherwise) are abused daily with no one coming to their aid.
@@billwilson5341 That’s what you’re worried about?
I can't understand why their older sister, Diana, didn't believe Sylvia and Jenny when they begged for help. And their parents...how did they not notice anything when they visited? The weight loss, subdued mood, etc. RIP, sweet Sylvia...x
Yeah that’s what got me too, even if they were making it up, there was definitely something going on. They even noticed something was up. I don’t get it at all
@@annikkirahko6714 The family was complicit as well. They didn't want to believe it because it was more expensive to get them back and have to take care of them again.
@@polo619652 Apparently, their father did hit them with a belt, so this may explain why Sylvia and Jenny didn't tell their parents what was happening. That was why their sister Dianna didn't take them seriously when they told her what was going on. I'm also convinced that Gertrude was probably sexually abusing Richard Hobbs, and maybe Coy Hubbard (or at the very least, she was grooming them). Gertrude had no business having children, much less being around them.
I think honestly that time period. Whooping and beating i think were almost synonymous. So the sister thought they were exaggerating.
It’s hard not to get frustrated at Sylvia’s family for not doing anything either.
I really appreciate that dreading doesn't fill visual gaps with stock footage. Thank you for trusting us to listen.
Truly one of the most nauseatingly horrific cases I’ve ever heard. One of those you just don’t forget and reminds you of the evil that’s out there.
Yes I’ve watched many crime shows since I was a little girl and this one stood out to me more than any of them, I remember hearing about it in a doc years ago and just the details in the actions made me realize it was the same people. Very unforgettable :’(
The part where she was forced to masturbate with a coke bottle…I had to pause and step away for a moment
i listen to ALOT of true crime ... but this actually made me physically sick
Thanks for all your efforts. In the absence of JCS, there have been so many awesome channels that have come about and in my opinion, yours is the best. Hope you’re feeling much better now
Agreed
@@lmckinley145 with all these channels shooting up like mushrooms, i honestly dont care that much about JCS anymore. this channel is done anyway
So many "JCS inspired" channels are not that - it's just clickbait. People don't know a thing about anything. I AVOID the channels that have "JCS inspired" in their titles. This channel is amazing.
Love how this channel is its own genre and not a copycat of JCS like so many others 🥰
@@Y0JA IF they were as good as JCS, that would be one thing, but they are not. They just have "JCS inspired" in their title to lure viewers and you can tell that they don't know law OR psychology. I avoid them like the plague and one of them deletes any negative comments about it.
I cried so hard while listening to this case, Sylvia was truly alone, no one, and I mean NO ONE, protect her, nor her sister, nor the neighbors, nor the school, nor her "friends", much less her parents.
I refuse to believe they didn't notice anything different, by the last visit the extended of the physical and mental wounds would have to be so bad as for not to be able not notice them, but weren't bad enough as to no be able to pretend they don't exist, especially if your priority is "doing what is necessary to save the family", 'cus in their minds money was the big wolf.
I'm beyond disgusted for the neighbors apathy. At the moment you think: "that has nothing to do with me" is the moment we as society start to become in the most despicable beings. Is this set of mind what allowed things like concentration camps to exist.
The last fact that made me cry like a baby was her older sister's reaction to her cry her help. . .I have no words to express how that made me feel . . .I wish I could be by her side and hug her tight, show her how love she deserves to be, allow her to become in the most amazing, unique woman.
How the F√¢k is possible the monsters were allow to be free in some few years?? Everything about this case is infuriating!!
She deserved so much more that this rotten society give it to her.
Well said 💜 I’m so sad right now. I want so much to cuddle Sylvia and take care of her. I’m so lucky I have my cat to love. Quite speechless too. The worst story I’ve ever heard but one that needs attention for sure. xxx
Despite Gertrude's abusive childhood and abusive relationships its about impossible to feel any pity for her other then for the child she once was. What they all did to Sylvia is so hard to comprehend. Hearing what the gang psychology could make one lose faith in humanity. Gertrude and Paula should have been given life and a day, never released. P.s. Actually what Gertrude did and provoked others to do was as bad as war crimes. Absolutely heinous. Really no words to apltly describe it. P.s.s. I hope Gertrude and Paula both suffered horribly in prison. I think I remember reading that Paula went on to have a family and live in a community? I hope to God her heart changed and she became human.
I’d heavily argue it’s worse than tactics in war crimes because it’s not done with a collective purpose of countries full of people on one little girl, may she Rest In Peace. That’s why it’s so god damn inexcusable. I keep trying to acknowledge the cycle of abuse but I can’t even wrap my head around this absurdity. It makes me sick.
@the25thprime people that have been abused understand how terrible it is and that they are ok doing it to another makes them even worse and possibly more culpable than thier abuser
Plenty of people have been abused even worse when they were younger but they don’t go out and torture other people until they get killed, the demonic entity that calls itself “Gertrude” was always evil even before it was born.
I've never heard of this case before. It's absolutely horrific. Not many true crime cases truly make me sick to my stomach anymore, but this one did. Thank you, dreading, for covering something so disgusting with so much research and respect yet again.
Theresa Knorr might be just as vile.
Because it's not true.
The case is horrific and angering. There is a counterpart in the kidnapping and torture of a Japanese teen whose ordeal was well known, but not reported to authorities because of the kidnappers’ alleged ties to organized crime.
Did you throw up? You wrote that you were literally sick to your stomach. I don't believe you.
@@droppedbye.2698 what’s your source because the people of Indiana wish it didn’t happen but know better
This reminds me of the Junko Furuta case in terms of the levels of abuse the victim suffered and that the abusers got away with a lot. This one is worse in a lot of ways, because so many people were involved and got away with it.
That's what I was thinking as well like even the freaking parents in this case at least could have done something or noticed something... anything...
There were a lot of people involved in Junko's case, and they also got away with it (those who were prosecuted each got a slap on the wrist, and they didn't even bother prosecuting all the perpetrators who were involved.)
If it weren't for one repoter defying the identity protection order made by the court, they wouldn't have ever been publicly named at all.
Regardless, both Sylvia and Junko experienced pain that no living being should ever be put through.
It's utterly mind boggling that there are people out there who are capable of such horrific torture....
I'll never understand it.
I'm afraid to watch this now, poor Junko's case is one of the worst I've heard
This one is worst??? How??? I think they are at the same level, dont forget they found out around a hundred of men raped Junko, more than 400 times. She was often put on the freezer and burned alived 3 times (the last one she finally died). And she was pregnant when they found her body. Fireworks and bottles in her anus, light bulbs in her vagina (they stump her belly until it exploded inside of her), needles in her breast, one ripped nipple, she was used as a punching bag. There was a point when she stunk so bad that they lost sexual interest on her. The only that Sylvia got worse was the time. She endured about 2 more months of tortures than Junko, but still is hard to me to decide which case was more horrific...
Why are you watching these things and comparing how bad the abuse was? It’s not a game it’s not entertaining. This is an unbelievable story that shouldn’t be shared with anyone. It shouldn’t be on the internet it’s that sick. How can you even watch this and be okay after? Let alone compare other cases, you’re all psychotic.
and abusive cop that married a 16-year-old? how surprising
Yeah. Not
I’d like to say that Jenny is an incredible survivor who played it up till she found a way to get out and to name every single person involved showed amazing wit for such a young and traumatized mind
I can hear or read almost anything without letting it physically affect me (actually seeing it, however, is another story entirely). But this one plus Furuta Junko are the two 'stories' that actually manage to make me cry everytime I hear or read about them. RIP.
I thought the exact same thing. This case reminded me if the Junko case a lot. That one and this video are some of the few true crime videos I had to pause bc i needed a break before continuing to listen.
Yes exactly. Both of those cases make me feel physically ill. :/
Agreed. They are the 2 cases that have stuck with me and disturbed me the most
Same! I read something that said a lot of the criminals were probably exaggerating what they did to Junko for notoriety, but at least some of it had to have been rooted in reality.
Yeah, most cases don’t affect me. I might have become rather desensitised to them tbh as most murder cases don’t even shock me anymore. But this one really does. I could barely get through the movie that was based on this horrible case and I haven’t been able to watch it again.
I just find it so hard to understand why she committed such horrible acts of torture and abuse. Why did all the others join in and not feel a single ounce of pity towards her? Why did nobody say anything? I understand why the sister didn’t as she must have been terrified but the rest of them?… it makes me sick.
I’m badly shaken by this story, I can’t believe that level of evil exists - what a horrific life for that poor girl
I like how you lay out the generational abuse, not as an excuse but a clear pathway to the horror.
I like that it's not used as some stupid excuse as well I get so sick of that shit
"Jesus fucking tap-dancing Christ" yes...that sums this up quite nicely.
Glad to have two episodes from you this week, but really hope you're getting enough rest and make a full recovery soon.
This tragically brutal and heartbreakingly sad story absolutely reinforces the undisputable fact that the idea of a ''cycle of abuse'' is all too real. Absolutely tragic.
I have to stop getting so excited when you post videos of tragic stories
Also I hope you get better soon :/
Hahahaa same!!!!
So say we all! I go from 'yeah' to 'f@×k' in about 5 seconds.😵💫
I actually find true crime videos interesting free of guilt, well mostly. I know im fucked up for being interested in these really messed up cases of murder, torture and other despicable crimes some people have done. But its a constant reminder of how human nature was for the longest time, violent and selfish in nature.
Same! I love this channel!
it saddens me that their own sister didn’t believe them. maybe if she had, the girls would’ve been confident enough to tell their parents and Sylvia would be alive.
I am constantly asking my little sister about her life and even if she has a little scratch from playing outside. It’s beyond me how her sister couldn’t believe them
Part of the reason she didn’t believe them is because their father used to beat them with a belt when they were acting out, something she admits she regrets. However she did find out they were staying with Gertrude and wanted to have regular communication with them but Gertrude wouldn’t let her see or speak to them.
(Reason for this is because she was estranged from her parents after getting married and their father forbade her from seeing or speaking to her sisters)
@@Groovybiha idk, in my opinion it’s way easier to say ‘omg but I didn’t believe them because of this/that’ after your sister has already died, more of a reason to come up with excuses
@@emmymoto No it came up in court, when they mentioned Sylvia was being beaten she thought they were exaggerating the severity because their own dad often used a belt to discipline his 5 kids.
That said, maybe it’s just me but I would never let anyone physically discipline my children, especially if they’re not related to me and I’m paying them to watch over my child. Touch my kid and I’m going to assume you’re tired of living.
@@Groovybiha yeah but that’s what I’m saying, there’s way more pressure to say that she thought they were exaggerating when she could face possible consequences or scrutiny for ignoring them especially when she’s in court.
personally, I could never stand by if my friends or family were being abused, and I have many times put myself in danger to protect people I love. I feel no sympathy and accept no excuse of hers, her sister died and she had the opportunity to prevent it, she didn’t take it and I hope it sits with her.
I usually don't feel a personal connection to these cases. But I do on this one.
If I could bring one person in this story back to life, I would bring Gertrude back, so that I could kill her again.
Sylvia has earned her rest. But Gertrude deserves much more suffering than she ever could have experienced in the life she had.
My heart broke when I heard that Silvia "muttered her final wish that her daddy was here".
the assaults with the glass bottle were almost too much for me to make it through. everyone and anyone who knew about this or was involved should’ve gotten 10 years behind bars at the absolute minimum, with every single other inmate fully aware of what they did. they were all complicit.
I almost puked, i want to do some rouge justice after hearing this story
I had to stop listening to this one. The stuff they did to this girl is pure evil in the truest sense of the word. It’s incomprehensible how much pain Sylvia had to endure. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish this episode out of respect for Sylvia. How can she go through the most brutal and inhumane physical and emotional torture I’ve ever heard of but I can’t even hear her story. Truly devastating to know people like Gertrude walk among us.
they are worst than that sadly 😭😭😭😭😭😭 a dad did worse to his kid 😭😭😭
I struggle listening to this case every time I see someone cover it, but I feel like it’s the least I can do to honor her memory because Sylvia actually had to endure the physical and mental pain. Living in Indiana, this case sticks with me. I wish I could hug and take care of her, it just makes me sick.
I’m know you mean well, but who are we kidding - we don’t watch these videos for the victim’s sake. Any victim would likely not want the details of their abuse to be shown to people all around the world. If we wanted to honor her memory there are many better ways than to watch documentaries about her suffering. These dark events are interesting to learn about. It baffles me how evil people can be. That’s why I watch it at least.
@@Riroraruro I absolutely see what you’re saying and there is definitely truth to that. However, I didn’t state it’s the only reason I watch these cases, what I was trying to say is that this case is particularly gruesome. I actually have a hard time listening to all of the details of the abuse. Every victim I’m sure would have their own opinion about whether or not they want their stories to be told and that is a complicated topic. I absolutely listen to these stories because I find them interesting, morbid or not, they help my anxiety. I hope I made my prior comment make sense.
@@Maymekemper I agree with that. And I can very much relate to the anxiety part. Strange how these videos can have that effect. I wish you well.
@@Riroraruro it really is strange, same to you!
Listening to what Sylvia went through, made me physically sick to my stomach. Idk how people can be so cruel.
Whenever people say that kids and young adults today lack empathy and compassion, and are overly violent...I'm going to remember this story, where a bunch of neighborhood kids thought abusing this girl was totally normal.
This is one of the first true crime cases I ever read about, and it sucked me into this rabbit hole for good because I was so fascinated by what kind of absolute monster would not only do this to a child under their care, but get OTHER kids to participate as well. Truly horrific stuff, I hope her sister is doing fine these days.
Good movie about it on prime give it a watch sometime
Huh
You may also get sucked in by "A Child Called It"
@@angclements7067 What's the name of the movie? Please and thank you.
@@md9971
I read that one, and the one that came after. I keep forgetting to check out "A man named Dave".
It really pisses me off that YT demonetizes your content when other true crime channels can essentially say whatever tf they want without suffering the same.
Your content is always very thorough and considerate of the delicate situations presented and you’ve quickly become one of my 3 favorite content creators in this genre.
I hope you continue to get great sponsors and lots of support for this channel and that it continues to grow, it’s well deserved.
A lot of other channels are suppressed too. Many of these crime channels have patreons to post less censored content, and to support their channels. It’s sad that youtube tries to hide all this shit from people, especially the more modern cases. People need to know about the horrors the world can bring.. it’s not always a safe place.
They're all pretty much demonitized. It's the content they cover. In all honesty, it seems messed up for people to be able to profit off the suffering of others. I rarely hear about any of these crimes youtubers giving the profirs from their videos to the families of the victims
@@yesimsureienteredmynamecorrect No, they’re not all demonetized. And there are literally entire tv and cable channels devoted to true crime and none of them donate funds and nobody complains about the companies profiting. Ridiculous 🙄
@@yesimsureienteredmynamecorrect You can't expect any content creator to do all that work for free.
@@yesimsureienteredmynamecorrect You're complaining about RUclipsrs profiting from these cases yet you're here watching... makes sense lmao. And they're not doing this to profit from people suffering, they generally genuinely have a deep interest in criminal cases and want to bring these cases to the attention of the masses instead of it being forgotten just like so many other horrible things that happen.
As a Christian, we're called to forgive others and love one another no matter what they've done, but in this case this is the first time i have wished hell on another person. May god hug sylvia tight in his hands and comfort her.
Same here
This case made my blood boil. What an absolutely evil, disgusting woman to treat Sylvia in this way.
Rest In Peace, Sylvia - bless you darling girl. I’m so sorry you had to experience this. I pray to God that you are in a happy, safe place now.
To be fair, Gertrude's mother treated her horribly, she went through abuse herself and she never got any help for her bipolar or borderline personality disorder because at the time, mental illness wasn't taken seriously. I blame Gertrude's mother. Hurt people, hurt people. It all started with Gertrude's evil mother. I mean she would purposely drop Gertrude on her head and cause her brain damage. That's messed up
She’s in heaven. I’m sure of it. This is the saddest case of child abuse I’ve ever heard of.
Sylvia was so beautiful and kind and she would've been an amazing adult. She WAS an amazing person. She was more brave than anyone I can think of or remember. I hope there is an afterlife where she falls in love with herself and gets to spend time with her sister whenever she desires. Where she receives the respect and attention she deserves. Rest in peace and quiet, Sylvia
This was hard to listen to.
I'm grateful that people are keeping Silvia's memory alive, and hold the guilty accountable. Thank you.
Poor Sylvia… I can’t believe any one could treat a human being, especially a child, like that. I remember watching some documentary about Getrude getting paroled and that made me sick. She didn’t give Sylvia a chance at life so she shouldn’t get a second chance.
I get that Gertrude had some deep rooted issues but if she loathed her children that much…stop having so many… for a start.
And I totally agree with you, I don’t know how her parents couldn’t notice that big of a change in her when they visited. She was literally wasting away.
I totally agree. I hadn’t realized how bad Gertrude’s childhood was as well. You’d think she would be extra loving with her kids to make up for what she never received. I guess you can either become a survivor or a perpetrator.
@@pennywisethedancingclown4024 sadly true for some people who have been abused they become an abuser themselves
Whenever I talk to friends about true crime (which seems to be getting more and more popular), I always bring up your channel. There's no flashy music, dramatic effects. Just pure and simple series of events, along with a narrative theme and compelling use of full audio recordings and interviews. Amazing work as always.
Me too, I like how he does it and his research is very thorough. Other channels focus on making it dramatic and flashy but they often gloss over important details or feed into wide spread misinformation (this is very common in many cases, for example the case of Kendrick Johnson).
I exclusively watch dreading because of this.
The thing that sickens me the most is the neighborhood kids participating. If my neighbor asked me to hit or torture a girl I would not help them! I would run and call the cops! I hope they rot in hell for what they did to her!
same here..I guess the older siblings coerced them into doing what they were told. Gertrude seemed to have a hold over many people including Sylvia's parents.
Please always be the person Sylvia needed.
I'm sitting here completely speechless. This is one of the most horrific stories I've ever heard. It must have been so hard for you to research and then tell this story. But thanks for revealing it in such a respectful way.
I just watch this movie in Netflix and i cried for the young girl Sylvia. She didn’t deserved it.
Me too I can't believe this was even worse than the movie 😭😭
When I was very young I read a book called "The Girl Next Door" by Jack Ketchum. I had no idea until just listening to your recounting of the terrible abuse and suffering that Sylvie went through that the book, about a teenager named Meg who suffered unimaginable cruelty at the hands of a woman entrusted as her caretaker and the neighborhood children was based on a true story. I think the "Jesus tap dancing Christ" comment you made about the parents' obliviousness to their daughter's injuries sums up my horror that this story is much more than fiction. I enjoy your channel so much, and spend my work days listening to your excellent presentations of true crime cases. Thank you for your work, your research, and the detailed information you put into each case. I really appreciate it.
I'm a huge Ketchum fan but could never read the Girl next door because I knew that it's based on a real case that many true crime podscasts have covered.
I saw the movie they based the book on. It was horrifying.
I thought this was that cAse!!! So disgusting the parents didn’t notice nor nobody intervened who did see her
I read it when I was 32 and it still scarred the shit out of me. It was one of the hardest books I ever read.
@@kickconnection83 I did as well and it was so hard to watch it. The absolute terror that that poor girl went through is just unimaginable and I think I would've just offed myself after a very short while.
this case is without a doubt the one that haunts me the most, rivalled only by the Junko Furuto case. I wept when I first learned of Sylvia's story, and its stayed with me. My heart aches for the horrors that this poor soul was subjected to, and no amount of jail time or legal punishment would be enough to satisfy me that her abusers faced justice. The same goes for Junko's abusers.
Junko’s case haunts me. The worst part is one of the parents of the perpetrators vandalised junko’s resting place because they thought she had ruined their sons future. Absolutely horrific.
Her case haunted me, I even saw the photos of her body when she was found and I…couldn’t even sleep in the dark for a week after.
Both cases destroyed me. I knew people can be evil but my God who the fuck does this shit. And doesn't serve life behind bars.
Same here. Sylvia’s and Junko’s deaths are two of the three cases that have stuck with me and haunted me. They make me genuinely terrified and broken. I could not imagine the pain and suffering they endured even with knowing the details. The only positive thought is that they are at peace and have relief from their torture, but they never should have been taken in the first place.
Junko's case was the second case that made me tear for hours (Na-young was the first one).
Even if Junko's death is as horrible as this, for me knowing that Sylvia was able to ask for help but no one even care enough as to help her broke me. Junko never left that hell of a house, her parent didn't saw her and said: "yep, you are completely fine, you look even happy, nothing to notice here" . . . I'm not trying in any way to say that Junko's death is least horrible than Sylvia's, I'm just explaining what made me heart, brain and soul to collapse. . .I really, really, really try to believe in reform, repent and learn from your mistakes BUT some people don't deserve a second chance, sorry, I know I sound vindictive but I truly believe some people just deserve to be erase from the planet due to their crimes.
I am rarely affected by the brutality of the true crimes I watch, but this one was difficult. You told Sylvia's story well ❤
I weep for Sylvia. You did such an amazing job with this case.
Now that you explained Gertrude's backstory, it gives insight into why she was so incredibly cruel and evil to Slyvia. She wanted some way to take out all of her misery and trauma on another person, she was threatened by Slyvia and began projecting all of her bad feelings onto her. What did that turn into? Pure evil. That's one lesson to take away from this, if you begin to project all of your negative emotions/trauma onto one individual; they lose their humanization, and then you lose your humanity.
Hearing about Gertrudes past puts the case in a slightly different light for me. I am sad for both Gertrude and Sylvia none of them deserved the abuse at their respective times, now i see how it happened. She was turned evil in a tragic way, however anyone else participating must have been born evil. From Paula to Stephanie's boyfriend should all suffer far harsher consequences for how eagerly they participated and how shamelessly enjoyed it years after. I spit on their graves.
@@pugettepugs6766 Yeah I mean, there's no justification or defending what Gertrude did to Slyvia. But I mean with her circumstances, the fact she was a broken human being living such a miserable life. That makes more sense in her case. As for the kids who participated, some of them seemed evil in their own way. If they literally chose to torture a girl just for the hell out of it, or some stupid reason like jealousy. That's awful.
What I didn't understand is that so many people went along with the abuse. Gertrude was a monster, but a lot of others joined in the torture.
@@arenzefischer8090 As for Gertrude's daughter, since she's the offspring of a monster, it's no surprise she was also a terrible human being. She sounded super insecure about herself and then took out her hate on Slyvia, just like her mother. As for the others, it's hard to explain the cruelty. Group mentality is a scary concept, either that or they were all equally as terrible.
@@pugettepugs6766 No excuses at all for her behaviour. None.
So gertrude, her kids, their friends, their neighbors all tortured her??? What the hell is that place???
This was my fathers cousin. I grew up hearing stories on her, but never to this extent. Rest peacefully Sylvia
Thank you so much for the level of detail included here. Most people’s versions are “parents ran away to the circus, ditched Silvia and a sister with evil bitch, evil bitch was born that way.” I always felt there was a lot more to the story.
Punishment was too weak. Poor girl. Those pieces of shits should have never been able to get released. They got off to easy.
People sometimes think of the past as this time of greater decency and simple rows of happy homes in a prosperous country. But I think the details of stories like these reveal that no era lacks people living in squalor and other issues. Looking up what short lives many of the players in this drama had, as many died of lung disease and other issues not so many years after these events, it's easy to see that earlier times were not necessarily healthier or happier times for all.
Yes. I agree. Also, with todays media we can hear about all the horrors from around the world. If there’s no horror in your own town ? Your local news will radiate out until they find a tragedy to bring to you. Some social scientist point to this a,Erica media trend as a huge contributor to our violent culture as compared to say the Canadian news media, where they tell stories about the found dog and good samaritams and don’t name the school shooters so they cannot be glorified . Our news directors say they only cover all the violent and depraved stories because we consume it. If we didn’t consume it ? They wouldn’t produce it. Conundrum.
This comment deserves way more thumbs up. I believe that when people talk about the "good old days" they have intentionally forgotten incidents like this, which was not an isolated incident by any means. The good old days are generally a myth perpetrated by people who didn't actually live through them.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better, I love your content more than any other creator that covers this stuff. Always respectful and informative.
Exactly!!
What's his health issue? Just curious since he mentioned it.
Reading the story of Sylvia Likens can make a person lose all faith in humanity.
This is the most upsetting case I've ever heard, like I've never had a case make me cry until now. My heart hurts for these poor girls, the world and the disgusting monsters in it never ceases to appall me.
Sylvia should have had a long, happy life. Thank you for sharing so much about Sylvia beyond what these monstrous people did to her.
I've cried only a few times in the last five years and watched many videos from this channel up to this point. At around the 40-minute mark, I finally broke down and cried. The suffering these girls endured is beyond anything I ever thought possible. I have a severe version of fibromyalgia, which means every day, I'm in excruciating pain that I can't escape from no matter how hard I try. I'm bitter that I can't live life like other people can. After watching this, I have a new perspective on life and what true suffering really is.
I can't remember which True Crime show I saw where someone said "Everything Sylvia went through Christ went through, but Christ died in a day." But pretty much. I have never been able to get through this case without skipping.
That is quite a powerful statement, Sylvia’s story really touches my heart. I wish I could hold her. I had to skip as well after the bottle scenario
She had it worse
@@badxradxandy Ya pretty much...
Deadly Women
@@PandaMonium92827 Yeah, that's the one! I saw it literally like 5 years ago and don't even know if its still accessible on YT but that line just stuck with me
I remember watching “the girl next door” when I was young and years later realizing it was based on this case. I went into the rabbit hole of it, and it’s one of the only cases that makes me feel so horrible and terrified. The things Sylvia endured are grotesque and cannot imagine her strength.
That movie was BRUTAL
But nothing can compare to what she went through 🥺
May God hold you in his hands Sylvia, and hug you and keep you forever in his presence. Amen.
I know a good deal about this case and it was a lot to take in. Hopefully during your research, you took breaks. Can't wait to hear your take 🙏
@@mc1069 I commented before watching, hence why I said “can't wait to hear your take.” Regardless of research, consuming this case in any way is a lot to take in.