A murderer, Gary Heidnik, displayed a disturbing reaction when confronted about a foul odor emanating from his residence while he was cooking one of his victim’s heads on his stove.
Heidnik, likened to the infamous ‘Buffalo Bill’ from Silence of the Lambs, imprisoned six women in a pit he dug in his basement. He subjected them to repeated physical and sexual abuse, leading to the death of two of the captives.
Neighbors reported a putrid smell from Heidnik’s home before his capture. Despite inquiries about the odor, he dismissed concerns, attributing it to his cooking. Even when a police officer visited, Heidnik downplayed the smell before authorities uncovered the horrifying truth.
The discovery of Heidnik’s atrocities came to light when one victim managed to escape, leading police to his house. Inside, they found a harrowing scene – a torture chamber where three women remained chained in the basement pit, while two others had been killed.
Heidnik’s reign of terror began in 1986 with his first victim, whom he kidnapped and imprisoned in his basement after a transaction. He continued to abduct and abuse women, sustaining them with meager food and subjecting them to brutal treatment.
The survivors recounted Heidnik’s cruel punishments, including hanging victims and withholding food. Tragically, some captives perished due to the inhumane conditions they endured.
Heidnik’s capture was triggered by a courageous victim who outwitted him and alerted the authorities. Upon investigation, the police were met with a chilling sight of chained women in distress.
Heidnik, who tried to claim insanity during his trial, was convicted of multiple heinous crimes and ultimately sentenced to death. He met his end through execution in 1999, marking the final execution in Pennsylvania to date.