Ed Gein: Did He Murder His Brother, Henry?

The story of Ed Gein, the notorious grave robber and murderer, is filled with macabre details that continue to fascinate and horrify. While Gein was convicted for the murder of two women, questions linger about other potential victims. One of the most persistent and unsettling questions is: Did Ed Gein kill his brother, Henry?

The Mysterious Death of Henry Gein

Henry Gein died on May 16, 1944. The official cause of death was asphyxiation, and it occurred during a fire on the Gein farm. At the time, Ed and Henry were burning brush to clear land. While the incident was ruled an accident, several factors have fueled speculation that Ed may have been responsible for his brother’s death.

Circumstances Surrounding the Death

• Lack of Witnesses: Ed was the only witness to Henry’s death.
• Conflicting Accounts: Ed’s versions of the events leading up to Henry’s death were inconsistent.
• Skeletal Remains: Years later, after Ed Gein's crimes came to light, investigators noted the possibility that Henry's death was more than an accident, given Ed's disturbed nature.

Motives and Theories

Several theories attempt to explain why Ed Gein might have killed his brother:

1. Jealousy: Henry was known to openly criticize their mother, Augusta, whom Ed idolized. Some believe Ed resented Henry’s dissent and might have silenced him.
2. Accidental Manslaughter: It's plausible that a heated argument led to a physical altercation, resulting in Henry’s accidental death, which Ed then covered up.

Evidence and Investigations

Despite the suspicions, there was never enough concrete evidence to charge Ed Gein with his brother's murder. The investigation at the time was cursory, and the focus shifted dramatically when Gein's more explicit crimes were discovered in the late 1950s.

Why the Doubts Persist

• Ed Gein's Confessed Crimes: Gein admitted to grave robbing and the murders of Bernice Worden and Mary Hogan. His capacity for violence and bizarre behavior makes it difficult to dismiss the possibility of fratricide.
• Psychological Profile: Experts have described Gein as having a complex psychological makeup, including elements of psychosis and a deep attachment to his deceased mother.

Conclusion

While it’s impossible to state definitively that Ed Gein murdered his brother Henry, the circumstances surrounding Henry’s death are undoubtedly suspicious. The lack of solid evidence and the passage of time mean the truth may never be fully known. Nonetheless, the question remains a chilling footnote in the disturbing saga of Ed Gein, a man whose crimes continue to haunt the annals of American true crime.

Further Reading: To learn more about Ed Gein and the details surrounding his case, consider exploring true crime documentaries and books that delve into the details of his life and crimes.