Karen Conti, Gacy's defense attorney during his death row appeals, believes there are more victims beyond the 33 confirmed murders, and that the "Killer Clown" may have had accomplices.
John Wayne Gacy, the infamous "Killer Clown," murdered over 33 young men and boys, but his former lawyer, Karen Conti, believes the true number of victims may be significantly higher. Conti, who represented Gacy during his death row appeals from 1993 to 1994, has released a book detailing her interactions with the serial killer, and in it, she argues that Gacy's killing spree likely extended beyond the boundaries of his suburban home.
Conti's theory is based on Gacy's frequent travels to rural areas for construction work during the time of his crimes. She notes that he meticulously kept business records that could potentially provide clues to additional murders. "I just can't imagine why he would stop killing during that time," she said.
Furthermore, Conti believes Gacy may have had assistance in his crimes, specifically from two young men who lived with him. She alleges that these individuals were involved in procuring victims, assisting with their restraint and burial, and even possibly perpetrating the crimes themselves.
"They were taking money and drugs from him," Conti said. "And it's impossible for me to believe that Gacy, who was very portly, could actually go down into that crawlspace and carry bodies down there and bury them alone."
One of Gacy's victims, Jeffrey Rignall, testified that he was sexually assaulted by Gacy with the help of an accomplice. Despite this, prosecutors opted not to implicate any potential co-conspirators, fearing it would complicate the case against Gacy.
Conti also debunks the myth surrounding Gacy's alleged last words, "Kiss my a--." She reveals that the phrase is an urban legend and that Gacy actually said nothing before his execution.
Despite the sinister nature of her client, Conti observed a dry, cynical sense of humor in Gacy. She believes this was a defense mechanism to deflect from his darker impulses and gain favor.
"Gacy, for all of his evil acts, did not appear to be evil," she said. "He was very genial. He was affable. He was glib."
Conti faced significant backlash for taking Gacy's case, including death threats and a near-tarnished career. However, after Gacy's execution and the passage of time, she has gained a different perspective.
"It's more the story of how a young lawyer takes on this case, and with the public backlash, how I had to forge a relationship with somebody who was the epitome of evil," Conti said about her book.
Conti's insights into Gacy's case and the challenges she faced as his lawyer provide a unique perspective on the notorious serial killer and the complexities surrounding his crimes.
