American Crime: The Story of Sylvia Likens

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In summary, the conversation is discussing a movie and the story it was based on, which involves a young girl named Sylvia Likens who was tortured and killed by her caretakers. The conversation also mentions similar crimes against children happening all over the world and a specific case where a father locked his daughter in a cellar for 24 years and repeatedly raped her.
  • #1
mbisCool
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Has anyone else seen this movie? The story it was largely based off of is sick. I don't see how so many people could be involved and allow that to occur (Sorry if this is old news)!

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/young/likens/1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Likens
 
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  • #2
The really sad part about all this is that it still continues to happen, not just in the US, but all over the world.
 

1. Who was Sylvia Likens?

Sylvia Likens was a 16-year-old girl who became the victim of a horrific crime that took place in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1965. She was tortured and eventually killed by her caretakers, Gertrude Baniszewski and her children.

2. What happened to Sylvia Likens?

Sylvia Likens was tortured and eventually killed by her caretakers, Gertrude Baniszewski and her children. She was subjected to extreme physical and emotional abuse, including being burned with cigarettes, beaten, and starved. She eventually died from a combination of injuries and malnutrition.

3. What was the motivation behind the crime?

The motivation behind the crime is unclear, but it is believed that Gertrude Baniszewski was jealous of Sylvia and her sister, who were staying with her as boarders. She may have also been under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which may have contributed to her violent behavior.

4. How did the perpetrators get caught?

The perpetrators were caught when a neighbor reported seeing Sylvia's battered and malnourished body. The police were called and an investigation began. Gertrude Baniszewski and her children were eventually arrested and charged with the crime.

5. What was the outcome of the trial?

Gertrude Baniszewski was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Her children and other accomplices were also found guilty and received various sentences. The case received widespread media attention and sparked public outrage over the horrific nature of the crime.

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