John Wayne Gacy
Serial Murder (33 counts)
Illinois, USA
American
1972–1978
Capital Execution
EXECUTED (1994)
John Wayne Gacy was one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, murdering at least 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. Operating in the Chicago area, Gacy frequently performed as “Pogo the Clown” at local children’s parties, a dual identity that became central to his public notoriety.
After the discovery of multiple bodies buried in the crawlspace of his suburban home, Gacy was convicted and sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injection at the Stateville Correctional Center on May 10, 1994.
Gacy’s final meal request was distinct due to his background as a former manager of three KFC restaurant franchises. He requested the following:
- 12 deep-fried shrimp
- A bucket of Original Recipe KFC fried chicken
- French fries
- A pound of fresh strawberries
The choice of KFC was frequently noted by the media at the time, given Gacy’s prior employment within the fast-food industry. His execution marked a significant moment in the history of Illinois capital punishment, as it was the first execution in the state in over three decades.
