Sylvia Baker Murder – A Tragic Crime That Shocked the Nation

The Sylvia Baker murder case is a tragic reminder of the horrific abuse and neglect that can occur behind closed doors.

On October 26, 1965, Sylvia Baker was brutally tortured and murdered by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski, Baniszewski’s children, and neighborhood friends in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The autopsy report revealed that Sylvia had 150 wounds across her body, including burns, scald marks, and eroded skin. 

The abuse started when Sylvia and her younger sister Jenny were sent to live with Gertrude Baniszewski, who had agreed to care for them in exchange for $20 a week from their parents. However, when the payments stopped, Gertrude started hitting the girls as a way of releasing her anger.

Throughout August of 1965, Sylvia was the target of most of Gertrude’s abuse, including beatings, starvation, and humiliation. 

Sylvia was subjected to various forms of abuse, including neglect, belittlement, sexual humiliation, laceration, burning, and dehydration. 

Despite being only 16 years old, she lost her life due to the numerous injuries inflicted upon her. Deputy Prosecutor Leroy New called it “the most diabolical case to ever come before a court or jury,” while Gertrude’s defense attorney, William C. Erbecker, described the acts committed on Sylvia as “degradation that you wouldn’t commit on a dog” before her death.

Who is Sylvia Marie?

Sylvia Marie Likens was born to Lester Cecil Likens and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Frances, who worked in the carnival industry. Sylvia was the third child of five children and had twin siblings. 

Her younger sister, Jenny, had polio and required a steel brace. Despite this, Sylvia was always protective of her sister and would often help her skate at a nearby rink since childhood.

As a toddler, Sylvia lost one of her front teeth, giving her a closed smile. However, she was still known for her lovely and friendly nature. She had long, wavy hair and was a huge fan of The Beatles.

Sylvia’s family faced financial struggles, and as a result, she worked odd jobs for friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to earn spending money. 

She even gave a portion of her earnings to her mother. Despite the challenges she faced, Sylvia was known for her kindness and willingness to help others.

The brutal killing

On October 26, 1965, Sylvia lost her life after enduring weeks of torture and abuse. Before her death, on October 25th, Sylvia made numerous unsuccessful attempts to flee, resulting in being assaulted with a curtain rod. 

She tried to let the neighbors know she was in trouble, but no one came to her to help. Later, Gertrude Baniszewski attempted to feed Sylvia, but Sylvia refused to sip the milk properly, and Gertrude threw her to the ground in frustration. 

Sylvia was sent back to the basement, where she was unable to move, and she was tortured and abused by her captors until she died later that afternoon.

After Sylvia’s death, Stephanie, Gertrude’s daughter, attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while Richard Hobbs, a youngster who had previously visited the Baniszewski home, found Sylvia’s body. 

Gertrude said that Sylvia was faking her death, but it was clear that Sylvia had succumbed to her numerous injuries.

What did the autopsy photo reveal?

An autopsy was conducted after Sylvia’s death, and the results were shocking. She had over 150 different wounds all over her body, burns, severe bruising, and significant muscle and nerve damage. 

Furthermore, her fingernails were completely broken backward, and her vaginal canal was nearly closed. 

Most of the skin’s outer layers had been removed from her cheeks, breasts, neck, and right knee. In her dying moments, Sylvia had eaten through her lips, ripping some of them from her face. 

The autopsy report revealed that the official cause of Sylvia’s death was a subdural hematoma as a result of a serious hit to her right temple. 

Both severe malnutrition and the shock she had experienced were listed as contributing factors to her death. She had passed away up to eight hours before her body was found.

Funeral ceremony of Sylvia

Sylvia’s funeral was held on October 29, 1965, at the Russell & Hitch Funeral Home in Lebanon. More than 100 mourners attended, and her gray casket remained open throughout the ceremony, with a portrait of her taken before July 1965 adorning her coffin. 

Sylvia’s body was taken in a hearse to the Oak Hill Cemetery for burial after the funeral service. 

The 14-car procession that carried her body to the cemetery included this hearse. Her grave marker bears the inscription “Our Darling Daughter.”

Who killed Sylvia?

Gertrude Baniszewski, her oldest daughter Paula, her son John, and two neighborhood youths, Coy Hubbard and Richard Hobbs, were all found to be involved in Sylvia’s murder. 

Baniszewski was convicted of first-degree murder and given a life sentence but was released on parole in 1985. 

Paula was granted parole in 1972 after being found guilty of second-degree murder. After being found guilty of manslaughter, Hobbs, Hubbard, and John spent less than two years in the Indiana Reformatory before being released on parole on February 27, 1968.

Sylvia’s torture and murder are considered the worst crimes ever perpetrated in Indiana. A veteran investigator with the Indianapolis Police Department who worked there for 35 years called it the “most sadistic” case. 

Her story is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and stopping abuse and neglect, as well as the need for justice and compassion for those who have been victimized.

The perpetrators of Sylvia Baker murder were ultimately brought to justice, but the scars of her senseless death still linger today.