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1941–1991

Latest News: Richard Speck Appears in Monster: The Ed Gein Story

The Netflix true crime series Monster: The Ed Gein Story suggests killer Richard Speck found inspiration in Ed Gein ’s murders—and even wrote to the killer after his arrest. While this more than likely isn’t true based on what we know about the pair, the series is bringing renewed attention to Speck’s life and crimes.

In Monster , Speck (played by Tobias Jelenik) corresponds with Gein ( Charlie Hunnam ) via letters, calling him a friend and “role model.” The real Speck was convicted of killing eight women on Chicago’s South Side in 1966 and sentenced to death, though the sentence was later commuted to 50 to 100 years in prison.

However, there is no direct evidence that Gein’s crimes infl

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