Did Ed Gein Kill His Brother in Real Life?

 Ed Gein, often referred to as the "Butcher of Plainfield," is one of America’s most infamous criminals. While Gein is widely known for his grave-robbing, murders, and the inspiration he provided for horror films like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, one question that still lingers is whether he may have killed his own brother, Henry Gein.

The Story of the Gein Brothers

Ed Gein was born in 1906 in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. He grew up in an isolated and abusive household with his alcoholic father, domineering mother Augusta, and older brother Henry. Ed was extremely close to his mother, who instilled in him twisted views about women and morality. Henry, on the other hand, reportedly resented Augusta’s influence and often criticized Ed for his unhealthy attachment to her.

This difference in outlook created tension between the two brothers. Some historians and criminologists suggest that Henry may have worried about Ed’s dependence on their mother and spoke against her strict, controlling ways.

The Day of Henry’s Death

On May 16, 1944, a brush fire broke out near the Gein property in Plainfield, Wisconsin. Ed and Henry went out together to control the blaze. At some point, the brothers were separated. Later that evening, Ed reported his brother missing.

Strangely, when police arrived, Ed led them directly to Henry’s body as if he knew exactly where it was. Henry was found lying face down in the brush with bruises on his head. Despite this suspicious discovery, the official cause of death was ruled asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation, and no autopsy was performed.

Was It Murder or an Accident?

The circumstances surrounding Henry’s death remain highly controversial.

• Suspicious Signs: The bruises on Henry’s head suggested possible blunt force trauma, which did not align neatly with smoke inhalation. Some speculate that Ed may have struck his brother during an argument.

• Motives: Henry had reportedly criticized Ed’s devotion to their mother, Augusta. Given Ed’s obsessive attachment, some theorists believe he may have seen his brother as a threat.

• Police Investigation: At the time, the small-town police did not pursue the matter further. They accepted Ed’s account and ruled Henry’s death accidental.

What Experts Say

While there is no concrete evidence to prove Ed Gein killed his brother, many criminologists consider Henry’s death suspicious. Some even view it as Ed’s possible first murder, years before his better-known crimes of grave robbing and killing women in the 1950s.

However, without an autopsy or further investigation, the truth may never be known. What is certain is that Henry’s death left Ed alone with his mother—something that may have intensified his psychological decline and set the stage for his later crimes.

Conclusion

So, did Ed Gein kill his brother? The official record says no—Henry’s death was ruled accidental. Yet the unexplained head injuries and Ed’s unusual behavior have fueled decades of speculation. Whether by accident or intent, Henry’s death marked a pivotal turning point in Ed Gein’s life, leaving him even more isolated and dependent on the woman who shaped his disturbing worldview.