A murderer, Gary Heidnik, shockingly dismissed concerns about a foul odor emanating from his residence as he cooked a victim’s head on his stove. Heidnik, infamous for inspiring the character Jame ‘Buffalo Bill’ Gumb in the movie “Silence of the Lambs,” held six women captive in a pit in his basement, subjecting them to physical and sexual abuse before killing two of them.
Neighbors reported a disturbing smell from Heidnik’s house, but he nonchalantly attributed it to his cooking when questioned. Even when law enforcement visited, Heidnik downplayed the odor, leading to suspicions. Eventually, one victim managed to escape, leading to the discovery of the horrific crimes inside Heidnik’s home — a torture chamber where women were chained in a pit, with some already dead.
Heidnik’s reign of terror began in 1986, with his victims enduring brutal beatings, rape, and starvation. He subjected them to inhumane treatment, such as making them eat pet food and forcing them to harm each other. His cruel punishments included hanging a victim for three days until she died.
His crimes came to light when a courageous victim escaped and alerted the authorities. Upon entering Heidnik’s residence, the police found traumatized women chained in the basement. Heidnik was arrested and later convicted of multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, and rape. Despite attempts to claim insanity during his trial, his wealth and calculated investments worked against him. He was sentenced to death and executed in 1999, marking the last execution in Pennsylvania.