Edward Theodore Gein was one of the most notorious murderers in U.S. history. The particularly bizarre and morbid nature of his crimes shocked the world, even though it may never be known if he committed more than two murders. Besides the death of his brother in 1944 under mysterious circumstances, six people disappeared from Wisconsin towns of La Crosse and Plainfield between 1947 and 1957. Gein was conclusively linked to only two, though it is suspected there were more.

The story of Ed Gein has had a lasting impact on popular culture as evidenced by its numerous appearances in movies, music and literature. Gein's story was adapted into several moves, including Deranged (1974) In the Light of the Moon (2000 later retitled Ed Gein for the U.S. market), and Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield (2007). Gein influenced the nature of book and film characters, most notably such fictional serial killers as Norman Bates (Psycho), Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and Buffalo Bill (The Silence of the Lambs).

Ed Gein remained for many years a bogeyman figure in much of America, and his crimes still resonate today as an example of the nightmarish consequences that can follow on from a warped childhood.

Eddie showed no signs of remorse or emotion during the many hours of interrogation. When he talked about the murders and of his grave robbing escapades, he spoke very matter-of-factly, even cheerfully at times. He had no concept of the enormity of his crimes.