(NewsNation) — Serial killer John Wayne Gacy, infamous for the brutal murders of at least 33 young men and boys in the 1970s, continues to intrigue the public psyche.
Karen Conti, the attorney who represented Gacy, has released a book titled “Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy,” offering insight into her years-long interaction with the convicted killer.
“Sitting with John Gacy was like sitting with your favorite uncle or a bus driver or somebody who you knew and saw every day. He did not appear evil,” Conti said attributing his affable and engaging nature to his ability to evade capture for so long.
“If there’s anyone who deserves the death penalty, it would be someone like John Gacy. I don’t believe in the death penalty. I never did. And I never will,” Conti said in an interview on “NewsNation Prime,” discussing her motivations and experiences while representing one of America’s most notorious murderers.
“I took on this representation, not to get him out of prison, but just to save his life.” Conti said despite acknowledging the vile nature of Gacy’s crimes, maintained her opposition to the death penalty throughout her representation.
She saw her efforts as part of a broader cause, standing up for the principles of justice and fair representation, especially for those on death row who may have legitimate claims of innocence or injustice.
When asked about the possibility of additional victims beyond the confirmed 33, Conti expressed certainty, citing Gacy’s extensive travels for construction work and his meticulous record-keeping.
She suggested that investigators should scrutinize Gacy’s business records, particularly in regions where he operated but was less known, such as the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Wisconsin.
Gacy’s modus operandi involved luring victims to his Chicago-area home under false pretenses, promising construction work or demonstrating magic tricks. He then subjected them to sexual assault, torture, and eventual murder, burying most of the bodies in the crawlspace beneath his house or on his property.
Gacy’s public persona as a clown earned him the moniker “the killer clown,” adding a chilling layer to his already terrifying persona.