Macabre Mondays with Alejandra & Thomas Bendel - A True Crime & Paranormal Podcast

Sylvia Likens: The House of Unthinkable Cruelty

In October 1965, 16-year-old Sylvia Likens was found lifeless in the basement of a modest Indianapolis home, her body bearing the marks of unimaginable cruelty. But behind the door of 3850 East New York Street wasn’t a stranger or a kidnapper. It was the woman who had promised to keep her safe.

In this haunting episode of Macabre Mondays, we unravel the chilling case of Sylvia Likens, a story of neglect, manipulation, and the darkness that can grow when cruelty goes unchecked. From the twisted mind of Gertrude Baniszewski to the silent complicity of neighbors and children, this episode dives deep into one of the most disturbing crimes in American history.

Beautiful Bright 16 Year old Sylvia Likens - Macabre Mondays
Jenny & Sylvia Likens with her sisters and friends
Gertrude and the Torture House
Mattress Sylvia was found on - Basement Sylvia Likens was kept in - Macabre Mondays
Detectives inside the house at the mattress that Sylvia Likens was found deceased on
Richard Hobbs & John Jr with Gertrude at Court Hearing for Sylvia Likens - Macabre Mondays
Paula & Gertrude at the court hearing
The funeral for Sylvia Likens
News Paper Clipping for Sylvia Likens - Tomb Stone of Sylvia Likens
News Paper Clipping for Sylvia Likens - Tomb Stone of Sylvia Likens

Additional Information About the Episode:

⚠️ TW: This episode contains descriptions of severe child abuse, torture, and violence that may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

 

🎧 Macabre Mondays is a true crime and paranormal podcast hosted by Alejandra and her husband Tom. Each week, storyteller and spooky enthusiast Ale unpacks some of the most haunting cases she’s researched, dragging her husband along for the ride, whether he’s ready for it or not. He’s hearing it all for the first time… just like you.