Episode 10: The Tragic Death of Sylvia Likens

In the summer of 1965, Sylvia and Jenny Likens were entrusted to the care of Gertrude Banizewski while their parents traveled to earn money for the family.  Over the course of just a few months, Sylvia experienced unimaginable abuse and humiliation. But it wasn’t just Gertrude who was responsible; children from the family and around the neighborhood all participated in her death.  Sylvia’s murder is a dark spot in Indiana history, changing both the culture and the law to ensure that the tragedy of Sylvia’s final months would never happen again.  In this accidental deep dive, Tommy and Mick will explore motives, histories, and bystander effect.