True Murder: The Most Shocking Killers in True Crime History

KILLING TIME WITH JOHN WAYNE GACY-Karen Conti

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

Attorney Karen Conti, who watched Gacy's victims being removed on TV as a teen, later became his death row appeals lawyer.

This episode of True Murder features an interview with attorney and author Karen Conti about her book 'Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy.' Conti explains how she and her law partner Greg Adamski got involved in Gacy's case after hearing his execution date announced on the radio in 1993. She describes their initial visit to Menard Correctional Center, where she met Gacy and other death row inmates, noting Gacy's unassuming appearance. Conti discusses her role as a spokesperson for the defense team, focusing on anti-death penalty advocacy. She shares insights from her conversations with Gacy, including his denial of crimes, his 'body book' of victims, and evidence suggesting he may have had accomplices. Conti delves into Gacy's background, including his abusive father and head injuries, as factors in his psychology. The legal efforts to stop the execution, such as challenging the lethal injection method via international treaty, are outlined. Conti reflects on the public and professional backlash she faced, including threats and criticism. She details Gacy's final days, the circus-like atmosphere around his execution, and how the case impacted her career, leading to media work. The episode concludes with Conti's arguments against the death penalty, citing lack of deterrence, racial bias, high costs, and wrongful executions, and notes progress in its abolition across states.

As heard by us

A death-row defense story that finds its edge in family shame and exhausted appeals.

Karen Conti's conversation about defending John Wayne Gacy narrows in on a grim moment after the death date was set and the usual appeals were already spent.

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Why you'd press play

You get John Wayne Gacy, death-row lawyering, and a hard, calm look at a defense that had to get creative.

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