Gerard John Schaefer was born on March 25, 1946, in Wisconsin. He grew up in a seemingly normal household, but there were signs early on that he was not like other children. As a young boy, he showed a fascination with violence and death, often torturing and killing animals. This behavior would later escalate into something much more sinister.
Schaefer initially pursued a career as a schoolteacher, but he was fired from his position for inappropriate behavior with female students. He then applied to become a priest, but he was rejected. Finally, he turned to law enforcement and became a sheriff's deputy.
It was during his time as a sheriff's deputy that Schaefer began to act on his violent impulses. He started to target and murder young women, often claiming his victims while on duty. Despite suspicions being raised about his involvement in the disappearances of several girls and women, he managed to evade capture for some time.
In 1973, Schaefer was finally arrested and charged with the murders of two young women. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. However, it is believed that he was responsible for the disappearances of over 30 girls and women during his time as a sheriff's deputy.
At the time of his arrest, Schaefer was married and living with his wife and mother. It is chilling to think that he was able to lead such a double life, appearing as a devoted husband and son while committing heinous crimes.
During his time in prison, Schaefer claimed to be admired by his fellow inmate Ted Bundy, another notorious serial killer. Their twisted bond only served to further highlight the depths of depravity to which Schaefer had sunk.