Postmortem: What Survives The John Wayne Gacy Murder Trials with Courtney Lund O'Neil

My Simplified Life with Michelle Glogovac

In this episode, Michelle Glogovac interviews Courtney Lund O'Neil, author of Postmortem, which explores the chilling story of John Wayne Gacy through the lens of Courtney's mother, who was the last person to see one of Gacy's victims. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma on families, the societal fascination with criminals, and the importance of telling stories from different perspectives. Courtney shares her journey of writing the book, the courtroom drama surrounding the case, and the ripple effects of such tragedies on individuals and communities.

What We're Talking About...

• Courtney's mother was a key witness in the Gacy trial.
• The book provides a personal perspective on a historical crime.
• Generational trauma affects how families cope with tragedy.
• The societal fascination with criminals can overshadow victims' stories.
• Writing the book was a way to honor her mother's experience.
• The courtroom drama reveals the complexities of legal proceedings.
• There is a need for more voices in true crime narratives.
• The impact of crime extends beyond the immediate victims.
• Understanding the past can help shape a safer future.
• The book aims to shift the focus from the criminal to the victims.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Crime and Personal Connection 05:02 The Background of John Wayne Gacy 07:52 The Impact of Gacy's Crimes on Families 10:55 Researching the Past: A Journey with Mom 13:50 The Sensationalism of True Crime 17:05 Exploring the Ripple Effects of Crime 19:52 The Role of Victims and Their Families 23:05 Generational Trauma and Storytelling 25:40 The Aftermath: Living with the Legacy of Gacy 28:54 Reflections on the Book's Purpose 34:51 Introduction to 'Postmortem' and Its Significance

Links Mentioned

Courtney Lund O'Neil's Website

https://www.courtneylundoneil.com/

Postmortem: What Survives The John Wayne Gacy Murder Trials by Courtney Lund O'Neil

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780806542997