Paula Baniszewski is primarily remembered for her involvement in the most notorious crime in Indian history, the killing of Sylvia Likens in 1965. Her association with this tragedy, trial, and family dynamics have given her a complex and controversial legacy.
Early Life and Background of Paula Baniszewski
Paula Baniszewski is one of seven children from a large, working class family in Indiana; she was born in 1947. Paula was the daughter of Gertrude Baniszewski, a mother struggling with financial instability and personal hardships like divorces and mental illness. Children in the Baniszewski home, including Paula, experienced harsh conditions without proper parental care.
Paula was called a troubled teen whose behavior often mirrored her dysfunctional upbringing. Absence of positive role models, economic hardship, and parental neglect led Paula and her siblings to make poor decisions and misbehavior. The Baniszewski family’s life changed drastically in 1965, when two teenage girls, Sylvia Likens and her sister Jenny, were left in Gertrude Baniszewski’s care.
The Arrival of Sylvia Likens
16 years old Sylvia Likens, from a similarly difficult background, was brought to live with the Baniszewski family in 1965. Sylvia’s parent left her and her younger sister Jenny, in Gertrude Baniszewski’s custody, paying Gertrude to care for the girls while they traveled for work. But this arrangement became a nightmare for Sylvia, who became the target of Gertrude’s growing rage and frustration.
Sylvia Likens endured increasing abuse and torment at the Baniszewski household. She was verbally abused, mistreated and physically tortured. Tragically, Paula Baniszewski, her mother, and other household members participated in the abuse Sylvia suffered.
Paula Baniszewski and the Murder of Sylvia Likens
The abuse of Sylvia Likens remains a controversial and disturbing aspect of the case involving Paula Baniszewski. While her mother Gertrude mainly instigated the abuse, Paula participated in Sylvia’s savage treatment. Evidence at the trial showed that Paula had participated in the violence and even injured Sylvia.
Perhaps, Paula was also dealing with personal issues at the time. It made her situation more complex and may have made her more vulnerable to the influence of her mother. Many believed Paula acted because of her own insecurities and emotional instability, compounded by her difficult upbringing and dependence on her mother for approval. Nevertheless, she was charged and convicted in Sylvia’s death.
The Trial and Conviction of Paula Baniszewski
After the murder of Sylvia Likens, Paula Baniszewski, her mother Gertrude, and several others were tried for the abuse and murder in 1966. Gertrude received a life sentence and Paula initially received less than that. But on appealing Paula’s case, her conviction was overturned, leading to a retrial. Finally, Paula pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a reduced sentence. She served several years in prison but was eventually released on parole.
Paula’s Life after Prison
Paula Baniszewski started rebuilding her life outside the spotlight after her release from prison. She reportedly changed her name and sought a quiet life, avoiding her past. She probably chose to take a new name to avoid the stigma of being involved in Sylvia Likens’ death. Public interest in the case occasionally surfaces again, highlighting Paula’s troubled past despite her efforts to keep it private.
Paula’s effort to move on have been met with empathy and criticism. Some believe she deserved a chance to recover, others still consider her actions unforgivable. However, Paula’s tale is a warning about how environmental and familial dysfunction can lead to crime, especially among vulnerable populations.
