Bonus: John Wayne Gacy: A Case Review & Peacock’s “Devil in Disguise”
Once Upon A Crime
Esther Ludlow
4.6 • 5K Ratings
🗓️ 15 December 2025
⏱️ 21 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther revisits the horrific crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, often referred to as “The Killer Clown,” and reviews the 2025 Peacock docu-drama Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. The episode explores Gacy’s background, his crimes, the investigation's failures, and how the new series approaches the case from a victim-centered perspective.
🔍 Episode Overview
- A concise but comprehensive summary of John Wayne Gacy’s life, early red flags, criminal history, and escalation into serial murder.
- A breakdown of the 1978 investigation that led to the discovery of 33 victims and Gacy’s eventual arrest.
- Key points from Gacy’s trial, sentencing, and 1994 execution after 14 years on death row.
- Esther’s review of the 2025 Peacock TV series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy:
- How the series differs from past portrayals
- Why its victim-focused storytelling stands out
- What is factually accurate and what is dramatized
- A discussion of additional theories, research, and case details not included in the series.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (2025), Peacock TV / Littleton Road Productions
- Creator & Showrunner: Patrick McManus
- Rolling Stone – “Four Things ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ Leaves Out”
- Elisabeth Garber-Paul (Oct 24, 2025)
- EBSCO Knowledge Advantage: John Wayne Gacy – Research Starters
- People Magazine – “‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ — What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?”
- Caroline Blair (Oct 20, 2025)
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✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽
We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure.
Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!
🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!
📝 Connect With the Show
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Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Hey, true crime fans, want to travel with us? |
| 0:05.0 | Tickets are officially on sale for our very first trip, and it's to Mexico City, and we want you to join us. |
| 0:13.0 | We'll spend four unforgettable days in Mexico City from March 27th to 30th, 2026. |
| 0:19.0 | You'll experience the real CDMX, with local guides to sit mescal, |
| 0:23.8 | eat tacos like locals, and explore one of the world's most vibrant cities, safely and |
| 0:28.9 | stress-free. It will be a trip you'll be talking about for years to come, and one you'll experience |
| 0:34.5 | with me, Lorena, and a killer crew of podcast fans just like you. |
| 0:39.2 | Your spot includes meals, activities, and expert guides, all for $1951. |
| 0:45.4 | Flight's not included, but everything else? Handled. |
| 0:48.7 | We've got just 8 to 20 spots, so don't wait. Book now and let's make memories in Mexico together. |
| 0:55.2 | Click the link in the show notes to reserve your spot today. |
| 1:05.0 | This podcast details true crime cases. |
| 1:08.4 | It contains adult themes and may contain descriptions of violence. It is not |
| 1:12.7 | intended for children. Listener discretion is advised. |
| 1:23.9 | Thank you for joining me for this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime. |
| 1:28.3 | As we wrap up this year and move into the holiday season, |
| 1:31.6 | I've been binge watching a few true crime documentaries and series. |
| 1:35.4 | In this special episode, we'll take a look back at one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, |
| 1:41.9 | John Wayne Gacy, and a review of Peacock's new 2025 docudrama, |
| 1:47.0 | Devil in Disguise, John Wayne Gacy. |
| 1:50.0 | This eight-part dramatization, created by Patrick McManus, takes a fresh approach to a case that's been covered, and often sensationalized, for decades. |
| 2:00.0 | What stood out to me is that the series |
... |
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