Gertrude was convicted of first-degree murder. Paula was convicted of second-degree murder. They each received a life sentence, but after a 2nd trial, Paula pled down to manslaughter and was released two years later. Gertrude was paroled in 1985. She claimed she had no memory of her actions. She died four years later of lung cancer. If there is a devil in hell, he is currently roasting the old bat over hot coals.
Paula moved to Iowa, where she secured a new identity and a job at an elementary school as a teachers aid until someone tipped the school about her past that led her to be fired.
Stephanie married, had several children, and became a school teacher.
Richard Hobbs, Coy Hubbard and Gertrude's son John, were convicted of manslaughter. All received 2–21 year prison terms of which they served two years. Richard died of cancer at age 21.
Baby Denny was adopted into a new family, as was the daughter Paula was pregnant with during the crime.
Jenny Likens married and had children of her own. She lived long enough to read Gertrude's obituary, which she mailed to her mother with a letter that read, "Some good news. Damn old Gertrude died. Ha ha ha! I am happy about that."
The death of Sylvia Likens continues to haunt Indianapolis as the worst crime ever committed in the state. Prosecutor Leroy New said it best:
"This case has never had it's equal. It is the most vicious thing, the most hideous thing, Indiana has ever seen."
The house sat empty for decades before it was leveled. It is now a church parking lot. A memorial dedicated to Sylvia's memory stands in Willard Park, where Sylvia used to play.
YOU ARE READING
Why Me?
Non-FictionThe gruesome true crime case of Sylvia Likens. Disclaimer: if you are squeamish to this subject I advise you not to read this book! Don't say I didn't warn you!
