The third episode of Netflix’s “The Ed Gein Story” delves into the unsettling disappearance of Evelyn Hartley, a fifteen-year-old honor student who vanished under mysterious circumstances on October 24, 1953. Evelyn was babysitting Janis, the young daughter of Viggo Rasmussen, a colleague of her father, Richard Hartley, a professor at Wisconsin State College in La Crosse. Typically in touch with her parents during the evening, Evelyn failed to check in, prompting Richard to make a frantic call to the Rasmussens’ home. When no one answered, he rushed over, finding only Evelyn’s eyeglasses and a canvas loafer in the living room, leading to the immediate realization that something terrible had happened.
The episode introduces some creative license taken in portrayal, as the storyline suggests a connection between Evelyn and Ed Gein, the notorious antagonist. In the show, Ed is depicted as being jealous of Evelyn’s babysitting gig, claiming it was essential to fund his wedding. However, historical accounts indicate that Ed and his brother Henry did take odd babysitting jobs, but there is no documented evidence linking Ed to the Rasmussen household or suggesting he was ever in direct competition with Evelyn in that regard. Additionally, claims regarding Evelyn having been diagnosed with polio or using a brace and cane have no factual basis.
The investigation into Evelyn’s disappearance uncovered disturbing evidence, including traces of blood found in the Rasmussens’ home, an open basement window, and footprints stained with blood leading away. Authorities theorized that Evelyn may have heard a sound from the basement that prompted her to investigate, which ultimately led to her abduction. This premise echoes visuals presented in Netflix’s “Monster,” where a similar sequence shows Ed Gein entering a house through the basement. Nonetheless, this representation is fictionalized.
Despite extensive searches, including visits from Police Chief George Long to local media, Evelyn’s body was never recovered. The situation grew more ominous as no ransom demands were made, leading to the belief that she was likely killed by her abductor. In a remarkable turn of events, after Ed Gein was apprehended for the murder of Bernice Worden, authorities unearthed a macabre collection of human remains in his possession, prompting speculation that he may have been involved in multiple unsolved cases, including Evelyn’s disappearance.
Rumors surfaced suggesting that one of the preserved heads in Ed’s collection belonged to a younger woman resembling Evelyn. However, these claims were dismissed by investigators, with no evidence to support them. Further, Ed’s attempts to stay informed about local fatalities stemmed from his grotesque interest in grave robbing rather than a direct connection to Evelyn’s case. Following a polygraph test, Ed was exonerated as a suspect in her crime, although community sentiment in Plainfield continues to associate him with the mystery of the missing babysitter due to his proximity and activities on the day of her disappearance.
In “Monster,” the dramatized depiction of events portrays Ed viciously attacking Evelyn, but these portrayals are rooted in artistic interpretation rather than factual accuracy. This intersection of true crime and fictional narrative showcases the broader societal fascination with the gruesome, amplifying the intrigue surrounding Evelyn’s story while acknowledging that her fate remains an unsolved mystery. Despite the grim details, the ongoing interest in her case serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the need to remember those who have vanished under tragic circumstances.