Yes, An American Crime (2007) is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl who was tortured and murdered by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children in Indianapolis in 1965.
What is the true story behind the movie An American Crime (2007)?
An American Crime is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl who was tortured and eventually killed by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children in Indiana in 1965. Baniszewski took in Sylvia and her sister as boarders for a fee while their parents traveled with a carnival. Over time, Baniszewski and her children began to abuse and torture Sylvia, locking her in the basement, burning her with cigarettes, and forcing her to sleep outside.
The abuse escalated to the point where Sylvia was unable to walk, talk or eat, and eventually died from her injuries. Baniszewski and some of her children were convicted and sentenced to prison for their crimes. The case became infamous and brought up questions about child abuse and the responsibility of adults to protect children in their care.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie An American Crime (2007)?
Yes, there is a book titled “The Basement: Meditations on a Human Sacrifice” by Kate Millett, which details the true story of the murder of Sylvia Likens, which inspired the movie An American Crime. The book includes interviews with law enforcement officials, lawyers, and witnesses to the crime, as well as Millett’s personal reflections on the horrific case.
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