The Unspeakable Truth: What The Sylvia Likens Stomach Inscription Revealed During The Trial

The tragic and deeply disturbing case of Sylvia Likens remains one of the most heinous crimes in American history, resonating with a profound sense of injustice and horror even today, in December 2025. The details of her prolonged torture and eventual murder in 1965 shocked the nation, exposing a dark chapter of cruelty orchestrated by her caregiver, Gertrude Baniszewski, and several others. While the entire case is a litany of unspeakable abuse, one particular detail—the inscription found on the victim’s stomach—has become a gruesome symbol of the depravity Sylvia Likens endured.

This specific injury, a permanent, scarring declaration carved into her skin, was a pivotal piece of evidence during the 1966 trial. It not only demonstrated the extreme sadism of her tormentors but also highlighted the calculated psychological warfare waged against the 16-year-old girl. Understanding this detail is essential to grasp the full scope of the abuse that led to her death.

Sylvia Marie Likens: A Tragic Biography

Sylvia Marie Likens was born on January 3, 1949, in Lebanon, Indiana. Her life, though tragically short, was marked by a loving family environment that was unfortunately fractured by financial instability and the need for her parents, Lester and Betty Likens, to travel frequently for work as carnival workers.

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• Full Name: Sylvia Marie Likens
• Born: January 3, 1949, Lebanon, Indiana
• Died: October 26, 1965 (Age 16), Indianapolis, Indiana
• Parents: Lester Likens and Betty Likens
• Siblings: Diana, Danny, Benny, and her younger sister, Jenny Likens (who was also placed in the Baniszewski home and testified at the trial)
• Caregiver (Perpetrator): Gertrude Baniszewski
• Cause of Death: Shock from multiple injuries, malnutrition, and a cerebral hemorrhage.
• Location of Crime: 3850 East New York Street, Indianapolis, Indiana (The Baniszewski residence).

In the summer of 1965, Sylvia and her younger sister, Jenny, were placed in the care of Gertrude Baniszewski, a mother of seven, in Indianapolis. The Likens parents paid $20 per week for their daughters' care. The abuse began almost immediately, starting with minor neglect and escalating quickly into systematic, severe torture and starvation that lasted for months.

The Shocking Inscription: Detailing the 'Stomach' Injury

The keyword "Sylvia Likens stomach" refers directly to one of the most shocking and infamous acts of torture committed against her: the carving of a degrading inscription into her abdomen. This act occurred just days before her death and was a final, brutal attempt to dehumanize and break the teenager.

The specific inscription, which became a cornerstone of the prosecution's case in the subsequent trial, was:

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"I am a prostitute and proud of it"

This horrific act was reportedly carried out by Gertrude Baniszewski's daughter, Paula Baniszewski, under the direction and supervision of Gertrude herself. The inscription was carved using a heated needle or a similar sharp object, leaving a deep, permanent scar on Sylvia's skin.

The Psychological and Physical Impact

The "stomach inscription" was not merely a physical wound; it represented the culmination of the psychological torture Sylvia had endured. Her abusers sought to strip her of her dignity and self-worth by forcing her to internalize the false narrative of being a "prostitute," a lie they had frequently used to justify their abuse to their own children and neighborhood kids who participated in the torture.

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Furthermore, the injury contributed to her overall decline. By the time of her death on October 26, 1965, Sylvia Likens was severely malnourished and covered in hundreds of cuts, bruises, and burns. The autopsy revealed that her cause of death was a combination of shock from her injuries, malnutrition, and a cerebral hemorrhage. The inscription on her stomach served as a visible, undeniable testament to the unique brutality and calculated malice of the crime.

The Trial, Convictions, and Enduring Legacy

The trial of Gertrude Baniszewski and the other co-defendants—her children Paula and Ricky Baniszewski, and neighborhood youths Coy Hubbard and John Baniszewski (no relation, but a friend of the family)—began in 1966. It was a sensational event, with the gruesome details of Sylvia’s abuse, particularly the stomach inscription, dominating the testimony.

Key Entities and Trial Outcomes

The prosecution, led by Leroy New, successfully argued that Gertrude Baniszewski was the ringleader and primary architect of the torture. The testimony of Sylvia's sister, Jenny Likens, who had also been abused but survived, was crucial in securing the convictions.

• Gertrude Baniszewski: Convicted of first-degree murder. Her sentence was later reduced to manslaughter, but she was eventually paroled in 1985. She died in 1990.
• Paula Baniszewski: Convicted of second-degree murder. She was paroled in 1972.
• Ricky Baniszewski and Coy Hubbard: Convicted of manslaughter. Both were paroled and released.
• John Baniszewski: Convicted of manslaughter. He was the one who alerted the police, which led to the discovery of Sylvia's body. He was later released.

Topical Authority and Cultural Impact (LSI Keywords)

The case had a profound and lasting impact on American true crime and culture, solidifying its place as "the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana."

The horrifying events were fictionalized and adapted into several major works, which continue to draw attention to the case and its victims:

• The Indiana Torture Slaying: A cult-classic paperback written by John Dean, who covered the trial for the Indianapolis Star.
• The Girl Next Door (2007): A novel by Jack Ketchum, widely considered a fictionalized account of the Sylvia Likens case, highlighting the themes of bystander apathy and mob cruelty.
• An American Crime (2007): A movie starring Ellen Page and Catherine Keener, which offered a direct, dramatized portrayal of the events leading up to Sylvia's death. This film, along with The Girl Next Door, brought the case to a new generation, sparking renewed discussion about child abuse and the failure of community oversight.

The legacy of Sylvia Likens is a grim reminder of the need for vigilance against child abuse and the devastating consequences of unchecked cruelty. The physical evidence, including the terrible inscription on her stomach, ensures that the details of her suffering are never forgotten, serving as a permanent scar on the history of Indianapolis and the American judicial system.