You can’t help but think the person that did this was a sick in the head individual. Indianapolis calls this one of gruesome crimes in the city’s history.
Jurors recall Sylvia Likens' torture-slaying trial by Michael Boren, Indianapolis Star
It has been nearly half a century since Paula Baniszewski pleaded guilty to her role in the brutal torture and eventual death of a 16-year-old Indianapolis girl. But the name “Baniszewski” is still synonymous with one of the most gruesome crimes in the city’s history.
That’s why, many jurors involved in the case say, it’s understandable that Paula Baniszewski changed her name to Paula Pace.
Pace was fired Tuesday from her job in an Iowa school district after officials discovered her real name and her disturbing past. She pleaded guilty in the early 1970s to voluntary manslaughter in the torture of Sylvia Likens, who died 47 years ago Friday.
Many involved in the case have died, but several surviving jurors say they remember the emotionally draining trial. One called it “five weeks of hell.”
“It was something you never forget and really wish you could sometimes,” said Bob Grabhorn, 70, Carmel.
Despite knowing Likens — she bought candy at his father’s Eastside grocery store — Grabhorn was still selected for the jury. He said he remains “amazed” by the decision.
Pace, now 64, could not be reached for comment.
Grabhorn and others say they would have changed their last name, too, had they been in Pace’s position. They recall a trial in which several family members were tried at once, and represented by three or more defense attorneys.
What made the case disturbing is that at least a dozen children — along with Pace and her mother, Gertrude Baniszewski — participated in or watched Likens’ abuse.
Likens was starved, beaten and branded with a hot metal object. She also had the words “I am a prostitute” etched onto her stomach. The torture lasted for weeks.
It comes as no surprise to former juror Rea Rogers that Pace tried to distance herself from the family name .
“I could understand that, especially with a name like Baniszewski,” said Rogers, 86, Indianapolis. “Which would stand out to anybody who ever had anything to do with the trial or read about it.”
Asked if people like Pace deserved a second chance, Rogers replied: “Sure, doesn't everyone? I mean if they’re truly sorry for what they did.”
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