Where are the Baniszewski's from An American Crime now?

Answer 1

Paula Baniszewski served about seven years in prison as an accomplice for the murder of Sylvia Likens. If you've seen the movie 'An American Crime' you know that Paula was pregnant by an older, married man, at the time of the torture and murder of Sylvia. During her trial, Paula went into labor and gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Gertrude, after her mother. After she got out of prison, she moved with her daughter to Iowa, where she married and had more children.

Stephanie Baniszewski was NOT charged, because she never did anything to physically hurt Sylvia, she just didn't do anything to STOP it when it was happening. Stephanie often spoke of the Baniszewskis' fear of their mother, which is what prompted the younger kids to hurt Sylvia, along with their mother. After the trial of her mother and siblings, Stephanie moved to another town, where she became a school-teacher, married, and had several children.

Johny Baniszewski became the youngest inmate in the Indiana State Reformitory. He went on to become a lay minister, and now has a supposed strong Christian faith. He is also married with children.

Coy Hubbard served time as well for the torture and death of Sylvia Likens. He went on to a life of crime, and was in and out of prison. He served time for burgulary, and was tried, yet not convicted, for the murders of two men.

Ricky Hobbs was found guilty of manslaughter, and he also served some time. He died at age 21 of lung cancer, if you've seen the movie 'An American Crime' you can see how excessively he smoked.

Gertrude Baniszewski served only 20 years of her life-sentence. She worked as a seamstress in prison, and was known by the other inmates as "Mom." Many people voted against her parole, yet it was granted to her. She changed her name to Nadine van Fossen, Nadine being her middle name, and van Fossen being her maiden name. Upon being granted parole, she stated: "I'm not sure what role I had in it ... because I was on drugs. I never really knew her ... I take full responsibility for whatever happened to Sylvia."

It is unknown what happened to any of the rest of the Baniszewski children. It is also unknown if any of them ever had any contact with their paroled mother. Hope this helps!