Gerard John Schaefer Jr. was born in Wisconsin on March 26, 1946. As the eldest of three children born to Gerard and Doris Schaefer, he grew up in an affluent suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, where his father worked as a traveling salesman for Kimberly Clark.
While his childhood appeared normal, Schaefer later described significant family tensions. He claimed his father was overly critical, while his mother constantly pushed him to achieve more. These family dynamics would later play a role in his psychological development.
Education and Early Career Attempts
After graduating high school in 1964, Schaefer briefly considered joining the priesthood and applied to St. John’s Seminary. After being rejected, he enrolled at Broward Community College. His academic performance was unremarkable, and he struggled to find direction in his studies.
In 1967, Schaefer graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration. He then entered Florida Atlantic University, aiming to get a teaching certificate. However, his attempts at student teaching ended poorly, and his supervisors removed him from two schools due to inappropriate behavior.
Entry Into Law Enforcement
In September 1971, Schaefer chose a new career path: law enforcement. He was hired by the Wilton Manors Police Department and completed his police academy training. Then, he began his probationary period as an officer.
However, his law enforcement career quickly showed troubling signs. His superiors noted his poor judgment and concerning behavior. Fellow officers reported that he frequently stopped young women and asked them for dates, a serious breach of protocol.
The Turning Point
In July 1972, while working as a Martin County deputy sheriff, Schaefer committed the actions that would lead to his downfall. He detained two young women, Pamela Wells (18) and Nancy Trotter (17), handcuffed them, and left them tied to trees. The women managed to escape and reported the incident.
Schaefer was immediately fired and arrested. Although he claimed he was trying to scare the women away from hitchhiking, the courts didn’t accept this explanation. He received a one-year jail sentence.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
While in custody for the Wells-Trotter incident, evidence emerged linking Schaefer to the disappearance of Susan Place and Georgia Jessup, two teenagers who had vanished in September 1972. A search of his mother’s home revealed disturbing evidence, including personal items belonging to several missing women.
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In 1973, Schaefer faced trial for the murders of Place and Jessup. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, and he received two life sentences. While he was suspected in numerous other disappearances, these would be the only murders for which he was convicted.
Final Years and Death
During his imprisonment, Schaefer spent considerable time filing lawsuits against authors and journalists who wrote about his case. He maintained his innocence and claimed he was framed by corrupt law enforcement officials.
On December 3, 1995, prison guards found Schaefer dead in his cell at Florida State Prison. He had been stabbed multiple times. Another inmate, Vincent Rivera, was later convicted of his murder.
Impact and Legacy
The Schaefer case led to significant changes in law enforcement hiring practices in Florida. It highlighted the crucial importance of psychological screening for police officers and proper oversight during probationary periods.
Today, the case serves as a reminder of the vital importance of thorough background checks and psychological evaluations in law enforcement hiring. It also demonstrates how a position of authority can be misused with tragic consequences.