Fact vs. Fiction: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Ed Gein Netflix Series

As of October 7th, 2025, the Netflix series "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" has sparked renewed interest in the notorious serial killer's life and crimes. However, the show has also left many viewers questioning the accuracy of its portrayal of certain events, particularly surrounding the death of Ed Gein's brother, Henry.

In the series, the first episode suggests that Ed murdered Henry, his elder brother, by striking him over the head with a log. This is presented as Ed's first known killing. However, the reality is much more ambiguous. In 1944, Henry's death was officially ruled an accident, with authorities concluding that a brush fire he and Ed were tending had gotten out of control, leading to Henry's asphyxiation.

While the series dramatizes Ed's involvement, the truth about Henry's demise remains uncertain. Many have speculated that Ed was responsible, given his subsequent crimes, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found. The series also depicts the impact of Henry's death on the Gein family, particularly Ed's mother, Augusta.

According to the show, Augusta suffered a stroke in the wake of Henry's passing, leading to Ed becoming her primary caretaker. This arrangement is accurate, as Augusta did indeed suffer a deterioration in her health, eventually passing away in December 1945 at the age of 67. Ed's isolation and obsession with his mother's memory in the years that followed would go on to shape his disturbing legacy.

As viewers continue to grapple with the line between fact and fiction in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story," the true mysteries surrounding the Gein family's history remain a haunting and unresolved part of this notorious true crime case.