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The murder of Timothy McCoy marks the beginning of John Wayne Gacy’s known killing spree and is often described as the catalyst that unlocked his future crimes. Unlike his later murders, which were highly calculated and methodical, this first killing was later portrayed by Gacy as spontaneous—though investigators and psychologists have long questioned that claim. This case is critical in understanding how Gacy transitioned from criminal behavior into serial murder, and how quickly he adapted and refined his methods afterward.
According to Gacy’s later confession, he brought Timothy McCoy back to his home under the pretense of offering him a place to stay. Gacy claimed that during the night, he woke up to find McCoy standing in the doorway holding a knife, which he interpreted as a threat. Gacy stated that he reacted in panic, wrestling McCoy to the ground and stabbing him repeatedly in what he described as self-defense. However, investigators found no evidence to support this version of events. The wounds inflicted suggested a violent and aggressive attack rather than a defensive struggle. After killing McCoy, Gacy buried his body in the crawl space beneath his home—marking the beginning of what would become a pattern. This decision to conceal the body within his own residence would later define much of his criminal activity.
There was no active investigation into McCoy’s disappearance at the time. His status as a transient youth meant his absence did not immediately raise alarms, and no connection to Gacy was made. This lack of investigation allowed Gacy to avoid detection and ultimately emboldened him.