Gacy was arrested and spent 18 months in prison. Gacy committed all of his known murders inside his ranch-style house. John wayne gacy—aka the “ killer clown ”—is widely known as one of the most prolific serial killers of the 20th century, but his passion for art tends to be less well known. Read about his house, victims, death, movie, and more. The first warning sign about gacy appeared in 1964, when he was found guilty of sodomizing two young boys. John wayne gacy was an american serial killer and sex offender who raped, tortured and murdered at least thirty-three young men and boys between 1972 and 1978 in norwood park towns. Serial killer john wayne gacy, often called the killer clown, murdered at least 33 boys and young men. By 1978, public perception of gacy would change forever, and he would earn the ominous nickname of “the killer clown ”. Here’s everything to know about john wayne gacy — including his early years and the crimes he committed. He became known as the killer clown due to his public performances as a clown prior to the discovery of his crimes.