EP191: Lobster Boy

During the early 20th century in the United States, there were traveling carnivals that included sideshows that showcased people with genetic abnormalities. One family who traveled with the carnival, and did quite well financially, was the Stiles family. Their claim to fame was that many members of the family had the genetic condition called ectrodactyly--commonly known as Lobster Claw Syndrome. Grady Stiles, Jr. was one of the members of the family who was part of the carnival, and during his life, he married and had children. He also was a raging and violent alcoholic. You know this doesn't end well, right?

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SOURCES:
1) Carnie Killers: The Murder Trial of Lobster Boy (the-line-up.com)
2) How "Lobster Boy" Grady Stiles Went From Circus Act To Murderer (allthatsinteresting.com)
3) Grady Stiles – the 'Lobster Boy' who killed his family member (mysteriesrunsolved.com)
4) The Tragic Death Of Lobster Boy (grunge.com)
5) Famous 'Freaks' And Creepy Carnival Acts From History (grunge.com)
6) Man found guilty in "Lobster Boy' death (tampabay.com)
7)Grady Stiles - The Evil Lobster Boy - Historic Mysteries Ectrodactyly polydactyly - About the Disease - Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (nih.gov)
8) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Feb 23, 1979 Wife Gets 12 Years for Contract Killing of 'Lobster Boy' - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
9) TRUE CRIME STORIES: Lobster Boy Murder in Gibsonton FL (bailbondsnow.org)
10) Book: Lobster Boy: The Bizarre Life and Brutal Death of Grady Stiles Jr. Author: Fred Rosen