Tonight on Serial Napper, we’re stepping into the strange, tragic world of Grady Stiles Jr., better known as Lobster Boy, the carnival performer born with fused “claw-like” hands who turned his sideshow fame into a nightmare for everyone around him.

From his childhood under the tent lights of the travelling freak show to his reign of terror at home, Grady’s story blurs the line between fascination and exploitation, between monster and victim. After years of abuse, drinking, and unchecked violence, the very family he tortured finally decided to end the show for good.

Set in Gibsonton, Florida, a town built by and for carnival performers, this case feels almost too bizarre to be real...elephants in backyards, low mailboxes for dwarfs, high ones for giants, and one family whose dark legacy became circus legend.

It’s a chilling tale of power, pain, and revenge under the big top.

Sources:

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-11-06-mn-59142-story.html

https://allthatsinteresting.com/lobster-boy

https://www.factinate.com/people/grady-stiles-facts

https://www.historicmysteries.com/major-crimes/lobster-boy-grady-stiles/6401/ 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/26/welcome-to-gibtown-the-last-freakshow-town-in-america

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