In a chilling revelation that underscores the long-lasting impact of trauma, Jack Merrill, a survivor of the notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy, is sharing his story in a powerful one-man show titled “The Save.” Merrill’s experience, which occurred in 1978, is a testament to survival and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
“It was just another night,” Merrill recounts, recalling the evening he left the YMCA in Chicago. A seemingly innocuous offer of a ride home turned into a terrifying ordeal when John Wayne Gacy, then unknown as a serial murderer, abducted him. Merrill, only 19 at the time, was overpowered with chloroform and awoke to find himself handcuffed in Gacy’s home. This chilling encounter is now being brought to light in Merrill’s play at the Electric Lodge theater in Los Angeles, marking the first time he has publicly detailed this deeply personal trauma.
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A composite image showing John Wayne Gacy’s mugshot from 1978 alongside a prom photo of Jack Merrill from 1977, illustrating the period when Merrill was abducted by Gacy.
Inside Gacy’s house, the situation escalated from unsettling to horrific. Despite Gacy initially offering him drugs and alcohol and even removing the handcuffs, the facade of normalcy quickly dissolved. Merrill describes being re-handcuffed, choked with a homemade device, and then brutally sexually assaulted at gunpoint. His survival instincts kicked in, and Merrill realized that remaining calm and compliant was his only path to escape. This night of terror is a stark reminder of the depravity of John Wayne Gacy and the vulnerability of his victims.
Merrill recalls a disturbing comment Gacy made during the assault, telling him, “You’re not like those other kids.” At the time, the meaning was unclear, but in retrospect, it highlights the calculated and predatory nature of Gacy’s crimes. Unbeknownst to Merrill, he was in the clutches of a serial killer, a man who would later be revealed to have murdered 33 young men. Miraculously, Merrill was released the following morning, driven back near his apartment as dawn broke. He was unaware of the true identity of his captor until months later when news of Gacy’s arrest surfaced.
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An archival image from 1979 showing investigators recovering a body from John Wayne Gacy’s property near Chicago, highlighting the grim reality of his crimes.
The arrest of John Wayne Gacy sent shockwaves through Chicago and beyond. The discovery of 26 bodies buried on his property cemented his place as one of America’s most infamous serial killers. Gacy’s execution in 1994 brought a measure of closure for many, but for survivors like Jack Merrill, the emotional scars remain. Merrill’s story is particularly poignant as he learned later that he was among the last individuals Gacy abducted before his capture, narrowly escaping becoming another victim buried on that infamous property.
In the years following his abduction, Merrill confided in a few close friends, sharing his ordeal with a matter-of-factness that belied the horror he had endured. One friend, Ravelle Tomczak, recounted the chilling revelation, emphasizing the profound impact it had on her, highlighting the preciousness of life in the face of such trauma. For Merrill, survival was just the beginning. He moved to New York City, pursued acting, and co-founded the Naked Angels theater company, channeling his experiences into creative expression and resilience.
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A photo of Jack Merrill with Willie Garson in a “Sex and the City” episode from 1998, illustrating Merrill’s acting career post-survival.
“The Save” is not just about surviving John Wayne Gacy; it delves into broader themes of trauma, including familial trauma stemming from his upbringing. Merrill, the son of renowned baseball journalist Jerome Holtzman, reflects on how coping mechanisms developed during a difficult childhood inadvertently prepared him to survive his encounter with Gacy. He credits his learned ability to “lay low” during family conflicts as a survival strategy that ultimately saved his life during his abduction.
Director Mike Reilly emphasizes the unique power of “The Save,” highlighting Merrill’s resilience and the play’s intimate connection with the audience. The play is described as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity not just to survive, but to thrive even after experiencing unimaginable tragedy. Merrill’s willingness to share his story is an act of courage, offering a message of hope and resilience to others who have faced trauma.
Jack Merrill’s story as a John Wayne Gacy Survivor is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of violent crime and the extraordinary capacity for human resilience. His decision to share his experience through “The Save” is not only a personal journey of healing but also a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about trauma, survival, and the strength of the human spirit.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
