It’s vital to note that any sort of rough childhood never excuses a serial killer’s actions. After all, there are millions of children who grow up in rough or abusive households that choose not to murder innocent victims.
Richard Rappaport, the chief psychiatrist for John Wayne Gacy’s defense, believed that John Wayne Gacy’s childhood, particularly his relationship with his father, played a pivotal role in John Wayne Gacy’s treatment of his innocent victims.
Source: https://www.distractify.com/p/john-wayne-gacy-childhood