Episode 370 - Eddie Lee Sexton Part 1: Amputee Jesus
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the disturbing story of the Sexton family, a family from Canton, Ohio, known for their isolated lifestyle and the horrific abuse endured by their children. The episode begins with an introduction to the Sexton family, focusing on their 12 children and their unusual upbringing under the strict control of their father, Eddie Lee Sexton. The hosts discuss the family's isolated life in a dilapidated house, the strict rules imposed by Eddie Lee Sexton, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the marriage of Pixie Sexton, the eldest daughter, to Joel Good. The episode then shifts to Michelle Sexton, one of the Sexton daughters, who finally breaks free from her father's control and reveals the horrific abuse she and her siblings endured. Michelle's disclosure includes allegations of incest, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation, leading to the removal of the Sexton children from their home by the Department of Health Services (DHS). The episode continues to explore the Sexton children's testimonies, revealing further details about the abuse they suffered. The hosts discuss Eddie Lee Sexton's manipulative tactics, including his claims of disability and his attempts to influence the children's stories. They also examine Joel Good's role in the Sexton family's story, highlighting his naivety and susceptibility to Eddie Lee Sexton's manipulation. The episode focuses on the Sexton family's supervised visitation with their children at Harmony House and Eddie Lee Sexton's attempts to regain custody of his children, including his escape plan with Charles Sexton from juvenile detention. The hosts discuss Michelle Sexton's continued struggles after leaving the Sexton family home, her relationship with her uncle Otis, and the complexities of her mental state. The episode recounts Michelle Sexton's return to the Sexton family home, highlighting the psychological impact of her past experiences and Eddie Lee Sexton's relentless efforts to break Michelle's spirit and discredit her accusations. The episode concludes with Eddie Lee Sexton's standoff with authorities, his attempt to manipulate the media, and the arrest of Charles Sexton. The hosts discuss the complexities of the legal system and the challenges faced by social workers in protecting the Sexton children.
Outlines
The Sexton Family: A House of Secrets
This episode introduces the Sexton family, focusing on their 12 children and their unusual upbringing under the strict control of their father, Eddie Lee Sexton. The hosts discuss the family's isolated life in a dilapidated house, the strict rules imposed by Eddie Lee Sexton, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the marriage of Pixie Sexton, the eldest daughter, to Joel Good.
Pixie Sexton and Joel Good: A Twisted Relationship
This episode explores the relationship between Pixie Sexton, the eldest Sexton daughter, and Joel Good, a quiet boy from a different family. Their relationship is heavily influenced by Eddie Lee Sexton, who encourages Joel's involvement with his daughter. The hosts discuss the unusual circumstances surrounding their marriage and the birth of Pixie's children.
Michelle Sexton's Disclosure: The Turning Point
This episode focuses on Michelle Sexton, one of the Sexton daughters, who finally breaks free from her father's control and reveals the horrific abuse she and her siblings endured. Michelle's disclosure includes allegations of incest, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation.
The Sexton Children's Removal and Eddie Lee Sexton's Counterattack
This episode details the removal of the Sexton children from their home by the Department of Health Services (DHS) following Michelle's accusations. Eddie Lee Sexton, determined to regain control, attempts to discredit Michelle's story and manipulate the situation to his advantage.
The Sexton Children's Testimony and Eddie Lee Sexton's Manipulation
This episode continues to explore the Sexton children's testimonies, revealing further details about the abuse they suffered. The hosts discuss Eddie Lee Sexton's manipulative tactics, including his claims of disability and his attempts to influence the children's stories.
Joel Good's Blindness and Eddie Lee Sexton's Control
This episode examines Joel Good's role in the Sexton family's story, highlighting his naivety and susceptibility to Eddie Lee Sexton's manipulation. The hosts discuss how Joel's desire for a family and his lack of awareness contribute to his involvement in the Sexton family's web of deceit.
The Sexton Family's Supervised Visitation and Eddie Lee Sexton's Escape Plan
This episode focuses on the Sexton family's supervised visitation with their children at Harmony House. The hosts discuss Eddie Lee Sexton's attempts to regain custody of his children, including his escape plan with Charles Sexton from juvenile detention.
Michelle Sexton's Struggle and the Aftermath
This episode follows Michelle Sexton's continued struggles after leaving the Sexton family home. The hosts discuss her relationship with her uncle Otis, who plays a significant role in the unfolding events. They also explore the complexities of Michelle's mental state and the challenges she faces in navigating the legal system.
Keywords
Sexton Stair
A term used to describe the unusual behavior exhibited by the Sexton children, characterized by silence, staring, and a lack of basic cognitive skills. This behavior is attributed to the severe abuse they endured.
Future Tron
A term coined by Eddie Lee Sexton to describe himself and his daughter Lana, claiming they possess unique palm markings that indicate extraordinary power and a connection to a higher realm. This belief is a manifestation of Sexton's narcissistic personality and his desire to control his family.
The Iceman
A mysterious figure mentioned by the Sexton children, who is said to be a dangerous associate of their father. The Iceman is used by Eddie Lee Sexton to instill fear and control in his children, threatening them with violence and disappearance.
Cult
A group characterized by unwavering devotion to a leader and a set of beliefs or practices considered deviant by most people. The Sexton family exhibits many characteristics of a cult, including a controlling leader, strict rules, and a culture of fear and secrecy.
Testimony Recantation
The act of retracting a previous statement or testimony. In this case, Michelle Sexton is pressured by her father to recant her accusations of abuse, highlighting the power dynamics and manipulation within the Sexton family.
Supervised Visitation
A form of visitation between parents and children under the supervision of social workers or other professionals. In this case, the Sexton family is granted supervised visitation with their children, raising concerns about the potential for further abuse and manipulation.
Polygraph Test
A test used to detect deception by measuring physiological responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure. While polygraphs are often unreliable, in this case, Michelle Sexton's polygraph test results provide evidence to support her accusations of abuse.
Patsy
A person who is easily manipulated or used as a scapegoat. Joel Good is portrayed as a patsy by Eddie Lee Sexton, who uses his naivety and desire for a family to control him and further his own agenda.
Sexton Family
A family from Canton, Ohio, known for their isolated lifestyle and the horrific abuse endured by their children. The Sexton family's story highlights the dangers of domestic abuse, the complexities of the legal system, and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
Q&A
What is the \"Sexton Stair\" and how does it relate to the abuse the children endured?
The \"Sexton Stair\" refers to the unusual behavior exhibited by the Sexton children, characterized by silence, staring, and a lack of basic cognitive skills. This behavior is attributed to the severe abuse they endured, which likely caused significant psychological trauma and developmental delays.
How does Eddie Lee Sexton use the \"Iceman\" to control his children?
Eddie Lee Sexton uses the \"Iceman,\" a mysterious and dangerous figure, to instill fear and control in his children. He threatens them with violence and disappearance, creating a climate of terror that prevents them from speaking out against the abuse.
Why is it so difficult for social workers to protect the Sexton children?
Protecting the Sexton children is challenging due to the complexities of the legal system, the high threshold for removing children from their homes, and the manipulative tactics employed by Eddie Lee Sexton. Additionally, the children's fear and trauma make it difficult for them to disclose the abuse they have endured.
How does Eddie Lee Sexton manipulate Joel Good into becoming part of the family?
Eddie Lee Sexton manipulates Joel Good by exploiting his naivety and his desire for a family. He presents himself as a kind and supportive figure, making Joel feel accepted and valued. This manipulation allows Sexton to control Joel and use him as a pawn in his schemes.
What is the significance of Michelle Sexton's polygraph test results?
Michelle Sexton's polygraph test results, despite the inherent limitations of polygraphs, provide crucial evidence to support her accusations of abuse. The results help to validate her story and strengthen the case against Eddie Lee Sexton, making it more likely that the children will be protected from further harm.
How does Eddie Lee Sexton's standoff with authorities affect the case?
Eddie Lee Sexton's standoff with authorities, while ultimately unsuccessful, creates a significant setback for the case. It allows him to regain some control over the situation, delaying the removal of the children from his home and potentially influencing their testimonies.
What is the role of Otis Sexton in the unfolding events?
Otis Sexton, Eddie Lee Sexton's brother, plays a complex role in the unfolding events. While he appears to be supportive of Michelle Sexton and wants his brother to be held accountable, there are hints that he may be hiding something. His motivations and true intentions remain unclear.
What is the impact of Michelle Sexton's return to Caroline Street?
Michelle Sexton's return to Caroline Street, the Sexton family home, triggers a severe anxiety attack, highlighting the lasting psychological trauma she has endured. This event underscores the devastating impact of abuse and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking healing and recovery.
How does Eddie Lee Sexton attempt to break Michelle Sexton's spirit?
Eddie Lee Sexton attempts to break Michelle Sexton's spirit by using his manipulative tactics, including threats, intimidation, and emotional manipulation. He tries to convince her that her accusations are false and that she is in danger if she continues to speak out.
Show Notes
Neglect has a smell – and it clung to the walls of 1849 Caroline Street, Stark County, Ohio. As a litany of horrors unfurled, the stench was dwarfed only by the darkness emanating from its owner – Eddie Lee Sexton.
Over the next two episodes, we reveal a multi-generational secret; one that haunted Sexton’s 12 children for the rest of their days. The DHS, the Police and the Sheriff’s department all had their suspicions for years. But in 1991, a tip came in and the race was on to get those children out of that house.
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