Kozenczak to discuss Gacy investigation

Due to an overwhelming response, the Des Plaines History Center has scheduled a second Coffee Talk with former Des Plaines police detective Joseph Kozenczak.

Kozenczak was the arresting officer and lead investigator in the John Wayne Gacy serial murder investigation in 1978. He will speak about the case from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Prairie Lakes Multipurpose Room, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Registration is required. Call (847) 391-5399. A $3 donation is suggested.

Kozenczak said that the murder case "was the most significant in American history in that we were able to obtain 33 convictions. Our convictions were based on counting bodies, not based on speculation. We had proof."

Philip Mohr of the History Center contacted Kozenczak because he represents an important part of Des Plaines history.

"Most of the time, the History Center brings in someone who has spent time researching bygone events and people," said Mohr. "This time we will have one of the history makers to give us a personal retrospective on his involvement in and the impact of the Gacy case."

Joe and Karen Kozenczak will be available to sign copies of their book, "The Chicago Killer: The Hunt for Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy," after the talk. Books are available for purchase at the History Center ($15, autographed copy, paperback).

For information, call the History Center at (847) 391-5399 or visit desplaineshistory.org.

The History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the city of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.

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