John Wayne Gacy: the infamous serial killer who raped, tortured, and murdered 33 boys and young men, concealing most of their bodies in the crawlspace beneath his Chicago home. When Karen Conti was in high school, she watched the chilling removal of those bodies on the evening news.

Fourteen years later, through an unexpected twist of fate, Conti—a young attorney still building her practice—found herself responsible for Gacy’s final death row appeals. The notorious “killer clown” became her most haunting and high-profile client.

Now, 30 years after Gacy’s execution, Conti revisits that grueling period in her career, reflecting as a seasoned professional on the intense media spotlight, the legal labyrinth, and her hours of conversations with Gacy himself. For the first time, she shares details from Gacy’s gruesome “Body Book,” raising unresolved questions: Were there more victims? Did Gacy act alone? What secrets were buried with him?

When people ask Conti, “How could you represent such a monster?” her response is clear: “What you really want to know is, ‘What was he like?’” This book is her answer. That book, ”Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row.”

Today, Karen Conti is one of Chicago’s most prominent attorneys and legal analysts—a dynamic speaker, writer, and media personality with over 30 years of experience. Her career includes hosting award-winning radio shows that have informed, empowered, and entertained audiences for nearly three decades. Her acclaimed program, Legally Speaking, received numerous Achievement in Radio awards, including Best Public Affairs Show and Best Afternoon Drive Time.

Currently, Conti hosts The Karen Conti Show on Chicago’s powerhouse station, WGN, where she explores current events, legal issues, and social topics with a uniquely accessible and engaging approach. Her expertise as a legal analyst has also made her a go-to commentator for the local Fox affiliate for over 25 years. She frequently appears on major national outlets, including MSNBC, CNN News, Fox News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nancy Grace, and Court TV.

In addition to her media work, Conti is a prolific writer and sought-after speaker on subjects ranging from the death penalty to women in business, legal ethics, and the media’s role in law. For seven years, she has contributed to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin with her column “This Day in Legal History,” which is widely read across Illinois.

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