February 9, 2025
Walter Jackson Freeman II was a complex and controversial figure in the history of psychiatry. Born on November 14, 1895, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Freeman was a brilliant and charismatic physician who would go on to become one of the most prolific and infamous lobotomists of the 20th century. With a career spanning over four decades, Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies, leaving a trail of destruction and controversy in his wake.

Walter Jackson Freeman II

Walter Jackson Freeman II

  • Age: 67 (at the time of death)
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: 170 lbs
  • Nationality: American

History and Criminal Past:

Walter Jackson Freeman II was a physician who performed over 3,000 lobotomies during his career, leaving a trail of controversy and destruction in his wake.

Verified Wikipedia Page:

Walter Jackson Freeman II Wikipedia Page

Personality Traits:

  • Charismatic and confident, but also reckless and impulsive
  • Highly intelligent, but lacking in empathy and compassion
  • A true believer in the power of lobotomy to cure mental illness, but ultimately misguided and destructive

Introduction to Walter Jackson Freeman II

Walter Jackson Freeman II was a complex and controversial figure in the history of psychiatry. Born on November 14, 1895, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Freeman was a brilliant and charismatic physician who would go on to become one of the most prolific and infamous lobotomists of the 20th century. With a career spanning over four decades, Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies, leaving a trail of destruction and controversy in his wake.

The Early Years of Walter Jackson Freeman II

Freeman’s early life and education were marked by privilege and opportunity. The son of a wealthy and influential family, Freeman was raised in a world of luxury and comfort. He attended Yale University, where he studied philosophy and psychology, before going on to earn his medical degree from Yale Medical School in 1924. After completing his residency, Freeman began his career as a neurologist, quickly establishing himself as a brilliant and confident young doctor.

The Rise of Lobotomy

In the 1930s, Freeman became fascinated with the concept of lobotomy, a surgical procedure that involved severing or scraping away parts of the brain in an attempt to cure mental illness. Freeman was particularly drawn to the work of Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist who had developed the procedure, and he quickly became a vocal advocate for its use. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the procedure, Freeman was convinced of its efficacy and began performing lobotomies on his patients.

The Technique of Lobotomy

Freeman’s technique, which he called the “leucotomy,” involved drilling holes in the skull and inserting a leucotome, a thin, sharp instrument, into the brain. The leucotome was then used to sever or scrape away parts of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which was believed to be responsible for many mental illnesses. Freeman’s procedure was often performed without anesthesia, and patients were frequently left with significant cognitive and emotional impairments.

The Consequences of Lobotomy

As Freeman’s career progressed, so did the controversy surrounding his work. Many of his patients suffered from severe and debilitating side effects, including memory loss, personality changes, and a loss of emotional responsiveness. Some patients even died as a result of the procedure, while others were left with significant cognitive and emotional impairments. Despite these consequences, Freeman continued to perform lobotomies, convinced of their efficacy and convinced that he was doing his patients a favor.

The Legacy of Walter Jackson Freeman II

Today, Walter Jackson Freeman II is widely regarded as one of the most infamous figures in the history of psychiatry. His work on lobotomy has been largely discredited, and the procedure is no longer used as a treatment for mental illness. Despite this, Freeman’s legacy continues to be felt, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked medical hubris and the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry.

The Impact on Psychiatry

Freeman’s work had a significant impact on the field of psychiatry, leading to a reevaluation of the use of surgical procedures as a treatment for mental illness. The controversy surrounding lobotomy also led to increased scrutiny of medical ethics and the need for rigorous scientific testing of new procedures.

The Personal Cost

Freeman’s personal life was also marked by tragedy and controversy. His relationships with his family were strained, and he was known to be distant and aloof. His obsession with lobotomy also took a toll on his physical and mental health, leading to a series of strokes and other health problems.

Conclusion

Walter Jackson Freeman II was a complex and controversial figure, whose work on lobotomy continues to be felt today. While his legacy is largely one of tragedy and controversy, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry and the need for medical professionals to approach their work with humility and compassion.

FAQs

  • Q: What was Walter Jackson Freeman II’s medical specialty? A: Walter Jackson Freeman II was a neurologist.
  • Q: What was the name of the procedure developed by Egas Moniz? A: The procedure developed by Egas Moniz was called leucotomy.
  • Q: How many lobotomies did Walter Jackson Freeman II perform during his career? A: Walter Jackson Freeman II performed over 3,000 lobotomies during his career.
  • Q: What were some of the side effects of lobotomy? A: Some of the side effects of lobotomy included memory loss, personality changes, and a loss of emotional responsiveness.
  • Q: Is lobotomy still used as a treatment for mental illness today? A: No, lobotomy is no longer used as a treatment for mental illness.
  • Q: What was the name of the instrument used in the leucotomy procedure? A: The instrument used in the leucotomy procedure was called a leucotome.
  • Q: Did Walter Jackson Freeman II’s work on lobotomy have any impact on the field of psychiatry? A: Yes, Walter Jackson Freeman II’s work on lobotomy had a significant impact on the field of psychiatry, leading to a reevaluation of the use of surgical procedures as a treatment for mental illness.
  • Q: What was Walter Jackson Freeman II’s personality like? A: Walter Jackson Freeman II was charismatic and confident, but also reckless and impulsive.
  • Q: How did Walter Jackson Freeman II’s obsession with lobotomy affect his personal life? A: Walter Jackson Freeman II’s obsession with lobotomy took a toll on his personal life, leading to strained relationships with his family and significant health problems.
  • Q: What is Walter Jackson Freeman II’s legacy today? A: Walter Jackson Freeman II’s legacy is largely one of tragedy and controversy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked medical hubris and the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry.
blank

Evil Human

View all posts

True Crimes Daily

Amber Alert issued for missing pregnant 16-year-old who is believed to be with 40-year-old boyfriend

BEAVER DAM, Wis. (TCN) -- Authorities are searching for a pregnant 16-year-old who police believe ran away with the 40-year-old father of her child after they met online.

Sophia Franklin was reported missing to the Beaver Dam Police Department on Feb. 3. Police said she was last seen at her home the night prior at around 9 p.m., but she likely left at 7:48 a.m. on Feb. 3 with Gary Day in a black Buick LaCrosse with Arkansas license plates. Beaver Dam Police said the two "are believed to no longer be in Beaver Dam," and there is a no-contact order between them.

Police said in an update that the car was tracked with Pennsylvania plates, but the car "has utilized various license plates."

Beaver Dam Police issued an Amber Alert for Franklin, who is three months pregnant.

There is a warrant out for Day's arrest on charges of two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement.

Day pleaded guilty in May 2020 to child endangerment in Arkansas and was sentenced to six years of probation. Court documents show he broke his probation by traveling out of Arkansas, among other violations.

WKOW-TV reports Franklin's parents told police that the teen snuck out of the house and often messaged strangers online. In July, she reportedly didn't come home one night, but her parents believed she was staying at a friend's house. They still communicated with Franklin over the phone, but didn't see her.

Day allegedly picked Franklin up in Wisconsin on July 29, and they got to Arkansas on Aug. 1. In December, authorities in Arkansas called Franklin's parents and told them she was there. Franklin allegedly confessed to lying to her parents regarding her whereabouts, but she claimed she wanted to be with Day rather than her family.

Franklin reportedly said she and Day waited to have sex until they got to Arkansas because "they knew it was illegal in Wisconsin and Illinois." She later returned to Wisconsin, but the two continued talking.

According to court records cited by KARK-TV, Day knew she was 16 and that she was pregnant with his child.

Franklin reportedly has a no-contact order against Day, which the court issued on Franklin's behalf. Franklin's dad told investigators he saw a man who resembled Day on surveillance video entering his home and again behind the house.

MORE:

Amber Alert / Missing Juvenile - Beaver Dam Police DepartmentState of Wisconsin vs. Gary Francis DayState of Arkansas v. Gary DayAmber Alert WisconsinCourt documents reveal new information into missing Beaver Dam 16-year-old girl - WKOWAMBER Alert suspect from Arkansas facing Wisconsin charges, teen still missing - KARK
Teen acquitted for mom’s death after charges dropped in dad’s killing; A$AP Rocky’s assault trial - TCN Sidebar

In this episode of True Crime News The Sidebar Podcast: Dina Doll joins host Joshua Ritter to break down the biggest cases making headlines across the nation. They discuss Collin Griffith being acquitted of killing his mother, Catherine Griffith, after charges were dropped for the death of his father, the emotional outburst of Terell "A$SAP Relli" Ephron in the felony assault trial of Rakim "A$AP Rocky" Mayers, and the ongoing legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively as attorneys for both stars hurl allegations of defamation and harassment.

YouTube: Teen acquitted for mom’s death after charges dropped in dad’s killing; A$AP Rocky’s assault trial

Teen acquitted for mom’s death after charges dropped in dad’s killing; A$AP Rocky’s assault trial - TCN Sidebar
In this episode of True Crime News The Sidebar Podcast: Dina Doll joins host Joshua Ritter to break down the biggest cases making headlines across the nation. They discuss Collin Griffith being acquitted of killing his mother, Catherine Griffith, after charges were dropped for the death of his father, the emotional outburst of Terell “A$SAP Relli” Ephron in the felony assault trial of Rakim “A$AP Rocky” Mayers, and the ongoing legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively as attorneys for both stars hurl allegations of defamation and harassment.
From reality fame dreams to tragic end: Influencer found dead in abandoned home

Reyna Dunlap's family members became concerned when the influencer disappeared, and they were unable to reach her. Her sister, desperate for answers, even posted on TikTok in hopes of finding her. Weeks later, Reyna's remains were later discovered in a vacant, cluttered house in Cleveland. What happened to Reyna?

From reality fame dreams to tragic end: Influencer found dead in abandoned home

Reyna Dunlap's family members became concerned when the influencer disappeared, and they were unable to reach her. Her sister, desperate for answers, even posted on TikTok in hopes of finding her. Weeks later, Reyna's remains were later discovered in a vacant, cluttered house in Cleveland. What happened to Reyna?

From reality fame dreams to tragic end: Influencer found dead in abandoned home
Reyna Dunlap's family members became concerned when the influencer disappeared, and they were unable to reach her. Her sister, desperate for answers, even posted on TikTok in hopes of finding her. Weeks later, Reyna's remains were later discovered in a vacant, cluttered house in Cleveland. What happened to Reyna?
History of Serial Killers, Mass Murderers and Evil | Evilhumans