A Shocking Arrest
In 1977, Billy Milligan was arrested for raping three women at Ohio State University. Identified through fingerprints and mugshots, he faced multiple charges, including kidnapping and aggravated robbery. As a convicted felon on parole, his possession of firearms further complicated his case.
An Unusual Defense
During psychiatric evaluations, Milligan was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID). His defense team argued that two of his alternate personalities, not Milligan himself, had committed the crimes. This led to a groundbreaking insanity plea, making him the first person in U.S. history to be acquitted due to DID.
Life in Psychiatric Hospitals
Following the trial, Milligan was committed to psychiatric institutions for a decade. While in treatment, he claimed to have 24 personalities, including Arthur, a British intellectual; Ragen, a Yugoslav communist; and Adalana, a shy young woman accused of committing the assaults.
Release and Later Years
Milligan was released in 1988 and disappeared from public view. In 2012, he was diagnosed with cancer and spent his final years with his sister in Ohio. He died in 2014 at the age of 59.
In 1977, Billy Milligan was arrested for raping three women at Ohio State University. Identified through fingerprints, he faced charges, including kidnapping and robbery. As his trial began, psychiatrists uncovered something shocking…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/vzjPg0vD3l
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 27, 2025