Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | April Balascio |
| Born | Early 1970s, multiple locations across Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin |
| Memoir | Raised By a Serial Killer, published 2024; memoir adapted for television |
| Podcast | Star of The Clearing (2019), nearly 17 million downloads |
| Residence | Northeast Ohio, lives with husband Michael |
Early Life and Family Background
April Balascio’s youth was filled with uncertainty and turbulence as her family relocated regularly, often at night, across at least seven states. Her father’s charm and brutality produced an affectionate and fearful environment. She has four siblings and learned to question everyday life early on.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood Moves | Frequent relocations across Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania; moves sometimes executed without warning, disrupting schooling and routines |
| Family Composition | Seven-member household: father Edward Wayne Edwards, mother Kay Edwards, siblings David, John, Jeff, and Jeannine |
| Living Conditions | Lived in diverse temporary accommodations—farmhouses, tents, barns, mobile homes, a U-Haul truck—under a veneer of normalcy despite underlying tension |
| Home Environment | Father alternated between affectionate charm and physical abuse; mother often hospitalized following episodes of violence |
Career and Media Presence
April Balascio uses her personal history to tell powerful true crime stories. Her memoir gives an insider’s look at one of America’s most renowned serial killers, and her podcast garnered her family’s story new prominence. She strengthens her author and advocate roles through television and live interviews.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Memoir | Raised By a Serial Killer (2024), candid exploration of her father’s crimes; secured major TV series adaptation with Aevitas Creative Management |
| Podcast | Star and narrator of The Clearing (July 18, 2019), produced by Pineapple Street Media and Gimlet Media; nearly 17 million downloads highlight her reach |
| Media Appearances | Featured on People Magazine Investigates, The Record with Greta Van Susteren, and other true crime programs; frequent guest on podcasts and panel discussions |
| Representation | Managed by Aevitas Creative Management; appearances amplify her advocacy for victims’ families and criminal justice awareness |
| Personal Base | Resides in a stable home in Northeast Ohio with husband Michael, balancing public engagements with private life |
Net Worth and Financial Insights
April Balascio’s career offers many income streams and expanding financial prospects, but her net worth is unknown. She makes money from book sales, podcast ads, and media appearances. The upcoming TV adaptation of her novel will boost her finances.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Sources | Book royalties from HarperCollins and other editions; podcast sponsorships and ad revenue; speaking fees for interviews and live events |
| Public Disclosure | No official net worth statements or filings; industry estimates place her earnings in a moderate range typical for high-profile true crime personalities without mainstream celebrity endorsements |
| Future Prospects | TV series adaptation deal expected to include advance payments and residuals; potential for documentary and film options; ongoing opportunities for branded partnerships and speaking engagements |
Well-Known Family Members
Her portrayal as the daughter who uncovered a serial killer is April Balascio’s main draw. Besides her father, no other family member has sought public attention, highlighting April’s unique role in true crime history.
| Family Member | Notability |
|---|---|
| Edward Wayne Edwards | Infamous serial killer convicted of multiple murders; confessed to the 1980 “Sweetheart Murders” and others |
| Kay Edwards | Mother; maintained privacy following her husband’s arrest; no public profile |
| Siblings | David, John, Jeff, Jeannine; all remain out of the public eye |
| Extended Family | No additional relatives linked to high-profile cases or media coverage |
FAQ
What is April Balascio best known for?
She is best known for authoring Raised By a Serial Killer and starring in the hit podcast The Clearing, which uncovered her father’s crimes.
How did April Balascio discover her father’s crimes?
She alerted police to her father’s unsolved crimes in 2009, leading to his arrest and confession.
When was The Clearing podcast released?
The Clearing premiered on July 18, 2019, and quickly reached nearly 17 million downloads.
Will April Balascio’s memoir be adapted?
Her reps have revealed production sponsorship for her 2024 memoir as a huge TV series.
Where does April Balascio live now?
Her journalism job and family life are balanced in Northeast Ohio with her husband Michael.
