When questioned at trial as to her motive for turning state's evidence, Stephanie stated: "I'm just here in the hope I can help anybody!" [65][12], On one occasion, Gertrude and her twelve-year-old son, John Jr., rubbed urine and feces from Gertrude's one-year-old son's diaper into Likens' mouth[66] before giving her a cup half-filled with water and stating the water was all she would receive for the remainder of the day. This dedication was attended by several hundred people, including members of the Likens family. Sylvia Likens' death is credited with the adoption of Indiana's mandated reporter law, and with an increased understanding of the investigation and recognition of abuse. Pace was mostly quiet and kept to herself at work, according to WHO-TV. No further action was taken. Gertrude Baniszewski; her oldest daughter, Paula; her son, John; and two neighborhood youths, Coy Hubbard and Richard Hobbs, were all tried and convicted in May 1966 of neglecting, torturing, and murdering Likens. ", --Section of Deputy Prosecutor Marjorie Wessner's. [87], Stephanie and Richard then decided to give Likens a warm, soapy bath and dress her in new clothes. Publisher Bee-Line Books, Inc. Six years later, she dropped out of high school at age 16 to marry 18-year-old John Stephan Baniszewski (19262007), who was originally from Youngsville, Pennsylvania, and was of Polish ancestry, and with whom she had four children. He died in June of that year in Shelbyville. He asked that NBC News not use his name. At the age of 16, she dropped out of school five years later to marry deputy John Baniszewski, who was 18 at the time and have six children together. She was living in Iowa in the mid-1980s, according to a man who grew up with her three sons. At this memorial service, Dianna informed those present that Sylvia's legacy "must always be remembered. Gertrude moved Likens into the kitchen and, having propped her back against a wall, attempted to feed her a doughnut and a glass of milk. 
The school made no further investigations concerning Likens' welfare. She changed her last name to Pace and moved to Iowa where she worked as a teacher's aide. 
I can tell it. Name. Likens' gray casket remained open throughout the ceremony, with a portrait of her taken prior to July 1965 adorning her coffin. Confirming Pace's original identity, the school district suspended her. He said his family did not approach the police.
You'll have to live with your conscience the rest of your life if you send an insane woman to the electric chair. The following morning, Gertrude discovered that Likens had urinated on herself. [104] Both the shock she had primarily suffered due to the severe and prolonged damage inflicted to her skin and subcutaneous tissues, plus the severe malnutrition,[105] were listed as contributory factors to her death. When Gertrude found out, she used a paddle to beat Likens. He started back down, taking the last three steps in one jump. Stephanie, Marie, and Shirley Baniszewski were not charged since they were so young while this crime was continuously being committed. Baniszewski was born as Gertrude Nadine van Fossan, the third of Hugh and Mollie van Fossan's six children. "[147] Stating that "not a shred of evidence"[145] had been produced indicating any defendant was suffering from a form of mental illness, New again requested the death penalty for each defendant, stating to the jury: "The issue here is not about the electric chair, or a hospital, but about law and order. She reportedly changed her name, married, had children, worked as a teacher, and now lives in Florida. Likens replied, "I don't know," and shrugged. [12], Initially, Gertrude denied any involvement in Likens' death, although by October 27 she had confessed to having known "the kids," particularly her daughter Paula and Coy Hubbard, had physically and emotionally abused Likens, stating: "Paula did most of the damage," and "Coy Hubbard did a lot of the beating. --Poem inscribed upon the granite memorial formally dedicated to Sylvia Likens' life and legacy in Willard Park, Indianapolis. ". Shortly thereafter, Lester Likens arranged for his daughters to board with Gertrude Baniszewski, the mother of two girls with whom the sisters had recently become acquainted while studying at Arsenal Technical High School, Paula and Stephanie Baniszewski. In response, Gertrude accused Likens of engaging in gluttony before she and Paula choked and bludgeoned her. Lester apparently believed her, because during several subsequent trips to the housethe last on October 5, just weeks before his daughters deathhe noticed nothing out of order. Shortly after the birth of their son in May 1964, Wright abandoned Baniszewski. 
Her whereabouts today are unknown. [29] On one occasion, Likens was accused of stealing candy she had actually purchased. During her years at the Indiana Womens Prison, she was considered a model prisoner and earned the nickname of Mom. In spite of widespread public outcry, she was paroled in 1985. [85] Upon hearing this, Jenny replied: "Don't you remember, Sylvia? The second-oldest of the Baniszewski children, Stephanie was 15 at the time of the crime. Fifteen-year-old Stephanie was never charged with the murder of Sylvia Likens. Paula, Stephanie et John Baniszewski, Richard Hobbs et Coy Hubbard pour meurtre. Somehow, the conversation got around to tattooing. Which she did, enthusiastically. WebStephanie Kay Baniszewski Age: 72 years Birthday: 9th August, 1950 Zodiac Sign: Leo Occupation: Criminal Mother: Gertrude Baniszewski Brother: John Baniszewski Jr. When questioned by Leroy New as to the exhaustive interviews and assessments he had conducted with Gertrude, Schuster stated that she had been evasive and uncooperative. He became a lay minister, frequently hosting counseling sessions for the children of divorced parents. IE 11 is not supported. "[48][n 6] Gertrude then burned Likens' fingertips with matches before further whipping her. Through intimidation, her younger sister, Jenny, was occasionally forced to participate in her mistreatment. Stated that she had 'fond memories of Sylvia and Jenny' and was 'Sylvia's friend'. Record information. "[130], When Marie Baniszewski was called to the stand as a witness for the defense, she broke down and admitted that she had heated the needle which Hobbs had used to brand Likens' abdomen. Now they're gone? From the beginning, she had opportunities to tell neighbors what was going on, but she didnt because she feared she would make things worse. [36] Later, Paula used the cast on her wrist to further beat Likens. Pace/Baniszewski, the mother of two grown sons, wasnt charged with any additional crimes but was fired from her job for providing false information on her employee application. [132][182], The injury-to-person charges brought against the other juveniles known to have actively physically, mentally, and emotionally tormented Likens (Anna Ruth Siscoe, Judy Darlene Duke, Michael John Monroe, Darlene McGuire, and Randy Gordon Lepper), were later dropped. On July 3, their mother was arrested and subsequently jailed for shoplifting. [91], Clutching a Bible,[92] Paula Baniszewski, having stated to all present in the household that Likens' death was "meant to happen," then glanced in Jenny's direction and calmly stated: "If you want to live with us, Jenny, we'll treat you like our own sister. She was kind of scary her presence was scary, he said. Marie also testified as to her mother's indifference to Likens' evident distress in relation to the physical and mental abuse she had increasingly suffered, with her mother's full knowledge, stating that on one occasion, Gertrude had sat upon a chair and crocheted as she watched a neighborhood girl named Anna Siscoe attack Likens. The Likenses' sons regularly traveled with them in order to assist with their job, but Sylvia and Jenny were discouraged from doing the same, out of concern for their safety and education. When police arrived at her address at approximately 6:30p.m.,[89] Gertrude led the officers to Likens' emaciated,[90] extensively bludgeoned, and mutilated body lying upon a soiled mattress in the bedroom[73] before handing them the letter she had forced Likens to write previously by her dictation. Convicted of manslaughter, he became the Indiana State Reformatorys youngest inmate, serving just two years before being released. [183], Jenny Likens later married an Indianapolis native named Leonard Rece Wade. Both were sentenced to life in prison in Indianapolis. [104], The funeral service for Sylvia Likens was conducted at the Russell & Hitch Funeral Home in Lebanon on the afternoon of October 29. Lepperwho had visibly smirked[123] as he testified to having hit Likens on up to 40 separate occasionsdied at the age of 56 on November 14, 2010. The surname of all three children was legally changed to Blake in the late 1960s after their father regained their custody. No charges were brought against her. [8], The immediate neighbors of the Baniszewski family were a middle-aged couple named Raymond and Phyllis Vermillion. 
"[87], When Stephanie realized that Likens was not breathing, she attempted to apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as Gertrude repeatedly shouted to the children in the house that Likens was faking her death. Gertrude then dragged Likens into the basement. "[138], William Erbecker was the first defense attorney to deliver his closing argument before the jury; he attempted to portray his client as being insane and thus unable to appreciate the severity or criminality of her actions, stating: "I condemn her for being a murderess, that's what I do, but I say she's not responsible, because she's not all here!" Birthdate: estimated between 1933 and 1989. On this occasion, neither girl exhibited any visible sign of distress about their mistreatment to their parents. Perhaps because she was crippled by polio, Jenny didnt suffer nearly as much abuse as her sister Sylvia did. Sidestepping the multiple instances of testimony delivered at trial describing Paula and her mother as by far the most enthusiastic participants in Likens' physical abuse, Rice claimed the evidence presented against his client did not equate to her actual guilt of murder. I am happy about that. Weeks of escalating horror followed. We'll never know the pain and suffering that Sylvia endured the best evidence of that was the picture of her lipslips that were bitten into shreds! Baniszewski saw her father die of a sudden heart attack in 1940. Stephanie Baniszewski sister Shirley Baniszewski sister Marie Baniszewski sister James Baniszewski brother Edward Guthrie stepfather Dennis Lee Wright mother's ex-partner Dennis Lee Wright, Jr half brother Mary Jane Blake stepmother view all Paula Baniszewski's Timeline Genealogy Directory: A B C D E F G H I J K L M Of all the Baniszewski offspring, the least is known about him. Gertrude, a mother of seven, who went through multiple divorces, was given the responsibility of two young girls, Jenny who was disabled by [27], By mid-August, Gertrude Baniszewski had begun to focus her abuse almost exclusively upon Sylvia, with her primary motivation likely being jealousy of the girl's youth, appearance, respectability, and potential. [58], On or about October 1, Dianna Shoemaker discovered that her sisters were at the Baniszewski residence. She was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released on parole in 1985. When the police arrived to collect her sisters body, Jenny reportedly told them, You get me out of here, and Ill tell you everything. A Beech Grove resident, she died in 2004 at the age of 54. Likens was increasingly neglected, belittled, sexually humiliated, beaten, starved, lacerated, burned, and dehydrated by her tormentors. That was punishment, allegedly, for having spread rumors that the elder two Baniszewski girls, including Paula, were prostitutes. Indeed, one of the enduring mysteries of the case is why neither she nor Sylvia sought help before things escalated. in order to rouse her. Another neighborhood kid who tortured Sylvia, Hobbs performed the infamous act of helping to carve the words I am a prostitute and proud of it into her stomach with a large needle. [141], James Nedder began his closing argument in defense of Richard Hobbs by referring to the loss of Likens, stating: "She had a right to live. [111] Gertrude herself pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The site is now a church parking lot. Record information. Titre original: An American Crime [133] Another witness to testify on behalf of the prosecution, Grace Sargent, stated how she had sat close to Paula on a church bus and had heard her openly bragging about breaking her own wrist due to the severity of a beating she had inflicted to Likens' face on August 1. The last occasion Lester and Elizabeth visited their daughters was on October 5. Several of Baniszewskis children and a gaggle of neighborhood kids, some as young as 10, watched or joined in. [127], Two days later, Richard Hobbs testified in his own defense, describing how Gertrude had called Likens to the kitchen on October 23 and stated to her: "You have branded my children so now I'm going to brand you." She was last known to have resided in Florida. [8][166] Gertrude Baniszewski lived in relative obscurity in Laurel, Iowa, until her death due to lung cancer on June 16, 1990, at the age of 61. These experts testified that all three were mentally competent to stand trial. She changed her name to Stephanie Serikstad and had several children of her own. [3] In addition to the sporadic checks she received from her first husbanda former Indianapolis policemanupon whom she primarily relied financially to support her children,[7] Baniszewski occasionally performed odd jobs for neighbors and acquaintances, such as sewing or cleaning in order to earn money. Unnamed author: "Mrs. Baniszewski Meted Life in Likens Slaying". The plot revolves around a solitary ballet dancer (Hannah) who is troubled by a boy (Timothee) Baniszewski, now 64, has been going by the name Paula Pace and has worked for the BCLUW school district in Conrad, Iowa, since 1998. His contributions included using her as a practice dummy for judo flips and punches and shoving her down the basement stairs. [71] Both Hobbs and 10-year-old Shirley Baniszewski then led Likens into the basement where each proceeded to use an anchor bolt in an attempt to burn the letter "S" beneath Likens' left breast, although they applied one section of the loop backwards, and this deep burn scar would resemble the number 3. November 2, 2022 at 11:01 PM Post a Comment Subscribe to: Total Pageviews Global Criminologist Search 
Stephanie Baniszewski, panic-stricken, told Hobbs to call the police. WebTrial. [24], Deputy Prosecutor Marjorie Wessner delivered the state's closing argument before the jury on behalf of the prosecution. Refraining from acknowledging the catalog of atrocities each had inflicted upon Likens, Bowman repeatedly emphasized his clients' age, stating each was only guilty of assault and battery before seeking a verdict of not guilty for each youth. Stephanie Baniszewski assumed a new name and became a school teacher. The couple had four children together. Originally found guilty of first-degree murder, Gertrude (or Gertie, as she was sometimes called) was sentenced to life in prisona judgment confirmed by a 1971 retrial. Marie later married. Stephanie Baniszewski was released from custody after her attorneys successfully argued that the state had insufficient evidence to support any murder charges against her. 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Baniszewski, Richard Hobbs et Coy Hubbard pour meurtre state had insufficient evidence support! 29 ] on one occasion, neither girl exhibited any visible sign distress!
The school made no further investigations concerning Likens' welfare. She changed her last name to Pace and moved to Iowa where she worked as a teacher's aide. I can tell it. Name. Likens' gray casket remained open throughout the ceremony, with a portrait of her taken prior to July 1965 adorning her coffin. Confirming Pace's original identity, the school district suspended her. He said his family did not approach the police.
You'll have to live with your conscience the rest of your life if you send an insane woman to the electric chair. The following morning, Gertrude discovered that Likens had urinated on herself. [104] Both the shock she had primarily suffered due to the severe and prolonged damage inflicted to her skin and subcutaneous tissues, plus the severe malnutrition,[105] were listed as contributory factors to her death. When Gertrude found out, she used a paddle to beat Likens. He started back down, taking the last three steps in one jump. Stephanie, Marie, and Shirley Baniszewski were not charged since they were so young while this crime was continuously being committed. Baniszewski was born as Gertrude Nadine van Fossan, the third of Hugh and Mollie van Fossan's six children. "[147] Stating that "not a shred of evidence"[145] had been produced indicating any defendant was suffering from a form of mental illness, New again requested the death penalty for each defendant, stating to the jury: "The issue here is not about the electric chair, or a hospital, but about law and order. She reportedly changed her name, married, had children, worked as a teacher, and now lives in Florida. Likens replied, "I don't know," and shrugged. [12], Initially, Gertrude denied any involvement in Likens' death, although by October 27 she had confessed to having known "the kids," particularly her daughter Paula and Coy Hubbard, had physically and emotionally abused Likens, stating: "Paula did most of the damage," and "Coy Hubbard did a lot of the beating. --Poem inscribed upon the granite memorial formally dedicated to Sylvia Likens' life and legacy in Willard Park, Indianapolis. ". Shortly thereafter, Lester Likens arranged for his daughters to board with Gertrude Baniszewski, the mother of two girls with whom the sisters had recently become acquainted while studying at Arsenal Technical High School, Paula and Stephanie Baniszewski. In response, Gertrude accused Likens of engaging in gluttony before she and Paula choked and bludgeoned her. Lester apparently believed her, because during several subsequent trips to the housethe last on October 5, just weeks before his daughters deathhe noticed nothing out of order. Shortly after the birth of their son in May 1964, Wright abandoned Baniszewski. Her whereabouts today are unknown. [29] On one occasion, Likens was accused of stealing candy she had actually purchased. During her years at the Indiana Womens Prison, she was considered a model prisoner and earned the nickname of Mom. In spite of widespread public outcry, she was paroled in 1985. [85] Upon hearing this, Jenny replied: "Don't you remember, Sylvia? The second-oldest of the Baniszewski children, Stephanie was 15 at the time of the crime. Fifteen-year-old Stephanie was never charged with the murder of Sylvia Likens. Paula, Stephanie et John Baniszewski, Richard Hobbs et Coy Hubbard pour meurtre. Somehow, the conversation got around to tattooing. Which she did, enthusiastically. WebStephanie Kay Baniszewski Age: 72 years Birthday: 9th August, 1950 Zodiac Sign: Leo Occupation: Criminal Mother: Gertrude Baniszewski Brother: John Baniszewski Jr. When questioned by Leroy New as to the exhaustive interviews and assessments he had conducted with Gertrude, Schuster stated that she had been evasive and uncooperative. He became a lay minister, frequently hosting counseling sessions for the children of divorced parents. IE 11 is not supported. "[48][n 6] Gertrude then burned Likens' fingertips with matches before further whipping her. Through intimidation, her younger sister, Jenny, was occasionally forced to participate in her mistreatment. Stated that she had 'fond memories of Sylvia and Jenny' and was 'Sylvia's friend'. Record information. "[130], When Marie Baniszewski was called to the stand as a witness for the defense, she broke down and admitted that she had heated the needle which Hobbs had used to brand Likens' abdomen. Now they're gone? From the beginning, she had opportunities to tell neighbors what was going on, but she didnt because she feared she would make things worse. [36] Later, Paula used the cast on her wrist to further beat Likens. Pace/Baniszewski, the mother of two grown sons, wasnt charged with any additional crimes but was fired from her job for providing false information on her employee application. [132][182], The injury-to-person charges brought against the other juveniles known to have actively physically, mentally, and emotionally tormented Likens (Anna Ruth Siscoe, Judy Darlene Duke, Michael John Monroe, Darlene McGuire, and Randy Gordon Lepper), were later dropped. On July 3, their mother was arrested and subsequently jailed for shoplifting. [91], Clutching a Bible,[92] Paula Baniszewski, having stated to all present in the household that Likens' death was "meant to happen," then glanced in Jenny's direction and calmly stated: "If you want to live with us, Jenny, we'll treat you like our own sister. She was kind of scary her presence was scary, he said. Marie also testified as to her mother's indifference to Likens' evident distress in relation to the physical and mental abuse she had increasingly suffered, with her mother's full knowledge, stating that on one occasion, Gertrude had sat upon a chair and crocheted as she watched a neighborhood girl named Anna Siscoe attack Likens. The Likenses' sons regularly traveled with them in order to assist with their job, but Sylvia and Jenny were discouraged from doing the same, out of concern for their safety and education. When police arrived at her address at approximately 6:30p.m.,[89] Gertrude led the officers to Likens' emaciated,[90] extensively bludgeoned, and mutilated body lying upon a soiled mattress in the bedroom[73] before handing them the letter she had forced Likens to write previously by her dictation. Convicted of manslaughter, he became the Indiana State Reformatorys youngest inmate, serving just two years before being released. [183], Jenny Likens later married an Indianapolis native named Leonard Rece Wade. Both were sentenced to life in prison in Indianapolis. [104], The funeral service for Sylvia Likens was conducted at the Russell & Hitch Funeral Home in Lebanon on the afternoon of October 29. Lepperwho had visibly smirked[123] as he testified to having hit Likens on up to 40 separate occasionsdied at the age of 56 on November 14, 2010. The surname of all three children was legally changed to Blake in the late 1960s after their father regained their custody. No charges were brought against her. [8], The immediate neighbors of the Baniszewski family were a middle-aged couple named Raymond and Phyllis Vermillion. "[87], When Stephanie realized that Likens was not breathing, she attempted to apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as Gertrude repeatedly shouted to the children in the house that Likens was faking her death. Gertrude then dragged Likens into the basement. "[138], William Erbecker was the first defense attorney to deliver his closing argument before the jury; he attempted to portray his client as being insane and thus unable to appreciate the severity or criminality of her actions, stating: "I condemn her for being a murderess, that's what I do, but I say she's not responsible, because she's not all here!" Birthdate: estimated between 1933 and 1989. On this occasion, neither girl exhibited any visible sign of distress about their mistreatment to their parents. Perhaps because she was crippled by polio, Jenny didnt suffer nearly as much abuse as her sister Sylvia did. Sidestepping the multiple instances of testimony delivered at trial describing Paula and her mother as by far the most enthusiastic participants in Likens' physical abuse, Rice claimed the evidence presented against his client did not equate to her actual guilt of murder. I am happy about that. Weeks of escalating horror followed. We'll never know the pain and suffering that Sylvia endured the best evidence of that was the picture of her lipslips that were bitten into shreds! Baniszewski saw her father die of a sudden heart attack in 1940. Stephanie Baniszewski sister Shirley Baniszewski sister Marie Baniszewski sister James Baniszewski brother Edward Guthrie stepfather Dennis Lee Wright mother's ex-partner Dennis Lee Wright, Jr half brother Mary Jane Blake stepmother view all Paula Baniszewski's Timeline Genealogy Directory: A B C D E F G H I J K L M Of all the Baniszewski offspring, the least is known about him. Gertrude, a mother of seven, who went through multiple divorces, was given the responsibility of two young girls, Jenny who was disabled by [27], By mid-August, Gertrude Baniszewski had begun to focus her abuse almost exclusively upon Sylvia, with her primary motivation likely being jealousy of the girl's youth, appearance, respectability, and potential. [58], On or about October 1, Dianna Shoemaker discovered that her sisters were at the Baniszewski residence. She was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released on parole in 1985. When the police arrived to collect her sisters body, Jenny reportedly told them, You get me out of here, and Ill tell you everything. A Beech Grove resident, she died in 2004 at the age of 54. Likens was increasingly neglected, belittled, sexually humiliated, beaten, starved, lacerated, burned, and dehydrated by her tormentors. That was punishment, allegedly, for having spread rumors that the elder two Baniszewski girls, including Paula, were prostitutes. Indeed, one of the enduring mysteries of the case is why neither she nor Sylvia sought help before things escalated. in order to rouse her. Another neighborhood kid who tortured Sylvia, Hobbs performed the infamous act of helping to carve the words I am a prostitute and proud of it into her stomach with a large needle. [141], James Nedder began his closing argument in defense of Richard Hobbs by referring to the loss of Likens, stating: "She had a right to live. [111] Gertrude herself pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The site is now a church parking lot. Record information. Titre original: An American Crime [133] Another witness to testify on behalf of the prosecution, Grace Sargent, stated how she had sat close to Paula on a church bus and had heard her openly bragging about breaking her own wrist due to the severity of a beating she had inflicted to Likens' face on August 1. The last occasion Lester and Elizabeth visited their daughters was on October 5. Several of Baniszewskis children and a gaggle of neighborhood kids, some as young as 10, watched or joined in. [127], Two days later, Richard Hobbs testified in his own defense, describing how Gertrude had called Likens to the kitchen on October 23 and stated to her: "You have branded my children so now I'm going to brand you." She was last known to have resided in Florida. [8][166] Gertrude Baniszewski lived in relative obscurity in Laurel, Iowa, until her death due to lung cancer on June 16, 1990, at the age of 61. These experts testified that all three were mentally competent to stand trial. She changed her name to Stephanie Serikstad and had several children of her own. [3] In addition to the sporadic checks she received from her first husbanda former Indianapolis policemanupon whom she primarily relied financially to support her children,[7] Baniszewski occasionally performed odd jobs for neighbors and acquaintances, such as sewing or cleaning in order to earn money. Unnamed author: "Mrs. Baniszewski Meted Life in Likens Slaying". The plot revolves around a solitary ballet dancer (Hannah) who is troubled by a boy (Timothee) Baniszewski, now 64, has been going by the name Paula Pace and has worked for the BCLUW school district in Conrad, Iowa, since 1998. His contributions included using her as a practice dummy for judo flips and punches and shoving her down the basement stairs. [71] Both Hobbs and 10-year-old Shirley Baniszewski then led Likens into the basement where each proceeded to use an anchor bolt in an attempt to burn the letter "S" beneath Likens' left breast, although they applied one section of the loop backwards, and this deep burn scar would resemble the number 3. November 2, 2022 at 11:01 PM Post a Comment Subscribe to: Total Pageviews Global Criminologist Search Stephanie Baniszewski, panic-stricken, told Hobbs to call the police. WebTrial. [24], Deputy Prosecutor Marjorie Wessner delivered the state's closing argument before the jury on behalf of the prosecution. Refraining from acknowledging the catalog of atrocities each had inflicted upon Likens, Bowman repeatedly emphasized his clients' age, stating each was only guilty of assault and battery before seeking a verdict of not guilty for each youth. Stephanie Baniszewski assumed a new name and became a school teacher. The couple had four children together. 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