Much of Oswald's early life is unknown, but it is known that, before his incarceration, he lived with his mother in a rather run-down house and had to attend special education classes. One of these was taught by Sharon Kiveat, whom he developed an attraction towards. She described him as a boy who "seemed to have a lot of bad luck," and she tried to help him in any way she could, even getting him a job at her husband's auto shop. His devotion was one-sided, due to Sharon Kiveat already being married, and she actually found his behavior unnerving.