Challenges in the Life of Jeffrey Dahmer in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Jeffrey Dahmer's life and career.

Jeffrey Dahmer, the Milwaukee Cannibal, was an American serial killer and sex offender. Between 1978 and 1991, he murdered and dismembered seventeen men and boys. His crimes often involved necrophilia, cannibalism, and the preservation of body parts, especially skeletons. Dahmer's horrific acts shocked the world and cemented his place as one of the most infamous criminals in American history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

1975: Dahmer's Disturbing Actions and Family Issues

In 1975, Dahmer decapitated a dog carcass and impaled it on a stick. Also in 1975, Lionel taught his son to preserve animal bones, and Joyce increased her consumption of Equanil, laxatives and sleeping pills.

September 1977: Joyce's Affair and Marital Discord

In September 1977, Lionel discovered that Joyce had a brief affair, leading to increased marital discord and a decision to divorce.

May 1978: Dahmer Graduates High School

In May 1978, Dahmer graduated from high school. He was observed drinking beer near the school parking lot before graduation.

1978: Confession to Steven Hicks's Murder in Ohio

As part of his confession starting July 23, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer admitted to killing Steven Hicks in Ohio in 1978, in addition to murders committed since 1987.

1978: Lionel Moves Out

In early 1978, Lionel moved out of the house and resided in a motel on North Cleveland Massillon Road due to increasing divorce bitterness.

March 1981: Dahmer Discharged from the Army

In March 1981, Jeffrey Dahmer was deemed unsuitable for military service due to alcohol abuse and was discharged from the Army with an honorable discharge.

August 8, 1982: Dahmer Arrested for Indecent Exposure

On August 8, 1982, Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested for indecent exposure at Wisconsin State Fair Park. He was fined $50 plus court costs.

1982: Dahmer's Employment and Unemployment

In early 1982, Jeffrey Dahmer found employment as a phlebotomist at the Milwaukee Blood Plasma Center. He was laid off after ten months and remained unemployed for over two years, living off money from his grandmother.

1987: Confession to Murders since 1987

As part of his confession starting July 23, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer admitted to having murdered sixteen young men in Wisconsin since 1987, in addition to one murder in Ohio in 1978.

1987: Schizoid Personality Disorder Diagnosis

In 1987, prior to court hearings, Dahmer underwent psychological evaluations that led to a diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder.

May 23, 1989: Sentenced to Probation

On May 23, 1989, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to five years' probation and one year in the House of Correction. He was allowed work release to maintain his job and was required to register as a sex offender. Later, he was paroled from this regimen, and his five-year probation began as scheduled.

October 1990: Unsuccessful Luring Attempts and Mental Health Issues

In October 1990, Jeffrey Dahmer began experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression, which he regularly reported to his probation officer. He made frequent references to his sexuality, solitary lifestyle, and financial difficulties. During this time, he also unsuccessfully attempted to lure men to his apartment on multiple occasions.

February 1991: Unsuccessful Luring Attempts and Mental Health Issues

In February 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer continued to experience feelings of anxiety and depression, which he regularly reported to his probation officer. He made frequent references to his sexuality, solitary lifestyle, and financial difficulties. During this time, he also unsuccessfully attempted to lure men to his apartment on multiple occasions.

July 22, 1991: Tracy Edwards Escapes

On July 22, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer lured Tracy Edwards to his apartment with an offer of $100 to pose for nude photographs and drink beer. Once inside, Edwards noticed a foul odor and boxes of hydrochloric acid. Dahmer attempted to handcuff Edwards, who managed to escape.

July 23, 1991: Confession to Murders

Beginning in the early hours of July 23, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer was questioned by Detective Patrick Kennedy regarding the murders he had committed. Dahmer waived his right to a lawyer and confessed to sixteen murders in Wisconsin since 1987 and one in Ohio in 1978.

July 25, 1991: Charged with Four Counts of First-Degree Murder

On July 25, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer was charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

1991: Complaints Regarding Apartment Odors and Sounds

In 1991, residents of the Oxford Apartments repeatedly complained to the building's manager, Sopa Princewill, about foul smells and strange sounds emanating from Jeffrey Dahmer's Apartment 213. Dahmer attributed the odors to a broken freezer and dead tropical fish.

January 13, 1992: Guilty Plea to 15 Counts of Murder

On January 13, 1992, at a preliminary hearing, Jeffrey Dahmer pleaded guilty but insane to 15 counts of murder.

January 30, 1992: Dahmer's Trial Begins

On January 30, 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer's trial began in Milwaukee for 15 counts of first-degree murder. The trial focused on whether Dahmer suffered from a mental or personality disorder, with the prosecution arguing that any disorders did not impair his ability to understand the criminality of his actions.

May 1, 1992: Sentenced to 16th Term of Life Imprisonment

On May 1, 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to a 16th term of life imprisonment for the murder of Steven Hicks.

July 3, 1994: Inmate Attack

On July 3, 1994, a fellow inmate, Osvaldo Durruthy, attempted to slash Jeffrey Dahmer's throat with a razor embedded in a toothbrush in the prison chapel. Dahmer received superficial wounds and was not seriously hurt.