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. Dahmer's crimes often involved necrophilia, cannibalism, and the preservation of skeletal remains. His gruesome acts shocked the world and cemented his place as one of history's most notorious criminals.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

September 1977: Joyce's Affair Revealed

In September 1977, Lionel discovered that Joyce had engaged in a brief affair, contributing to the decision to divorce. This event marked a significant turning point in the Dahmer family dynamics.

1978: First Murder

In 1978, Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder at his parents' home in Ohio.

March 1981: Dahmer Discharged from the Army

In March 1981, Jeffrey Dahmer was deemed unsuitable for military service due to his 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 observed exposing himself in front of women and children, convicted, and fined $50 plus court costs.

September 8, 1986: Dahmer Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Behavior

On September 8, 1986, Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested for lewd and lascivious behavior after masturbating in front of two 12-year-old boys near the Kinnickinnic River. The charge was later changed to disorderly conduct.

March 10, 1987: Dahmer Sentenced for Disorderly Conduct

On March 10, 1987, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to undergo counseling for disorderly conduct after being arrested for lewd behavior in September 1986.

January 30, 1989: Dahmer Pleaded Guilty to Charges

On January 30, 1989, Jeffrey Dahmer pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree sexual assault and of enticing a child for immoral purposes. Sentencing was suspended until May.

May 23, 1989: Sentenced to Probation and Time in House of Correction

On May 23, 1989, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to five years' probation and one year in the House of Correction, with work release. He was also required to register as a sex offender.

October 1990: Complaints to Probation Officer

In October 1990, Jeffrey Dahmer regularly complained of feelings of both anxiety and depression to his probation officer with frequent references to his sexuality, his solitary lifestyle, financial difficulties, and apprehension regarding meeting his father and younger brother.

1990: Ernest Miller's Death

In 1990, Ernest Miller died due to a combination of shock and blood loss after his carotid artery was cut by Jeffrey Dahmer.

February 1991: Unsuccessful Attempts to Lure Men

In February 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer unsuccessfully attempted to lure men to his apartment.

July 23, 1991: Dahmer's Confession

Beginning on July 23, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer was questioned by Detective Patrick Kennedy about the murders and evidence found at his apartment. He confessed to having murdered sixteen young men in Wisconsin since 1987, and one further victim 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: Dahmer's Murders Revealed

By 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer had killed seventeen young men, with twelve murders occurring in his North 25th Street apartment. These murders were revealed in 1991.

1991: Acid and Boiling Water Injections

In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer injected hydrochloric acid or boiling water into the frontal lobes of four victims through holes bored into their skulls in an attempt to induce a submissive state, which resulted in their deaths.

1991: Complaints from Oxford Apartments Residents

In 1991, fellow residents of the Oxford Apartments repeatedly complained of foul smells emanating from Apartment 213, as well as sounds of falling objects and a chainsaw.