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, also known as 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, particularly skeletons.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

September 1977: Joyce's Affair and Divorce Decision

In September 1977, Lionel discovered that Joyce had a brief affair, leading them to decide to divorce.

May 1978: Dahmer Graduated High School

In May 1978, Jeffrey Dahmer graduated from high school. A few weeks before, he was caught drinking beer in the school parking lot. In the spring, Dahmer's mother moved out of the family home with David to live with relatives in Wisconsin, without informing Lionel.

July 24, 1978: Divorce Finalized

On July 24, 1978, Jeffrey Dahmer's parents' divorce was finalized. Joyce was awarded custody of their younger son and alimony payments.

1978: Homicide in Ohio

In 1978, Jeffrey Dahmer committed an additional homicide in Ohio, for which he was later sentenced to a sixteenth term of life imprisonment.

1978: First Murder

In 1978, Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder. Between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer killed seventeen young men.

January 1979: Enlisted in the United States Army

In January 1979, Jeffrey Dahmer enlisted in the United States Army at his father's urging. He underwent basic training at Fort McClellan and trained as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston, where he was reprimanded for intoxication.

March 1981: Discharged From the Army

In March 1981, Jeffrey Dahmer was discharged from the Army due to his alcohol abuse. He received an honorable discharge, as his superiors didn't believe his problems would apply to civilian life.

December 1981: Moved to Grandmother's Home

In December 1981, Jeffrey Dahmer was sent by his father and stepmother to live with his paternal grandmother, Catherine Dahmer, in West Allis, Wisconsin, hoping her influence would help him quit drinking and live responsibly.

August 8, 1982: Arrested for Indecent Exposure

On August 8, 1982, Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested at Wisconsin State Fair Park for exposing himself in the presence of women and children. He was convicted and fined.

1982: Employment at Milwaukee Blood Plasma Center

In early 1982, Jeffrey Dahmer found employment as a phlebotomist at the Milwaukee Blood Plasma Center and held the job for ten months before being laid off. He remained unemployed for over two years after that.

1985: Regularly Frequenting Bathhouses

By late 1985, Jeffrey Dahmer had begun regularly frequenting bathhouses, which he described as "relaxing places". During his sexual encounters, he became frustrated at his partners' moving during the act, leading him to view people as objects of pleasure.

June 1986: Administering Sleeping Pills to Partners

Beginning in June 1986, Jeffrey Dahmer started administering sleeping pills to his partners in liquor laced with sedatives before engaging in sexual acts. He informed doctors he worked nights to obtain an adequate supply of the medication.

September 8, 1986: Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Behavior

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

March 10, 1987: Sentenced to Probation

On March 10, 1987, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to one year of probation with instructions to undergo counseling for disorderly conduct.

November 20, 1987: Encounter with Steven Tuomi

On November 20, 1987, Jeffrey Dahmer encountered Steven Tuomi at a bar and persuaded him to return to the Ambassador Hotel. Dahmer awoke the next morning to find Tuomi dead with extensive bruising, though he had no memory of killing him.

1987: Diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder

In 1987, Jeffrey Dahmer's probation officer referenced a diagnosis of Dahmer suffering from a schizoid personality disorder for presentation to the court.

March 24, 1988: Murder of Richard Guerrero

On March 24, 1988, Jeffrey Dahmer met Richard Guerrero outside a gay bar, lured him to his grandmother's residence with an offer of money, drugged him, strangled him, and dismembered his body.

September 1988: Eviction and Arrest

In September 1988, Jeffrey Dahmer's grandmother asked him to move out due to his drinking and late-night guests. He moved into an apartment on North 24th Street. Shortly after, he was arrested for drugging and sexually fondling a 13-year-old boy.

January 30, 1989: Guilty Plea

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

October 1990: Unsuccessful Luring Attempts and Anxiety

In October 1990, Jeffrey Dahmer unsuccessfully attempted to lure men to his apartment. Throughout 1990, Dahmer complained of anxiety and depression to his probation officer, referencing his sexuality, solitary lifestyle, and financial difficulties.

1990: Ernest Miller Murdered

In 1990, one of Dahmer's victims, Ernest Miller, died from a combination of shock and blood loss due to his carotid artery being cut.

February 1991: More Luring Attempts

In February 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer unsuccessfully attempted to lure men to his apartment and complained of anxiety and depression to his probation officer.

1991: Final Murders

Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer killed seventeen young men, including twelve at his North 25th Street apartment. Three victims were murdered and dismembered at his grandmother's West Allis residence.

1991: Skull Drilling Experiments

In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer killed four victims by drilling holes into their skulls and injecting hydrochloric acid or boiling water into their frontal lobes, attempting to induce a submissive state, though this was not his intention.

February 17, 1992: Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

On February 17, 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to fifteen terms of life imprisonment for fifteen homicides he had committed in Wisconsin. Dahmer was found to be legally sane at his trial.