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Chronology of Jeffrey Dahmer's Crimes

Apr 26, 2025

Lecture Notes: Jeffrey Dahmer - A Timeline of His Murders, Arrests, and Death

Introduction

  • Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer, killed 17 men and boys over 13 years.
  • Known for heinous crimes, including necrophilia and cannibalism.
  • He was arrested in 1991, bringing an end to his killing spree.

Early Crimes and Events

  • June 1978: First victim, Steven Hicks. Dahmer killed him at his parents' house in Ohio.
  • 1981: Discharged from the military due to drinking problems; returned to Ohio.
  • August 1982 and 1986: Arrested for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

Resumption of Murders

  • September 1987: Second victim, Steven Tuomi, killed in a hotel room.
  • October 1987: Third victim, James Doxtator, murdered and body disposed of similarly.
  • March 1988: Fourth victim, Richard Guerrero, enticed from a gay bar.

Arrests and Escalation

  • September 1988: Arrested for sexual assault of a minor.
  • March 1989: Fifth victim, Anthony Sears, first to have "trophies" taken.
  • May 1990: Sixth victim, Raymond Smith, killed shortly after Dahmer's release from jail.

Further Killings

  • June 1990: Seventh victim, Edward Smith, Dahmer attempted preservation of the body.
  • September 1990: Two more victims, Ernest Miller and David Thomas; methods varied.
  • February 1991: Tenth victim, Curtis Straughter.

Attempted Mind Control

  • April 1991: Attempt to create a "zombie-like" state in victim Errol Lindsey.

Near Capture and Continued Murders

  • May 1991: Narrow escape from capture during incident with Konerak Sinthasomphone.
  • June 1991: Eleventh victim, Matthew Turner.

Final Murders and Capture

  • July 7-19, 1991: Three additional victims killed.
  • July 22, 1991: Dahmer's spree ended with capture after Tracey Edwards escaped.

Discovery and Arrest

  • Police found Polaroids, severed heads, and body parts in Dahmer's apartment.
  • Dahmer admitted to liking his lifestyle and would continue if released.

Sentencing and Death

  • Sentenced to 16 consecutive life terms.
  • 1994: Killed in prison by fellow inmate Christopher Scarver.

Conclusion

  • Jeffrey Dahmer's case remains one of the most infamous in criminal history, highlighting severe systemic failures in preventing his crimes.