‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’
Netflix’s latest venture into the True Crime genre, ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,’ delves deep into the life of the infamous criminal, Jeffrey Dahmer. Crafted by the brilliant Ryan Murphy, the series provides a fresh perspective on Jeffrey Dahmer’s heinous crimes, offering an unnerving glimpse into the real-life horror inflicted by this notorious figure.
A Tale of Two Brothers: Jeffrey and David Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer’s dreadful acts cast a long, inescapable shadow over the Dahmer family name. A significant part of this narrative that the series subtly explores is Jeffrey Dahmer’s relationship with his younger brother, David Dahmer. Born in December 1966 to Lionel and Joyce Dahmer, David was named by his older brother, Jeffrey Dahmer. Their relationship, however, was strained by their parent’s tumultuous marriage, Lionel’s frequent travels for work, Joyce’s battle with mental illness, and the arrival of baby brother, David. Despite all these, Jeffrey Dahmer still held a certain affection for his younger brother.
Glenda Cleveland: The Unheard Voice
The show does not only focus on Jeffrey Dahmer and his immediate family but also spotlights those impacted by his unspeakable crimes. One such individual is Glenda Cleveland, a neighbor who attempted to alert the police officers about Jeffrey Dahmer’s suspicious behavior. Unfortunately, her concerns fell on deaf ears, allowing Dahmer to continue his horrific crimes.
The Burden of an Infamous Name
Jeffrey Dahmer’s life of extreme cruelty and infamous crimes significantly burdened David. Following Jeffrey Dahmer’s arrest, David Dahmer, a University of Cincinnati graduate, opted to sever ties with his notorious sibling. His decision to shun the Dahmer name was desperate to find some semblance of normalcy amidst the media frenzy surrounding his brother’s life sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution.
The Struggles of Lionel Dahmer
Lionel Dahmer, the father of Jeffrey and David, also had to deal with the grim reality of having a son responsible for such horrific crimes. Lionel Herbert Dahmer was left wrestling with the public record of his elder son’s horrific deeds, which included animal dissection at a young age and the discovery of an animal graveyard near their home during Jeffrey’s elementary school years. The discovery of animal bones was an ominous sign of the extreme cruelty Jeffrey Dahmer would later inflict on his human victims.
David Dahmer: A Life Away from the Limelight
David Dahmer chose a life far removed from his notorious brother. He sought a reasonable distance from his brother’s crimes, avoiding public appearances and interviews, even during Jeffrey Dahmer’s trial. His father, Lionel, confirmed his decision to create a new life under a new name in a 2004 interview. David’s current whereabouts are unknown, a testament to his successful effort to distance himself from the darkness associated with the Dahmer name.
David’s Journey: From Baby Brother to an Anonymous Life
David Dahmer’s journey is one of resilience. Despite being the baby brother of a man who committed some of the most atrocious crimes in American history, David managed to carve out a peaceful existence for himself. His stepmother, Shari Dahmer, revealed that he found contentment in his personal and professional life. David Dahmer is living proof that one can escape even the darkest shadows.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Effects
While ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ sheds light on those impacted by Jeffrey Dahmer’s monstrous acts, the series leaves many questions about David Dahmer’s journey unanswered. As the brother of a man serving a life sentence for heinous crimes, David consciously distances himself from the horror associated with his family name. Yet, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of such horrific crimes.
