Before becoming a notorious American serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer’s brother, David Dahmer, had always struggled to establish a relationship with him. Given that Jeffrey and David were born seven years apart, the brothers had a different upbringing from each other. Their parents’ divorce in 1978, when Jeffrey was 18, caused David to grow up in a different household.
According to former FBI profiler Dan Craft, “The brothers had issues while growing up together as they competed for the love of their late mother, Joyce.” Craft appeared in the 2023 docuseries “My Son Jeffrey: The Dahmer Family Tapes,” where he gave an insight into the Dahmers.
Following their parent’s divorce, Jeffrey Dahmer went on to murder 17 adolescents and men in Milwaukee between 1978 and 1991. According to the reports, Jeffrey had picked his victims from all around the city before killing them and participating in cannibalism and necrophilia. Following the escape of a victim in 1991, Jeffrey was apprehended and eventually convicted of his crimes.
Following his conviction, Jeffrey was killed on November 28, 1994, by Christopher Scarver, fellow inmate. Scarver had beaten Jeffrey and another prisoner to death. The Dahmer name has become associated with Jeffrey’s atrocities, even though his family has tried to resume regular life in the years afterward.
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Who Is Jeffrey Dahmer’s Little Brother?
Following his conviction in 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer’s brother, David, promised to stay out of the public eye, a promise he has kept thus far. Tracing their family history and stories, Jeffrey and David had always lived a particularly rough family life. Although sources have often maintained that there was no recorded physical abuse against them, there was suspected neglect.
Before their mother, Joyce, died in 2000, she suffered from mental health issues, causing her to struggle with them. Their father, Lionel Dahmer, who died in 2023, was a scientist who often retired to his lab, allegedly leaving them without continuous care.
What Happened to Jeffrey Dahmer’s Brother?
Following Jeffrey’s arrest in 1991 and conviction in 1992, David chose to vanish from public view. Lionel and his second wife, Shari Dahmer, spoke with Larry King in 2004 and provided an update on David’s life. In the interview, they mention that David had changed his identity to avoid public scrutiny.
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However, Lionel revealed that David had started a family and was in the process of having his own kids. Since disappearing from the public eye, not much is known about the location of Jefferey Dahmer’s brother, David, or his new name. In his 1994 book, “A Father’s Story,” Lionel stated that he noticed warning indications of Jeffrey’s future atrocities.
Although it remains to be confirmed, David might have witnessed some of Jeffrey’s atrocities, as reported in their father’s book. However, given that Jeffrey was 7 years older, David might have thought he was just being compassionate to the animals.
In his book, Lionel wrote, “David Dahmer knew about the animal graveyard and thought his brother was ‘doing a good service’ by burying dead creatures.”
Why Did Jeffrey Dahmer’s Brother Change His Name?
In 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer was convicted of murdering several victims between 1978 and 1991. As a result of the media attention and scrutiny surrounding his family’s name, David changed his name and disappeared.
During a 2004 interview on “Larry King Live,” Lionel and Shari Dahmer revealed that David had changed his name. However, the couple refused to reveal it to safeguard his identity. Lionel said, “We’ve promised to keep him completely secret. He has a career. Everything’s going fine. He’s happy.”
David’s decision to isolate himself from his brother’s legacy is no surprise, given their complicated history. According to Lionel, Jeffrey was timid compared to David, with their seven-year age gap hindering their bonding.
How Old Is Jeffrey Dahmer’s Brother?
Jeffrey Dahmer’s brother, David Dahmer, was born on December 18, 1966, making him 57 years old as of 2024. Following their parent’s divorce in 1978, Joyce was awarded custody of David, while Jeffrey stayed with Lionel Dahmer.
According to Brian Masters’ 1993 book, “The Shrine of Jeffrey Dahmer,” Masters said, “There was much discussion and worry over who should have custody of David and where he would live. But no thought was ever given as to what should happen to Jeff or where he would be expected to live.”
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