The Butcher of Milwaukee's Human Slaughterhouse - Essay Example

The Butcher of Milwaukee's Human Slaughterhouse Introduction Police officers Robert Rauth and Rolf Mueller thought Monday evening, July 22, 1991 would be just another humid day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Little did they know that this day would result in the discovery of a crime of unparallel magnitude which leads the world to recognize Jeffrey Dahmer as ‘the Butcher of Milwaukee's Human Slaughterhouse’ (Gracy Singh, True Crime story). When a young and extremely frightened partially handcuffed black man flagged their vehicle down and led them straight to apartment 213 the horror of a grim and macabre discovery unfolded; A fridge with several severed heads, a closet with severed testicles and skulls and Polaroid photographs of various victims as well as severed limbs and bodies. The discovery that a man so confident, tidy, well mannered and clean was capable of such heinous murders as well as cannibalism would be a central aspect of this study. To investigate the motives and incentives that led a seemingly average man to indulge in a killing spree that lasted and went undetected for 13 years is what this essay will concentrate on. Furthermore the analysis will be aided by the use of two theories that will scrutinize factors that have contributed to the crime in question and led to the constitution of Jeffrey Dahmer who came to be known as ‘the man who redefined serial murders’ by the Online criminologist. Outline of the case According to Tru Crime Library, Detective Patrick Kennedy was the person who gained Jeffrey Dahmer’s trust and hence plummeted into the depths of his degeneracy. His killing spree of 13 years took root from fantasies about killing men and having sex with their corpses at the age of fourteen. By sixteen he had become an alcoholic with intense interest in chemistry and dismembering animals. Research as stated by Dr. Randall Lockwood (vice president of training and initiatives for the Humane Society of the United States) has found excessive links between animal cruelties in the early years of childhood to future serial killings. A common characteristic shared by serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy and David Berkowitz. In June of 1978, right after graduation Dahmer committed his first murder. Steven Hicks, a hitchhiker that he picked up, had sex with and then drank beer with was the first of his victims. His murder was unplanned seeing as Dahmer struck him in the head with a barbell that led to his demise solely because he could not stand the idea of Hicks leaving. To dispose of the body he chopped it into pieces, packaged it in plastic garbage bags and buried it in the woods near the house. In October 1981 and September 1986 he was arrested due to excessive drinking and disorderly conduct. He was put on probation for masturbating in front of two boys in 1986. In September 1987 he killed once again. His second victim was Steven Toumi who he met in a gay bar and indulged in heavy drinking with. Dahmer admits to have no memory of the murder itself but recalls waking up to Toumi being dead and having blood on his mouth. He also admitted to transporting the corpse using a large suitcase into his grandmother’s basement, engaged in necrophilia with it and then dismembering and disposing of the body. Fourteen year old Jamie Doxtator, a Native American boy, was Dahmer’s third victim. He also marks the establishment of Dahmer’s methods. His pattern being a depiction of his fetishes and perversions – masturbation, necrophilia, dismemberment, preservations of organs that he would later eat and collecting skulls and other body parts as souvenirs. Sticking to this developed pattern Dahmer killed 5 men by the summer of 1988 one of who was a Richard Gurrero, handsome young man of Mexican origin. All these murders took place in Dahmer’s grandmother’s basement that remained oblivious of these undertakings. On September 25, 1988, Dahmer moved into an apartment in Milwaukee. Shortly afterwards he was arrested for sexually fondling a 13 year old boy and charged with second-degree sexual assault. In January 1989, he pleaded guilty, speaking in his own defense and successfully managing to convince the judge of how much he repented and got off with five year probation and an early release. Jeffrey Dahmer’s pace of murder accelerated in 1991 when he started killing one man per week. The most famous incident was that which involved Konerak Sinthasomphone, a 14 year old Laotian’s near escape. Marilyn Bardsley of the Crime Library, in her article ‘A victim almost escapes’ mentions how Sinthasomphone was naked, disheveled and seen running down the street in the nude when two women reported the scene to the police. The police returned the boy to the smooth talking, confident and calm blond Jeffrey Dahmer believing the incident to being a lover’s quarrel and as a result sending Sinthasomphone to his death. Anne Schwartz, author of ‘The Man Who Could Not Kill Enough’ describes the victims lifestyles as ‘high-risk’ with arrest records ranging from crimes such as rape, battery, arson and sexual assault. Most victims were black, one white, one Laotian and one Hispanic. They were also homosexual or bisexual. Furthermore she provides a listing of the victims according to the timeline of their demise. In July 1991, Tracy Edwards the last of Dahmer’s would be victims escaped and successfully led the police back to Dahmer’s apartment. Even upon discovery of his grotesque lifestyle Jeffrey remained calm and rational and only resisted when he was cuffed. The horror that unfolded in his apartment is best described by Anne E. Schwartz, the first reporter on the scene: "...in the back of the closet was a metal stockpot that contained decomposed hands and a penis. On the shelf above the kettle were 2 skulls.” Jeffery Dahmer confession encompassed the tale of his twisted sex, cannibalism and murder in a 160 page novel. According to ‘ATH: Killers’ in it he said: “It's hard for me to believe that a human being could have done what I've done, but I know that I did it." After which he was sentenced to 15 consecutive life terms for the killing of 17 men. On November 28, 1994 he was murdered by a fellow inmate, Christopher Scarver, who suffered from schizophrenic. Analysis of the case Social Learning theory According to Krohn, M.D (1999), Social learning theory encompasses the acquisition of behaviors through either modeling or via rewards and punishment. If you put Jeffrey Dahmer’s offenses under perspective of the social learning theory it would suggest that his behavior was a result of either his observation of others indulging in similar behavior or through the gradual course of being rewarded through his killings. Lionel Dahmer, Jeffrey’s father in his book called ‘A Father’s Story’, explores the aspects of parenting and his struggle to get through to his child who had effectively built a high wall around himself and shut others out. As this effectively rules out the observational learning aspect of the social learning theory we divert our concerns to whether Dahmer’s behavior was a result of reward situations. Wright and Hensley (2003) concentrate on this aspect by analyzing the childhood experiences of a serial killer which might constitute to murderous activities in the later life. He then suggests a Graduation Hypothesis that revolves around this certain aspect. Animal mutilation Animal mutilation and the genesis of similar brutality towards humans is an aspect of critical emphasis as far as the graduation hypothesis is concerned. As a child Jeffrey Dahmer admitted to being fascinated by the capture and mutilation of animal corpses. Later he found this very same activity as a source of gratification (Wright & Hensley, 2003). There are several accounts that confirm Dahmer confessing that experiments that he performed on dead animals were what later led him to the use of human victims as test subjects. One major example is the fact that as a child Dahmer would use his father’s stored chemicals to strip the flesh from animal bones and later replicated the very same behavior with his victims. (Martens & Palermo, 2005). According to Ressler & Shachtman, 1997, Dahmer explains how he experimented performing a kind of lobotomy by pouring different quantities of acid into drilled holes in his victims skull. The suggested motivation behind this behavior was to create ‘zombies’ primarily for his sexual gratification without the need for forming any kind of emotional bonds or relationship. Military Training From a Social learning theory perspective some authors such as Castle & Hensley, 2002, suggest that a military experience may be a important contributor to the progress of serial murder dynamics. Jeffrey Dahmer was never a good student. He managed to enroll in college however due to his alcoholism flunked out by the end of the first or second term. His father then encourages him to join the military and he enlisted for 6 years but was discharged after two. There was speculation about his connection to a series of killings in Germany while he was stationed there but no conclusive evidence was found according to Paula Bently, 2008. The concept of killing humans learnt during military training is an influential aspect of this perspective developed by Castle & Hensley. It escalates into a pleasurable experience derived by the serial killer by indulging in continuous crime series. In 2001, Castle conducted a study of 354 serial killers out of which 7% were found to have military experience. Although the amount was nominal however the possibility of the development of serial murder dynamics cannot be completely ruled out as an influence of military training. Abuse Sexual, emotional and physical abuse at an early age forms a key component in the lives of many serial killers (Ressler et al, 1988). This theory suggests that as a mere reflection of their helplessness during the abuse as a child the serial killers develop homicidal aggression patterns in their attempt to control their victims in their later life. This escalates into the formation of a deviant value system in which aggression and devaluation are pivotal to meet psychological needs one which grows in intensity over a period of time. This value system adheres closely to the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (1994), with the growing intensity leading to murderous behavior in order to achieve fulfillment of psychological needs. Jeffrey Dahmer according to several sources was said to have been sexually molested at the age of seven by a neighbor and the assault went unreported. According to Brenda Odom, 2008, there was speculation as to whether his father sexually abused him as a child. However this allegation is denied by Lionel Dahmer in his book, A Father’s Story. Furthermore as a child he underwent a double hernia operation and when he was thoroughly examined without any explanation it was to obvious discomfort and confusion. One source even mentions that he inquired of his mother whether his genitals had been removed due to his intense pain (Paula Bentley, 2008). Furthermore his parents fought constantly in front of him and divorced when he turned 18. His father remarried as his mother moved away. It is important to note here that this was when he committed his first murder. His obvious lack of control during his childhood experiences and domestic unrest are major contributing factors towards his loss of control and abandonment issues leading him to murder Steven Hicks because he couldn’t bear to let him leave. His collection of souvenirs in shape of human organs and detailed photographs as well as his cannibalism were all depictions of loneliness and he is reported to have said that they made him feel like they were a part of him forever. (Gary C. King, True Crime Stories) Psychoanalytic theory While exploring the vast amount of literature on serial killing, there is a predominant presence that contrasts the contribution of the social learning theory in the development of a serial killer. According to this perspective it is through isolation and not the social progression that lead to the formation of grotesque desires by serial killers (Burgess et al, 1986; Sears, 1991). This can be verified by looking at the pre-murder emotional and physical isolation, development of violent sexual fantasies and mentally mapping the crime, by the offender. These notions had originated from him and not any indirect influences that he derived the ideas from. Jeffrey Dahmer fits this profile to perfection as he was afflicted with a ‘unique combination of psychological and personality disorders, as well as severe social skill deficits.’ (Abigail Strubel, M.A) Fantasies At the age of seven, Jeffrey Dahmer was mostly withdrawn, had no long term friends and was socially awkward. There are accounts that state that there wasn’t much that he cared for and spent most of his time in isolation because being approached by people made him nervous. He fantasized often and with age his fantasizes grew in their nature of violence and morbidity. (Brenda Odom, 2008) Fantasy is a significant private cognitive process and depicts the innermost desires of an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer was a slave of his increasingly intensifying fantasies for killing another human and hence achieving a state of sexual arousal (Nelson, 2006). In an interview Dahmer once admitted to having excessive fantasies of violence intermingled with sex which steadily got worse and worse. He had no one to confide in which is why he kept all these feelings bottled up. At the age of 14 he obsessively fantasized about lying next to an unconscious man. Nelson further suggests that it was these fantasies that played a critical role in the development and continuation of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Dahmer. Motivational Model To understand the development of a serial killer it is of critical importance to base an understanding on the motivations which reflect the Intrinsic desires of the offender rather than his social learning (Holmes & De Burger). Jeffrey Dahmer’s fantasies are a clear depiction of his intrinsic desires. These he had no control over and no outlet for. They were not based on any kind of a social observation or learning only an innate desire that was gathering force with time. Sexuality and Substance abuse It was in high school that Jeffrey Dahmer realized that he was sexually attracted towards men. This attraction confused him as he fantasized more and more about indulging in sexual activity with unconscious men. In order to deal with these he turned to excessive drinking and referred to the alcohol as his ‘medicine’. In his early years he was characterized as racist and unable to cope wit his sexuality. This was confirmed by a minister who claimed to have met Dahmer in a tavern shortly before his arrest. He described Dahmer as an ‘alcoholic who hated homosexuals and blacks.’(Brenda Odom, 2008). This can be attributed for his selection of victims who were male, mostly black and sometimes homosexual. Necrophilia Necrophilia refers to a sexual interest in dead people or body parts (APA, 2000). Dahmer’s interest in dead animals and the sound that their bones made once crushed began at the early age of four. His fascination progressed as he grew older and eroticized at adolescence as he masturbated shortly after dissecting animals (Silva et al, 2002).Schwartz, 1992, reports that the head that the recently cut open body sexually aroused Dahmer. He is also of the opinion that Dahmer was not a sadist and that he derived no pleasure from torturing or hearing his victims plea. This can be seen in the way he drugged and killed his victims only after they were unconscious. Cannibalism Cannibalism refers to the sexual pleasure that the paraphile derives from consuming human flesh (APA, 2000). Dahmer consumed human flesh. He admitted to have eaten one of the victim’s bicep, stating that “it was big and he wanted to try it” (Schwartz, 1992, p.33). It was also found that he would freeze an occasional victim’s heart or organs for consumption later. It is also reported that he would make a special gravy to eat with the human flesh he consumed stating that this way he kept them with him forever. (Schwartz, p.27) Pedophilia According to Masters, Johnson & Kolodny, 1995, pedophiles try to have children as sex partners due to their own weak social skills and since children as easier to interact with. Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested several times for exposing himself to children or molesting them. His pedophilic behavior might’ve taken room from suspicions that he himself was molested as a child, something his father claimed, however Dahmer denied it. Conclusion The two theories mentioned above aim to explain some of the factors that lead to the constitution of the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. They bring to the surface the questions regarding the nature and nurture debate and state arguments that leave it up to the reader to decide whether the nature of evil is innate or acquired through social learning. How a seemingly average, confident and well mannered man can shock the world by his grotesque murderous and violent interior brings to mind a multitude of questions. Over the course of 13 years from 1978 when Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder to his eventual discovery in 1991 he was just a regular person who you might just cross the street with; however other than his appearance nothing about this man was regular. He killed 17 men without any feelings of remorse or hesitation or even fear. His victims were all male, were mostly black and homosexual. Other than the murder’s Jeffrey Dahmer indulged in necrophilia, masturbation in front of the dead corpses, dismemberment and preservation of the organs of some victims that he would later eat or keep as souvenirs. This was a mere depiction of his fetishes and perversions. He was a smooth talker and good looking which made it easy for him to pick up gay men at a bar, offer them money to either pose for some pictures or watch a movie with him and then take them back to his apartment. He would then drug them, murder them, take detailed pictures of them, have sex with them and then dismember them. Some murder’s he committed right in his grandmother’s basement. She other than being disapproving of his noisily activities had no idea as to what he was really capable of. His parents were equally incapable of judging the kind of monster their child had grown up to be. His father’s shock, horror and sorrow at the revelation of his son’s true nature is the central aspect in the book, labeled ‘A father’s story’ that he writes. A clear undertone of the written novel is the constant question as to how a seemingly normal child grew up to be one of the most shocking serial killer’s in all history. Like anyone else Jeffrey Dahmer was just another child with loving parents who raised him with hopes of him growing into a responsible and successful adult. Their domestic problems far from being exceptionally grave were relatable to those of any average family. However the impact that these had on the troubled youth were apparent in the way he transpired into a world of alcoholism, depression and loneliness. Where, how and when things spiraled out of control is a key question addressed by the detailed analysis of the two theories. The social learning theory aims to formulate an understanding of Jeffrey Dahmer through his social experiences or the rewards that he perceived to achieve out of his killings. The failure of the social learning theory on the first aspect is evident in the way that the behavior of Dahmer was not based on observation of any role model or present figure in his life. The theory therefore relies on the personal gratification aspect of his serial murders. Animal mutilation was the first of these which was observed as a pleasurable activity from the early years of Dahmer’s life. Military training is perceived to be another contributing factor which might’ve trigged his disregard for human life and his notions regarding killing. Abuse during the early years of childhood was another experience that the social learning theory focuses on that shapes Jeffery Dahmer’s behavior. It also forms a common link between the psychoanalytic theory and the factors that might’ve constituted adversely his personality. The Psychoanalytic theory gives us a different perspective that leads to the formulation of ideas that limit the contribution of the social learning theory, and its explanation of the behavior of Jeffrey Dahmer. The key aspect of this theory is that is isolation and not the social progression that leads to the formation of grotesque desires by serial killers. Building on this perspective Jeffrey Dahmer’s cognitive process is analyzed in shape of his fantasies and motivational model. His depression due to his sexual orientation and his personal choice to indulge in substance abuse as an outlet are also analyzed. Lastly Necrophilia, Pedophilia and Cannibalism, three central characteristics of his personality are looked at and their origins of formation leading an average man to become a monster scrutinized. Word count 3500 words References Abigail Strubel, M.A.(2007) Jeffrey Dahmer: His Complicated, Comorbid Psychopathologies and Treatment Implications. The New School Psychology Bulletin. Volume 5, No.1. ‘All things horror’. Web. Retrieved from: . American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Burgess, A.W., Hartman, C.R., Ressler, R.K., Douglas, J.E., & McCormack A. (1986). Sexual homicide: A motivational model. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 1(3), 251-272. Castle, T. (2001). A case study analysis of serial killers with military experience: Applying learning theory to serial murder. Unpublished master’s thesis, Morehead State University. Gracy.C. King. Jeffrey Dahmer: The Butcher of Milwaukee's Human Slaughterhouse. True Crime Stories. N.pg. Web. Retrieved from: Krohn, M.D. (1999). Social learning theory: The continuing development of a perspective. Theoretical Criminology, 3, 462-475. Lionel Dahmer, ‘A Father’s Story’. Marilyn Bardsley. Jeffrey Dahmer. Crime library. Web. N.pag. Retrieved from: . Marilyn Bardsley. ‘A Victim Almost Escapes.’ Crime library. Web. N.pag. Retrieved from: . Martens, W.H. J. & Palermo, G.B. (2005). Loneliness and associated violent antisocial behavior: Analysis of the case reports of Jeffrey Dahmer and Dennis Nilsen. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 49(3), 298-307. Masters W. H., Johnson, V. E., & Kolodny, R. C. (1995). Human sexuality. New York: HarperCollins. Morris Steven. (2007). Jeffrey Dahmer – Redefining serial murder. New Criminologist. N.pag. Web. Retrieved from: Nelson, B. (2006). Fantasy cycle in serial murder.. Retrieved April 5, 2008 from http://deviantcrimes.com/FantasyCycle.htm Paula Bentley, 2008. Web. Retrieved from: < http://www.bukisa.com/articles/16240_10-weird-facts-about-jeffrey-dahmers-childhood>. Ressler, R.K. & Shachtman, T. (1997). I have lived in the monster: Inside the minds of the world’s most notorious serial killers. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press. Schwartz, A. E. (1992). The man who could not kill enough: The secret murders of Milwaukee's Jeffrey Dahmer. New York: Birch Lane Press. Silva, J. A., Ferrari, M. M., & Leong, G. B. (2002). The case of Jeffrey Dahmer: Sexual serial homicide from a neuropsychiatric developmental perspective. Journal of Forensic Science, 47, 1347-1359. The Link between Animal Abuse and Serial Killers. Associated Content. Web. N.pag. Retrieved from:. Wright, J. & Hensley, C. (2003). From animal cruelty to serial murder: Applying the graduation hypothesis. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 47(1), 71-88. Read More