Lionel Dahmer - A Fathers Story

A FATHERS STORY

A FATHERS STORY

LIONEL DAHMER

Published by Echo Point Books & Media

Brattleboro, Vermont

www.EchoPointBooks.com

All rights reserved.

Neither this work nor any portions thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any capacity without written permission from the publisher.

Copyright 1994, 2021 by Lionel Dahmer

A Father's Story

ISBN: 978-1-64837-053-3 (casebound)

978-1-63561-563-0 (paperback)

Second Edition

Interior design by MM Design 2000, Inc. / Michael Mendelsohn

Cover design by Adrienne Nez

It is my desire that something positive will result from all the sorrow inflicted upon so many people by Jeff's actions. It is in the spirit of this desire, and in sincerest sympathy, that I intend to donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to benefit victims' families. While no donation can atone for such tremendous loss, I hope that what little I am able to do will help in some way.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

to the Echo Point Books Edition

After its initial publication, great reviews, and burst of national publicity, A Father's Story, reached a large audience, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Inevitably, though, the media spotlight moved on to other news stories, the attention died down, and the pace of book sales slowed. Eventually, the large publishers who published and distributed this work, decided to let the book go out of print. Reader interest, however, never disappeared. In a classic example of what happens when demand exceeds supply, prices paid online for A Father's Story surged to hundreds of dollars for a single copy. Even used copies in poor condition rarely fell below $50. Based on this sustained interest, it seemed clear the book needed to be republished. In February of 2017, we signed a contract with Mr. Dahmer to reissue his memoir.

Before publishing A Father's Story, Lionel indicated he wanted to make some small changes to the book to correct some subtleand not so subtle distortions that appeared in the previous edition. We readily agreed to work with him to publish the most accurate book possible.

Soon after signing our contract it became clear that it was going to take a while to make these changes; in fact, quite a while. Although we regularly checked in with Lionel about the edits he wished to make, month after month, year after year, there was little to show for our phone calls and email reminders. A big reason for the lack of progress was that Lionel was battling poor health (at this writing he is 84) and his wifewhom he takes care ofis very ill. Even her aide got cancer. This made it difficult for him to focus on his memoir. But from my perspective, that was only part of the reason.

As I worked with Lionel and developed his trust, it became clear to me that even though he and his household faced daunting health challenges, there were also strong emotional blocks to revisiting this work. Of course, nothing compares to the pain and anguish of Jeffery Dahmer's victims and their families, but even if someone else is suffering from more agony than you, great pain is still great pain. Who could blame Lionel for hesitating before doing a deep dive into reviewing and articulating his thoughts about Jeffrey yet again? Who in his or her wildest nightmare, would want to find themselves in his position? The pain and anguish over Jeffrey's actions would crush most spirits. Few of us could imagine what it would be like to have someone you love, your own flesh and blood, your baby and little boy, who you raised with all the hopes and dreams all parents have, turn into one of the most notorious and gruesome serial killers of all time.

It took almost four years, but eventually we made the changes Lionel wanted. In the context of the whole book, these edits were small, but they give greater clarity about who Lionel is and thus a little better understanding of Jeffrey Dahmer and his actions. Although Lionel's memoir is just one aspect of a multi-layered and extreme tragedy, he does have a unique perspective for anyone interested in Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes, his upbringing, and how families deal with criminal behavior. What it is like to be the father of a son whose name is synonymous with depraved killing? What can his and Jeffrey's life tell us about the ongoing debates over nature versus nurture? These are hard questions to wrestle with and it is brave of Lionel to share his life and experiences so openly. I can attest that it has been difficult for him to talk and write about his experiences, but his efforts have been worthwhile. I am confident you will find this book engaging and valuable reading.

Marshall Glickman
PUBLISHER, ECHO POINT BOOKS & MEDIA
FEBRUARY, 2021

T he names of friends, acquaintances, and strangers who supported Shari and me throughout this darkest period of our lives are much more numerous than the people who showed ill will toward us. We desperately needed the understanding words and prayers.

Although I have never met Patrick Kennedy, I have been told that he treated Jeff as a human being during the long questioning periods immediately following the arrest. I express my gratitude to him and to his partner in the Milwaukee Detective Bureau, Dennis Murphy, whom I did meet and respect for his like behavior toward Jeff and me.

Shari has a very special spot in her memory of Captain M. Gurich, Patrol Division of the Medina, Ohio, County Sheriff's Department and his two deputies, who came to inform her of Jeff's arrest. She remembers Captain Gurich gently breaking the details to her as he sat on the couch in our home. Also, my thanks to all of the sheriff's staff for their assistance on a moment's notice to protect my wife from harassment from the press and media.

During Jeff's court appearance in Akron, Ohio, in May 1992, Sheriff Troutman, John Karabatsos, and all the associate deputies exhibited extremely gracious and humane treatment toward Jeff, Shari, and me.

Being a longtime resident of Bath, Ohio, and participating with many of the members of the Bath Fire and Rescue Squad in Indian guides, T-Ball, etc., I learned early of the efficiency and dedication of the Bath Police Department, and of the caring nature of Chief Gravis. The degree of professionalism and sensitivity exhibited by Detective Lt. Richard Munsey of the Bath Police, as he handled various aspects of the investigation, was exceptional, and will not be forgotten.

A special thanks is also due to Kenneth Risse of the West Allis, Wisconsin, Police Department for prompt and extraordinary response to my frequent calls for patrol cars to control the assault on my mother's home and property by the media. His young patrolman, Jacques Chevreman, guarded my mother's property as if it were his own mother's place. To the kind and helpful neighbors, who brought food and comfort, I give thanks for my mother.

Both Shari and I have been heartened and enriched as a result of continuing dialogue with Theresa Smith, a caring sister of Eddie Smith. We have appreciated her concern and sensitivity.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge and thank Ed Gernon, a screenwriter in Los Angeles, for starting me on the book project. Also, to Nancy Snyder, for her continued and constant support in our troubled times, I say a very warm and heartfelt thank you.

With great affection, gratitude, and respect, I acknowledge attorneys Robert and Joyce Mozenter of Philadelphia, Larry Vuillemin of Akron, and Steve Eisenberg of Madison, with Larry Vuillemin as Jeff's and our attorney for legal affairs connected with the Akron and Ohio area, and with Steve Eisenberg handling all legal affairs in Wisconsin. We wish to acknowledge them for their tremendous contributions in assisting both Jeff and us in all legal matters after the Milwaukee trial. Since these people have come on board, we now feel that we have a strong, caring, cohesive team.