Shari Jordan: Who is Jeffrey Dahmer’s Stepmother?

In the annals of true crime history, the name Jeffrey Dahmer sends chills down spines. The notorious American serial killer and sex offender committed a string of horrifying murders and dismembered seventeen young men between 1978 and 1991. Yet, behind the darkness of this chapter in history, there’s a lesser-known figure whose life was forever intertwined with this gruesome tale – Shari Jordan.

Early Life

Shari Jordan’s journey began on May 8th, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, where her parents, Howard M. and Olive Jean Miller, provided a loving and nurturing environment. Little did they know that their daughter would one day step into the pages of a chilling story.

The First Marriage of Lionel and Joyce Dahmer

Before Shari Jordan entered the picture, Lionel Dahmer had a life with his first wife, Joyce Annette Dahmer. Their union brought two sons into the world, the older being Jeffrey Dahmer, born on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Family life was filled with happiness until it was overshadowed by Joyce’s struggle with depression.

The tensions in their marriage took a toll on the family dynamics, especially on Jeffrey, who was just a teenager at the time. This turbulent period ultimately led to a heart-wrenching decision – the Dahmers’ divorce, formalized on July 24, 1978. Joyce was granted custody of their younger son, David, while Lionel took care of Jeffrey.

Joyce’s life took a new direction with a second marriage after the divorce. However, her story ended tragically in 2000 due to ongoing struggles.

Lionel Dahmer and Shari Jordan

After his divorce from Joyce in 1978, Lionel Dahmer took a bold step by marrying again within the same year. His new partner was Shari Jordan, who willingly embraced her new role and adopted the Dahmer surname. With this marriage, Shari entered the household as Jeffrey’s stepmother.

Since the court had entrusted Lionel with the care of Jeffrey Dahmer, both Lionel and Shari assumed the roles of step-parents to Jeffrey. Their household consisted of Lionel, Shari, and Jeffrey, all living together under the same roof after Lionel and Shari’s marriage. While this union didn’t lead to the addition of more children, it maintained the family size that had been established during this significant chapter of their lives.

Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer’s Son

Following her marriage to Lionel Dahmer, Shari and Lionel welcomed their own son into the world, and they named him David Dahmer. However, prior to Shari and Lionel’s marriage, Lionel had a son named Jeffrey Dahmer from his previous marriage to Joyce. This familial connection meant that Jeffrey and David became stepbrothers, linked by their father’s union with Shari Jordan.

What Did the Stepson of Shari Jordan Do?

Jeffrey Dahmer, Shari’s stepson, was born as the elder of Lionel and Joyce’s two sons, entering the world in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 21, 1960. Unfortunately, his name became synonymous with terrible acts.

Jeffrey’s infamous journey came to a head when he was arrested by two Milwaukee policemen on July 22, 1991. That fateful night unveiled Jeffrey’s sinister intentions, as he had lured a man named Tracy Edwards from a bar, with chilling plans to end his life.

Upon investigating his apartment, the horrors intensified. Within his kitchen, investigators discovered four heads and his bedroom concealed seven skulls—some painted, others unnaturally bleached. Even more chilling were plastic bags that held two human hearts and a portion of arm muscle, meticulously preserved on shelves.

After his arrest, Jeffrey confessed to committing seventeen murders, spanning from 1978 to 1991. Necrophilia, cannibalism, and the preservation of body parts, especially skeletal remains, were among his horrific crimes.

Jeffrey was found fit to stand trial despite having borderline, schizotypal, and psychotic disorders. He faced legal proceedings for the sixteen homicides he had committed in Wisconsin. Ultimately, on February 17, 1992, he received a sentence of fifteen life imprisonment for as many homicides.

Tragically, while incarcerated at the Columbia Correctional Institution, Jeffrey Dahmer met his end at the hands of another prisoner, Christopher Scarver. At the age of 34, Jeffrey’s life came to a violent end in the Portage, Wisconsin prison on November 28, 1994.

Shari Jordan’s Death

At 58, Shari Jordan, a woman who had overcome many obstacles, died peacefully in 2012. In her daughter’s home, her grandchildren loved her last moments. Shari had the privilege of becoming a grandmother to five precious biological grandchildren within this close-knit family circle.

What Has Shari Dahmer Said About Jeffrey?

In a much-discussed interview on Larry King Live in 2004, Shari and Lionel opened up about their feelings concerning their son Jeffrey.

They maintained contact with him during his time in prison, acknowledging that “a part of his soul had died long ago.” They shared their belief that he grappled with mental illness.

Shari revealed on camera that she wanted to stop another Jeffrey from surfacing. She stressed the need for understanding his intentions to prevent future tragedies.

She drew a contrast between her stepson David’s decision and her own choice to hold onto their family name and not sever ties. Shari even carried the name into her professional life, seeing no reason to hide her identity and asserting that their actions weren’t wrong.

Lionel further expanded on these thoughts during a subsequent interview with Dr. Phil in November 2022. He admitted struggling initially to comprehend how Jeffrey could have ended up so far along the extreme spectrum of behavior. He acknowledged that while everyone has their own range of actions and mistakes, Jeffrey’s actions were at the farthest end, which posed a challenge to his understanding.

Tragically, while incarcerated at the Columbia Correctional Institution, Jeffrey Dahmer met his end at the hands of another prisoner, Christopher Scarver. At the age of 34, Jeffrey’s life came to a violent end in the Portage, Wisconsin prison on November 28, 1994.

Has Lionel Dahmer Authored Any Books About The Lives Of Himself And Jeffery?

Lionel’s life journey has been marked by a series of deeply challenging events that prompted him to translate his experiences into written words, sharing insights into the trials he has faced. He penned two significant books that illuminate his tumultuous path:

“A Father’s Story” (1994): In his first book, Lionel poured his heart out, recounting his extraordinary experiences and delving into the emotional turmoil he wrestled with upon learning of Jeffery’s heinous crimes. Through his words, he navigates the overwhelming state of denial he found himself in and offers readers a glimpse into the complex emotions he weathered during Jeffery’s trial.

“Father’s Story a Pbp” (2021): This book, an extension of his initial work, presents an updated perspective on Lionel’s life as of 2021. In these pages, he goes deeper into the intricacies of “Raising a Serial Killer,” providing additional insights into the challenges, emotions, and reflections that have shaped his unique journey.

These books stand as personal narratives, granting readers a closer look at Lionel’s point of view and the profound impact of the circumstances he found himself entangled.

Based On Her Stepson, The Netflix Series Shari Jordan Stars In

Being Jeffery Dahmer’s stepmother, Shari Jordan found herself deeply connected to the troubling course he had taken in life, whether through direct or indirect ties. The disturbing and disgraceful chapters of Dahmer’s life even served as the basis for a Netflix series titled “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story.” Intriguingly, within this depiction of events, the character of his stepmother was portrayed on screen by the actress Molly Ringwald.

FAQs

Who was Shari Jordan?

Shari Jordan was the stepmother of Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious American serial killer and sex offender. She became known for her connection to Dahmer’s disturbing history.

What were Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes?

Jeffrey Dahmer committed a series of horrifying murders and dismembered seventeen young men between 1978 and 1991. His crimes included necrophilia, cannibalism, and the preservation of body parts.

How did Shari Jordan respond to Jeffrey Dahmer’s actions?

Shari Jordan and her husband, Lionel Dahmer, maintained contact with Jeffrey during his time in prison. They emphasized the importance of understanding his intentions to prevent future tragedies.

Did Lionel Dahmer write books about his experiences?

Yes, Lionel Dahmer authored two significant books, “A Father’s Story” and “Father’s Story a Pbp,” in which he shared his perspective and emotions regarding his son Jeffrey’s crimes.

What impact did Shari Jordan’s story have on the community?

Shari Jordan’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by families connected to individuals who commit heinous crimes. It contributed to discussions about crime, mental health, and empathy in the community.

Was Shari Jordan portrayed in a Netflix series?

Yes, Shari Jordan’s character was portrayed in the Netflix series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” by actress Molly Ringwald. The series depicted the disturbing events related to Jeffrey Dahmer’s life.

What can we learn from Shari Jordan’s journey?

Shari Jordan’s life teaches us about resilience, empathy, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Her story reminds us of the lasting effects of crime on those connected to it.

Final Words

In the midst of darkness and tragedy, the life of Shari Jordan is intertwined with a chapter of history that remains hauntingly unforgettable. Shari’s journey began as a child with loving parents, but her path took a significant turn when she married Lionel Dahmer, a man with his own complex history. This union led her to become the stepmother of Jeffrey Dahmer, a name synonymous with unimaginable horror.

Shari struggled with being tied to one who performed horrific atrocities due to Jeffrey’s activities. She became part of a difficult family after marrying Lionel, but she embraced her role with bravery and compassion.

While Jeffrey’s crimes left an indelible mark on history, Shari and Lionel’s response showed resilience. Lionel, despite being forever tied to the label of “Father of a Serial Killer,” chose to share his perspective through writing, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional turmoil he endured. Shari, meanwhile, remained steadfastly devoted to her husband and faced the public’s scrutiny with dignity.

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