Jeffrey Dahmer Autopsy: Cremation, Brain Debate, and a Dark Legacy

The life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, infamously known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, have been the subject of extensive discussions since the release of Netflix’s controversial series, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” in late September.

The series delves into the dark story and victims of Dahmer, portrayed by Evan Peters (known for roles in “American Horror Story” and “Mare of Easttown”), who committed the heinous murders of 17 young men and boys between 1978 and 1991.

In the final episode of the miniseries, viewers witness a tense exchange between Dahmer’s parents, Lionel and Joyce, concerning the fate of the serial killer’s brain after he was beaten to death by fellow prison inmate Christopher Scarver.

Here is what you need to know about what transpired after Dahmer’s demise.

Was Jeffrey Dahmer cremated?

Following his death in 1994, nearly a year after he was killed in prison, Dahmer’s body was cremated in 1995. However, this could not occur until after Scarver was sentenced for beating the serial killer to death.

jeffrey dahmer autopsy

While Dahmer’s body was cremated, his brain was preserved in formaldehyde as his parents debated whether it should be provided for scientific study. In the interim, the brain remained preserved.

Half of Dahmer’s ashes were given to his father, Lionel, and the other half to his mother, Joyce, who used the last name Flint.

In his will, Dahmer had stated that he did not desire any services to be conducted in the event of his death.

Quick info Table for Jeffrey Dahmer

Jeffrey Dahmer Serial Murder
Born: May 21, 1960 Definition: Serial murder involves the unlawful homicide of at least two people by the same person (or persons) in separate events occurring at different times.
Died: November 28, 1994 Motives: Serial murderers may be motivated by various factors, including sexual compulsion, thrill-seeking, or a desire for power over their victims.
Notable Crimes: History: Serial murder has occurred throughout history, with documented cases dating back centuries. In the 20th century, cases gained widespread media coverage, leading to public fascination.
– Murdered 17 boys and young men – Some infamous serial killers include Ted Bundy, Andrey Chikatilo, Javed Iqbal, and Muḥammad Adam ʿUmar.
– Gruesome crimes, including cannibalism and necrophilia – Serial murder has been a subject of numerous books, films, and other media, sparking debate about its portrayal in popular culture.
– Dahmer was murdered by a fellow inmate in prison in 1994 – Fictionalized accounts have at times created misconceptions about the prevalence of serial killings.

Did Jeffrey Dahmer have a brain autopsy?

Dahmer’s parents held differing opinions on whether his brain should undergo an autopsy. Lionel, his father, argued for the brain’s cremation, while Joyce, his mother, believed it should be examined by scientists.

jeffrey dahmer autopsy

Joyce explained in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Dahmer had expressed a willingness to help in any way possible, even after his death.

On the other hand, Lionel wanted the brain cremated, both to put his son’s actions behind him and because Dahmer had requested cremation, which Lionel believed encompassed his brain.

He stated, “It’s not a matter, I feel, of whether I do or don’t want scientific study. I personally have strong feelings regarding the non-efficacious character of that proposal. But that’s neither here nor there. I feel – I feel that the main point is what his last wishes were, and to violate that would be legally wrong.”

Joyce’s hope was that scientists at Fresno State University in California could study the brain to determine if there were any biological factors that might explain some of Dahmer’s actions.

In September 1995, Joyce expressed, “I want something useful to come from the nightmare. This is the last and only thing I can do.”

The disagreement between the former couple eventually led to the Wisconsin state court for a decision regarding Dahmer’s brain.

The court heard from two scientists eager to study Dahmer’s brain. One of them, Jonathan Pincus, stated in a letter, “I am grateful for this opportunity to study the brain of [Jeffrey Dahmer]. It represents an unparalleled chance to possibly determine what neurological factors could have contributed to his bizarre criminal behavior. We will be glad to examine the brain tissue microscopically at Georgetown University.”

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What happened to his brain?

After both Lionel and Joyce presented their arguments about their son’s brain, a judge decided on December 13, 1995, that Dahmer’s brain should be destroyed.

jeffrey dahmer autopsy

At the time, the LA Times reported, “A judge on Tuesday ordered the cremation of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s brain, which had been preserved at the request of Dahmer’s mother in hopes of having it studied.”

In his closing statement, the judge expressed concerns about the type of inquiry that might be conducted into the brain analysis and the potential for exploitation through popular research and psychology.

As a result of the judge’s decision, Dahmer’s brain was never subjected to scientific study.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What were Jeffrey Dahmer’s most notorious crimes?

    • Dahmer murdered 17 boys and young men, and his crimes were particularly gruesome, involving acts of cannibalism and necrophilia.
  2. What is the definition of serial murder?

    • Serial murder is the unlawful homicide of at least two people carried out by the same person (or persons) in separate events occurring at different times.
  3. What motivates serial murderers?

    • Serial murderers may be motivated by factors such as sexual compulsion, thrill-seeking, or a desire for power over their victims.
  4. Has serial murder occurred throughout history?

    • Yes, serial murder has a long history, with documented cases dating back centuries. It gained significant media coverage in the 20th century, leading to public fascination.
  5. Who are some other infamous serial killers besides Jeffrey Dahmer?

    • Notable serial killers include Ted Bundy, Andrey Chikatilo, Javed Iqbal, and Muḥammad Adam ʿUmar, among others.
  6. How has serial murder been portrayed in popular culture?

    • Serial murder has inspired numerous books, films, and other media. However, fictionalized accounts have sometimes created misconceptions about the prevalence of serial killings.
  7. Is serial murder a common type of homicide?

    • No, serial murder accounts for fewer than 2 percent of all murders, but it has captured public attention due to its sensational nature.

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