Inside The Life Of Shari Jordan: Stepmother To A Serial Killer

Shari Jordan’s connection to the notorious American serial killer and sex offender, Jeffrey Dahmer, began in 1978 when she married Lionel Dahmer. At that time, Lionel was already the father of Jeffrey Dahmer. Jeffrey’s biological parents were Lionel Dahmer and Joyce Dahmer. However, Joyce left Lionel when Jeffrey was still a child, which led to Lionel’s remarriage to Shari Jordan.

Lionel Dahmer, not only being Jeffrey’s father but also an author, wrote a book titled “A Father’s Story.” In this book, he provides his perspective on his son’s horrifying actions. Born in 1936 in West Allis, Wisconsin, Lionel is still alive as of 2023. He has also participated in several interviews in which he shared his thoughts and experiences in the wake of his son’s terrible crimes becoming public knowledge.

Early Life

Shari Jordan came into this world on May 8th, 1953, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, located in the northeastern part of the United States. Her father, a man named Howard M., and her mother, Olive Jean Miller, lovingly raised her. Shari had a happy and cherished childhood, thanks to her caring parents, until the moment she decided to tie the knot with Lionel Dahmer.

Shari Jordan’s Spouse Is Who?

Shari’s husband goes by the name Lionel Herbert Dahmer, or simply Lionel Dahmer. Their family’s connection took a tragic turn due to the horrendous actions of their older child, earning Lionel the painful title of “Father of a serial killer.” Lionel was born on July 29th, 1936. His father’s name was Herbert Walter Dahmer, and his mother’s name was Catherine Jemima Hughes.

During his school years, Lionel attended Marquette University, where he passionately studied chemistry. His dedication and hard work paid off as he graduated from the university and went on to become a full-fledged research chemist. Lionel’s family roots can be traced back to a mix of German and Welsh heritage.

Lionel Dahmer, despite shouldering the heavy burden of haunting memories linked to his son Jeffrey’s gruesome crimes, is still with us in 2023. At the age of 86, he has witnessed the passage of time and remains a presence that we can see through television interviews. In these interviews, Lionel bravely opens up and shares his insights with the public, emphasizing the importance of understanding why following in the footsteps of a serial killer like Jeffrey is a path that should never be ventured down.

Lionel Dahmer’s First Union With Joyce Dahmer

As Lionel began his professional journey, he found love and companionship in Joyce Annette Dahmer, who was previously known by the surname Flint. Joyce was skilled in teaching teletype machines and made a career out of it. Her family roots stretched back to Norwegian and Irish ancestry, reflecting her rich heritage.

The union of Lionel and Joyce brought them many years of happiness. Their family started to grow with the birth of their first son on May 21st, 1960. This little one, named Jeffrey Dahmer, came into the world in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

The family of three expanded to four on December 18th, 1966, when Lionel and Joyce joyfully welcomed their second son. Lionel decided to name their new addition “David Dahmer.” David’s entry into the family happened in Doylestown, Ohio, USA, adding even more love and joy to their lives.

Divorce

As the years rolled on, Joyce found herself grappling with depression, a personal battle that cast a shadow over their family life. Her emotional struggles led to increasing conflicts between Lionel and Jeffrey, and it weighed heavily on their day-to-day existence. Unfortunately, this tense family atmosphere had a significant impact on Jeffrey’s own growth and demeanor.

When Jeffrey was just 18 years old and his younger brother David was 12, Lionel and Joyce faced an incredibly tough decision. The strains in their relationship had reached a breaking point, leading them to part ways. The divorce was finalized on July 24th, 1978. During the legal proceedings, Joyce was granted custody of their younger son, David, while Lionel took custody of Jeffrey Dahmer.

Shari Jordan And Lionel Dahmer

After his divorce from Joyce in 1978, Lionel Dahmer took another significant step in the same year by getting married once again, this time to Shari Jordan. Following their union, Shari wholeheartedly embraced her new role and adopted the Dahmer surname, cementing her place in Lionel’s family.

As the court had entrusted Lionel with the custody of Jeffrey Dahmer, Lionel and Shari became the stepparents of Jeffrey. Their household consisted of Lionel, Shari, and Jeffrey, all living together after Lionel’s marriage to Shari. Throughout her lifetime, Shari remained a devoted spouse to Lionel until her eventual passing.

Lionel’s marriage to Shari didn’t bring any additional children into the family, keeping the family size as it was during this chapter of their lives.

Shari Jordan And Lionel Dahmer Son

After Shari married Lionel Dahmer, they welcomed their own son into the world, and they named him David Dahmer. However, before Shari came into the picture, Lionel had a son named Jeffrey Dahmer with his former spouse, Joyce. This family dynamic made Jeffrey and David stepbrothers, all due to their father’s union with Shari Jordan.

Shari Dahmer Is Currently Where?

Despite the shocking and horrifying acts that Jeffrey had committed, Shari and Lionel remained steadfast in their support during his trial. They continued to stand by him, visiting him regularly while he was behind bars.

However, as the infamous reputation of the Dahmer name spread far and wide, Shari and Lionel made a deliberate choice to retreat from the public eye. They opted for a life of privacy rather than trying to justify or defend the unspeakable deeds that their son had carried out.

What Did Shari Jordan’s Stepson Do?

Shari’s stepson, Jeffrey Dahmer, came into the world as the first of Lionel and Joyce’s two sons, born on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sadly, his name became infamous for all the wrong reasons.

On that fateful night of July 22, 1991, Jeffrey’s sinister intentions were exposed when he was arrested by two Milwaukee policemen. He had lured a man named Tracy Edwards from a bar, with horrific plans to end his life.

As the investigation delved deeper into his apartment, they uncovered chilling discoveries. In his kitchen, they found four heads, and in his bedroom, seven skulls—some painted, others bleached. Even more disturbingly, plastic bags contained two human hearts and a portion of arm muscle, carefully stored on shelves.

Following his arrest, Jeffrey shockingly admitted to committing seventeen murders and dismembering his victims between 1978 and 1991. His crimes reached horrifying depths, involving acts of necrophilia, cannibalism, and even the preservation of body parts, especially the skeletal remains.

Despite receiving diagnoses of borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and psychotic disorder, Jeffrey was considered legally competent for trial. He faced legal proceedings for the sixteen homicides he committed in Wisconsin and was ultimately sentenced to fifteen terms of life imprisonment for fifteen of these homicides on February 17, 1992.

The tragedy didn’t end there. While serving his sentence, Jeffrey’s life came to a violent end on November 28, 1994. He was brutally beaten to death by a fellow inmate named Christopher Scarver.

What Has Jeffrey Been Said About By Shari Dahmer?

In a highly discussed Larry King Live interview back in 2004, Shari and Lionel bared their hearts and souls when it came to their son, Jeffrey.

They continued to maintain contact with him during his time in prison, recognizing that “a part of his soul had died long ago.” They expressed their belief that he was plagued by mental illness.

Shari explained her reason for appearing on television, stating her deep desire to take every possible step to prevent the emergence of another individual like Jeffrey. She stressed the importance of understanding his motives to avoid future tragedies.

Shari drew a stark contrast between her stepson David’s choices and her pride in the family name, refusing to disconnect from it. She wholeheartedly embraced the name, even in the corporate world, with no intention of hiding her identity. She firmly believed that their actions were not in the wrong.

Lionel further delved into these feelings during a subsequent interview with Dr. Phil in November 2022. He openly admitted to his initial struggle in comprehending how Jeffrey ended up on such an extreme end of the behavior spectrum. He acknowledged that while everyone has their own range of actions and mistakes, Jeffrey’s actions were at the farthest extreme, making it incredibly challenging to comprehend.

In a tragic turn of events, at the Columbia Correctional Institution, another prisoner named Christopher Scarver brutally beat Jeffrey Dahmer to death. At the young age of 34, Jeffrey’s life came to an end in that Portage, Wisconsin prison on November 28, 1994.

Shari Jordan Death

Shari Jordan, who had faced her fair share of challenges in life, reached the end of her journey and peacefully passed away in 2012 at the age of 58. Her final moments unfolded in the loving company of her grandchildren, within the comforting walls of her daughter’s home. Shari had the privilege of being a grandmother to five wonderful biological grandchildren among her cherished family members.

Netflix Series Starring Shari Jordan Based On Her Stepson

As Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother, she found herself closely connected to the disturbing journey he had taken in life, whether it was a direct or indirect link. The dark and unsettling aspects of Dahmer’s life even became the inspiration for a Netflix series titled “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” What’s intriguing is that in this portrayal of events, the character of his stepmother was brought to life on screen by the actress Molly Ringwald.

Has Lionel Dahmer Written Any Books Regarding His And Jeffey’s Lives?

Lionel’s life has been marked by a series of incredibly challenging experiences that compelled him to put his thoughts and emotions into written words, providing insights into the immense obstacles he has faced. He’s authored two significant books that shed light on his tumultuous journey:

1. “A Father’s Story” (1994): In his first book, Lionel poured his heart out, sharing his extraordinary experiences and delving into the emotional turmoil he grappled with when he learned about Jeffrey’s heinous crimes. Through his words, he takes us on the difficult journey of denial that he found himself in, giving us a glimpse into the complex emotions he endured during Jeffrey’s trial.
2. “Father’s Story a Pbp” (2021): This follow-up book from 2021 builds upon his initial work, offering readers an even deeper perspective on Lionel’s life. In this volume, he delves into the intricacies of “Raising a Serial Killer,” providing further insights into the challenges, emotions, and reflections that have shaped his unique journey.

These books serve as personal accounts, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of Lionel’s perspective and the profound impact of the circumstances he found himself in.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Who is Shari Jordan?
Shari Jordan was the second wife of Lionel Dahmer, the father of notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. She became Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother when she married Lionel in 1978.

What is Shari Jordan’s background?
Shari Jordan was born May 8, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio. Her parents were Howard M. Jordan and Olive Jean Miller. She enjoyed a happy upbringing with her parents until she married Lionel Dahmer.

Who was Shari Jordan’s spouse?
Shari Jordan married Lionel Herbert Dahmer. He wrote “A Father’s Story,” about his son Jeffrey Dahmer’s acts.

Did Shari Jordan have any children?
Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer had a son named David Dahmer after their marriage. Lionel had a son, Jeffrey Dahmer, from his previous marriage to Joyce Dahmer.

How was Shari Jordan connected to Jeffrey Dahmer?
Shari Jordan became Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother when she married Lionel Dahmer, who was Jeffrey’s father from his previous marriage to Joyce Dahmer.

What is known about Shari Jordan’s role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case?
Shari Jordan stood by Jeffrey Dahmer during his trial and maintained her support for him despite his heinous crimes. She, along with Lionel, appeared in interviews discussing their emotions and motivations in relation to Jeffrey’s actions.

How did Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer react to Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes?
Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer openly expressed their emotions in interviews, acknowledging the suffering Jeffrey had experienced and emphasizing the importance of understanding his motives to prevent similar tragedies.

When did Shari Jordan pass away?
58-year-old Shari Jordan died in 2012. She died in her daughter’s residence with her grandchildren.

Was Shari Jordan portrayed in any TV series or movies?
Yes, Shari Jordan was portrayed in the Netflix series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” The role of Shari was portrayed by actress Molly Ringwald.

Did Lionel Dahmer write any books about his life and Jeffrey’s life?
Yes, Lionel Dahmer wrote two books: “A Father’s Story” (1994) and “Father’s Story a Pbp” (2021). These books provide insights into his perspective on raising Jeffrey and the challenges he faced after learning about his son’s crimes.