Jeffrey Dahmer, often referred to as the “Milwaukee Cannibal” or the “Milwaukee Monster,” was one of the most notorious criminals in American history. Known for committing heinous acts between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer’s crimes shocked the world and left a lasting impact on popular culture. Although most people know of Dahmer for his criminal activities, there’s also curiosity about his financial situation. This article aims to explore Jeffrey Dahmer Net Worth and compare it with the net worth of John “Derf” Backderf, the author and illustrator of the graphic novel My Friend Dahmer, which chronicles his personal experiences with Dahmer during high school.
Who Was Jeffrey Dahmer?
Jeffrey Dahmer was born on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His life took a dark turn early, and by the age of 18, he had already committed his first murder. Dahmer’s reign of terror spanned 13 years, during which he committed unspeakable crimes, including murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism. He was eventually arrested in 1991 after a potential victim escaped and led the police to his apartment, where they discovered evidence of his gruesome acts.
Despite his notoriety, Dahmer didn’t come from a background of wealth, and his financial situation was relatively modest compared to other high-profile criminals. Unlike some infamous figures who have capitalized on their notoriety after incarceration by selling books or other products, Dahmer had no such financial opportunities during his life or after his arrest.
Jeffrey Dahmer Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death in 1994, Jeffrey Dahmer’s net worth was essentially $0. He had no significant assets, savings, or income sources to his name. Throughout his adult life, Dahmer lived in a series of modest apartments and worked low-paying jobs, such as his role at the Ambrosia Chocolate Factory in Milwaukee. These jobs provided him with a basic living, but he had no substantial wealth or assets.
Dahmer’s legal troubles, including the costs associated with his arrest, trial, and imprisonment, only added to his financial difficulties. Once he was convicted and sentenced to 15 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, Dahmer’s chances of amassing any kind of financial worth diminished entirely.
No Financial Gain from Crimes
Unlike other notorious criminals who have attempted to profit from their notoriety, Dahmer’s infamy did not translate into financial gain for him or his family. In fact, Wisconsin state law prohibits criminals from profiting off their crimes, which means Dahmer could not benefit from book deals, interviews, or other media projects related to his crimes.
Any financial dealings related to Dahmer’s life story, such as films, books, or television series, have been conducted without any benefit to him or his family. In particular, the victims’ families have taken legal action to prevent Dahmer or his estate from gaining any profits from his crimes.
Comparison: John “Derf” Backderf’s Net Worth
John “Derf” Backderf, the creator of the graphic novel My Friend Dahmer, has a vastly different financial story. Backderf grew up in Ohio and was a high school classmate of Jeffrey Dahmer. His graphic novel, published in 2012, provides a chilling yet personal look at Dahmer’s early life before he became infamous.
While My Friend Dahmer is one of Backderf’s best-known works, he has had a long career as a cartoonist and graphic novelist. His wealth primarily stems from his creative output rather than his connection to Dahmer. In addition to My Friend Dahmer, Backderf has authored other works like Trashed and Punk Rock & Trailer Parks.
John “Derf” Backderf’s Estimated Net Worth
As of 2024, John “Derf” Backderf’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million. The financial success of My Friend Dahmer, both as a graphic novel and a film adaptation, has significantly contributed to his wealth. The graphic novel received critical acclaim and was adapted into a feature film in 2017, which further bolstered Backderf’s financial standing.
Backderf’s wealth is not solely tied to the Dahmer story, however. His success as a cartoonist and his other graphic novels have added to his net worth over the years. He continues to work in the creative industry, and his body of work remains influential in the world of graphic storytelling.
Why Was Jeffrey Dahmer’s Net Worth So Low?
Several factors contributed to Jeffrey Dahmer’s lack of financial wealth throughout his life and after his death:
- Low-Income Jobs: Throughout his life, Dahmer worked in low-paying jobs that provided only basic financial support. He did not pursue higher education or skilled labor, which limited his ability to earn a substantial income.
- Legal Issues and Imprisonment: Dahmer’s legal troubles began early in his life, and his eventual conviction and imprisonment left him with no opportunity to accumulate wealth. His legal fees, combined with his life sentence without parole, ensured that any potential earnings were wiped out.
- No Profits from Crimes: Dahmer was legally prohibited from profiting off his crimes due to the “Son of Sam” laws, which prevent criminals from earning money through book deals, interviews, or other media related to their crimes. This ensured that Dahmer would never see any financial benefit from his notoriety.
- No Endorsements or Business Ventures: Unlike some public figures who can turn their fame into financial opportunities, Dahmer’s infamy left him with no chance of earning money from endorsements, business ventures, or media appearances.
Financial Impact on Victims’ Families
One of the significant legal and financial issues surrounding Jeffrey Dahmer’s case was the compensation for the victims’ families. After Dahmer’s conviction, several of the families sued for damages, and in 1995, a court awarded some of the victims’ families a portion of any future earnings Dahmer or his estate might have received.
To date, however, the families have not received any significant financial compensation, as Dahmer had no assets or income to distribute. The legal battles related to Dahmer’s estate have only added to the tragedy surrounding his crimes.
Conclusion
At the time of his death in 1994, Jeffrey Dahmer Net Worth was effectively $0. He lived a life of relative poverty, working low-wage jobs and living in modest accommodations. His criminal acts, legal troubles, and eventual imprisonment left him with no chance to accumulate wealth, and his notoriety did not result in any financial gains.
In contrast, John “Derf” Backderf, the author of My Friend Dahmer, has built a successful career as a cartoonist and graphic novelist. His estimated net worth of $2 million comes from his creative work, including the success of My Friend Dahmer, which provided insight into the early life of Jeffrey Dahmer.
While the story of Jeffrey Dahmer is one of darkness and tragedy, Backderf’s work offers a unique perspective on the infamous criminal’s early years, allowing readers to understand the human side of a man who would later become one of history’s most notorious killers.