Glenda Cleveland was a woman who tried to stop Jeffrey Dahmer, the notorious serial killer who murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991. However, her warnings to the police were ignored and Dahmer continued his killing spree until he was arrested in July 1991. In this article, we will explore the real story of Glenda Cleveland, her role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case, and her current whereabouts.
Who is Glenda Cleveland?
Glenda Cleveland was an American citizen who lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was one of the neighbours of Jeffrey Dahmer at the Oxford apartments, where he committed most of his murders. She became suspicious of Dahmer’s behaviour after hearing noises, smelling foul odours, and seeing him with young men who later disappeared.
Her role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case
Glenda Cleveland played a crucial role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case, as she was the one who alerted the authorities about his suspicious activities on multiple occasions. She first called the police in January 1991, after seeing a naked man fall from Dahmer’s balcony. The police arrived but did not find anyone. She called again in May 1991, after her daughter and niece found a bleeding and disoriented boy on the street, who turned out to be Konerak Sinthasomphone, one of Dahmer’s victims. However, the police believed Dahmer’s claim that the boy was his 19-year-old lover and returned him to Dahmer’s apartment, where he was killed. She called again in June 1991, after seeing Dahmer with another young man who looked scared. She also contacted the FBI and the local newspaper, but no one took her seriously.
Misrepresentation in the Netflix series
The Netflix series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story portrays Glenda Cleveland as Dahmer’s next door neighbour, who had frequent interactions with him and even ate his meat sandwiches. However, this is not accurate, as Glenda Cleveland actually lived in an adjacent building, not the same one as Dahmer. The real next door neighbour of Dahmer was Pamela Bass, who also witnessed his strange behaviour and smelled his apartment. The series also exaggerates Glenda Cleveland’s involvement in the case, as she did not confront Dahmer directly or enter his apartment.
Attempts to Stop Dahmer
Glenda Cleveland made several attempts to stop Dahmer from killing more people, but she faced obstacles and indifference from the authorities and the media. She tried to convince the police that Dahmer was a danger to the community, but they dismissed her as a nuisance and a busybody. She also sought help from Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician, who promised to look into the matter but did not follow up. She felt frustrated and powerless as she watched Dahmer bring more victims to his apartment.
Where is Glenda Cleveland Now?
Glenda Cleveland passed away in 2011 at the age of 56, after suffering from diabetes and kidney failure. She died without receiving any recognition or apology from the police or the city for her efforts to stop Dahmer. She left behind her husband, two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was described by her family and friends as a caring and compassionate person who loved animals and gardening.
Her current whereabouts
Glenda Cleveland is buried at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her grave is marked by a simple headstone that reads “Glenda R. Cleveland – Symbol of Good”. Her family hopes that her story will inspire others to speak up against injustice and violence.
Impact of the case on her life
The Jeffrey Dahmer case had a profound impact on Glenda Cleveland’s life, as she suffered from trauma, stress, and guilt for not being able to save more lives. She also faced harassment and threats from some people who blamed her for not doing enough or for being too nosy. She struggled with depression and anxiety for years after Dahmer’s arrest and trial. She never received any counselling or support from the authorities or the society for her ordeal.
Conclusion
Glenda Cleveland was a brave and heroic woman who tried to stop Jeffrey Dahmer from killing more people. However, she was ignored and mistreated by the police and the media, who failed to listen to her warnings and evidence. She died without receiving any justice or acknowledgement for her actions. Her story is a tragic example of how systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and apathy can enable serial killers like Dahmer to operate with impunity.
