Steven Hicks’ murder in 1978 served as the catalyst for the horrifying series of atrocities committed by serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, as depicted in the Netflix documentary “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”
RELATED: Who is Quandale Dingle? Is He dead? Internet hoax debunked
At the time of the tragic incident, Steven Hicks had just obtained his high school diploma and was staying with relatives in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, while his parents were away. It was during this period that Jeffrey Dahmer took advantage of the situation and committed the heinous act.
Jeffrey Dahmer, the American serial killer, went on to commit a disturbing spree of crimes, including rape, murder, dismemberment, and, shockingly, in some cases, cannibalism. He claimed the lives of 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.
The disappearance of young Steven Hicks left his family deeply concerned and anxious, with each passing day intensifying their worries as they searched for him, not knowing the horrifying truth behind his sudden absence.
Table of Contents
Who Was Steven Hicks?
Steven Hicks was an 18-year-old who had recently graduated from Coventry High School in the USA when he tragically lost his life at the hands of Jeffrey Dahmer in June 1978.
Described by those who knew him as warm-hearted and sympathetic, Steven had a penchant for helping others and was always ready to befriend new people. He was known for his aversion to violence and harm, showing kindness not only to humans but also to animals.
The untimely and senseless nature of his death makes it difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a promising young person. Steven Hicks’ life was cut short, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and cared for him.
What happened to Steven Hicks?
In 1978, shortly after his graduation, Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder, which claimed the life of Steven Hicks. Steven was hitchhiking on his way to meet friends at a rock concert in Ohio when Dahmer picked him up.
Dahmer enticed Steven to his father’s house with the promise of sharing a few beers and giving him a ride to the concert. In the Netflix series “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” the show portrays the two engaging in weightlifting and drinking beer. As the time for Steven to meet his friends approaches, Dahmer becomes increasingly reluctant to let him leave.
RELATED: Who Is Chanel West Coast? All About Dom Fenison’s Girlfriend
Feeling uncomfortable with Dahmer’s behavior, Steven decides to depart. This triggers Dahmer’s rage, leading him to strike Steven with a dumbbell and then strangle him with the dumbbell handle.
After the murder, Dahmer dissects Steven’s body in the basement of his family home and buries the remains in the garden. Later on, he retrieves the body and dissolves it in acid, enabling him to crush the bones with a sledgehammer. The crushed remains are then buried once again in his backyard.
Tragically, Steven Hicks’ death marked the beginning of a series of horrific murders committed by Jeffrey Dahmer.
Was Steven Hicks’ body ever found?
Regrettably, Steven Hicks’ body has never been found, as Jeffrey Dahmer meticulously disposed of his remains. After Steven’s disappearance and murder, his family made every effort to find him, employing a private detective and cooperating with the police, but all their attempts were in vain.
Jeffrey Dahmer went to great lengths to conceal his crimes. He crushed Steven Hicks’ bones, dissolved his flesh in acid, and then discarded the remains in a forested area near his residence. Even the acid used to dissolve the flesh was disposed of by flushing it down the toilet.
Despite the relentless search by Steven’s family and law enforcement, his remains were never discovered. It was only after Jeffrey Dahmer’s arrest in 1991 and his subsequent confession that he was charged with Steven Hicks’ murder. The tragic fate of Steven Hicks remains a heartbreaking mystery, as his body continues to elude discovery.
Steven’s family Sued Lionel For Parental Negligence
After the publication of Lionel’s book, “A Father’s Story,” in 1994, some of the victims’ families received support and understanding from Lionel and his wife, Shari. Lionel even donated a portion of the book’s proceeds to the families of the victims.
However, not all families were in agreement, and three of them chose to take legal action. Two families sued Lionel for using their names in the book without their permission, citing privacy concerns.
In the case of Steven Hicks’ family, they filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lionel, Shari, and former wife Joyce, alleging parental negligence as a contributing factor in Steven’s tragic death. The lawsuit brought forth serious allegations regarding the responsibility and care provided to Steven during his time with the Dahmer family.
Amidst the complexities and emotions surrounding the case, the legal proceedings shed light on the profound impact of Jeffrey Dahmer’s actions on the victims’ families and raised questions about parental responsibility and accountability in such devastating circumstances.
The Tragic Killing of Steven Hicks in Episode Three
In episode three of the Netflix series “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” the murder of Steven Hicks is depicted as an accidental killing. The show portrays Dahmer and Steven lifting weights and sharing a few beers. However, when Steven intends to leave to meet his friends, Jeffrey becomes increasingly reluctant to let him go.
In a moment of rage, Jeffrey strikes Steven with a dumbbell, preventing his escape. Subsequently, he tragically strangles Steven before dismembering his body. The remains are then dispersed in the woods behind his family’s house.
These harrowing events were confirmed by Dahmer himself, exposing the chilling reality of his actions.
