Ever since Netflix released Dahmer, a dramatized mini-series about notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, there’s been a lot of talk about the gruesome murders that occurred in the late 80s and early 90s. But there hasn’t been a lot of talk about the actual victims themselves.
Like most true crime series, Dahmer focuses on the killer rather than prioritizing the victims. But in a recent interview with Insider, Rita Isbell, the sister of victim Erroll Lindsey, had a chance to speak about her brother. She told the publication,
“When I think of my brother, I think of how he was such a goofball, and I think he’s going to appreciate the fact that I’m still standing for him until my last breath. He knows that I’m still here for him.”
She also took the opportunity to introduce the public to Errol’s daughter for the first time.
“The positive thing to come out of this is that the world didn’t know that my brother had any children. That has never been discussed to the public, but he had gotten someone pregnant before his death. Today, she’s exactly 31 years old, and this happened 31 years ago.”
She added,
“It’s not about me anymore, it’s about her. So when they mention my name, I’m going to always refer to her, Tatiana Banks: Errol Lindsey’s daughter. And now, he even has a granddaughter, too.”
Although Rita, like many of the other victims’ family members, was less than thrilled about the Netflix series — which was made without their knowledge and consent — she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to honor her brother, saying that he’s “always going to be alive in my spirit.”
At the time of Errol’s death, he was only 19 years old and had a job making plaster figures. He was the youngest of six children.
According to the book Monster: The True Story of the Jeffrey Dahmer Murders, Errol’s mother Mildred remembered him fondly as a “mama’s boy.” She told reporters at the time,
“Errol wasn’t the type to talk to just anybody. He went to work and then he came home. He was a mama’s boy. He wouldn’t even go out with his friends without calling me to see what I was doing.”
Errol was last seen on April 7, 1991.
We won’t go into the details of the murder out of respect for Errol and his family, but they are easily searchable online.
According to an AP article from the time of the trial, Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to killing 17 young men and boys.
Below are his other known victims.
• Steven Hicks, 18, whose father described him as “deeply caring”
• Steven Tuomi, 28, who was remembered by classmates for being artistic
• Jamie Doxtator, 14, who enjoyed playing pool and riding his bike
• Richard Guerrero, 25, who was beloved by his family
• Anthony Sears, 24, who enjoyed having his photo taken and spending time with friends
• Ricky Beeks, 33, who left behind a 10-year-old daughter
• Eddie Smith, 28, who hoped to become a model one day and was remembered as “loving, trusting, and respectful”
• Ernest Miller, 24, whose aunt remembered him as “a talented dancer” and who performed at church when he was young
• David Thomas, 23, who left behind a 2-year-old child
• Curtis Straughter, 19, who was working as a nursing assistant and hoped to get his GED and attend modeling school
• Anthony Hughes, 21, who was deaf and went by Tony
• Konerak Sinthasomphone, 14, who was a high school freshman and enjoyed playing soccer
• Matt Turner, 20, who was an aspiring model and was remembered as “bright and articulate” and “a good kid”
• Jeremiah Weinberger, 23, who was remembered by his roommate for loving art and being “very meticulous” and well-dressed
• Oliver Lacy, 23, who was engaged to be married and left behind a 2-year-old son
• Joseph Bradehoft, 25, who had a wife and three children and loved sports and fishing
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