Christopher Scarver is a name that has been in the news for some time now, but do you know who he really is? Scarver gained notoriety after being convicted of killing one of his prison mates – famed serial killer and cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer. Since then, Scarver has become mired in a never-ending cycle of legal battles and media scrutiny. This article will examine Christopher Scarver’s past and present, as well as the circumstances surrounding his crime.
Who is Christopher Scarver?
Christopher Scarver is an infamous American criminal who gained notoriety after being convicted of killing one of his prison mates – serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Scarver, now aged 48, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 21, 1971. He has a long criminal record that dates back to the late 1980s, which includes burglary and assault. In 1994 he was serving a life sentence for shooting and killing a man he had argued with in a bar, when he was placed in the same prison as Dahmer.
Early Life and Criminal History
Scarver’s childhood and family background
Christopher Scarver had a difficult childhood, growing up in poverty and experiencing abuse from his father. His mother was a single parent, and Scarver was often the victim of her husband’s physical and verbal abuse. Scarver dropped out of school at age 14, and shortly after began experimenting with drugs. By the time he was 16, he was already committing burglaries to support his drug habit.
His early run-ins with the law
Christopher Scarver had a number of run-ins with the law during his teenage years. In 1987, he was arrested for stealing a car and charged with auto theft. A year later, he was arrested again for burglary and possession of stolen property. In 1990, he committed an armed robbery and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He was released in 1992 but was arrested again in 1993 for shooting and killing a man he had argued with in a bar. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The Infamous Murder of Jeffrey Dahmer
Scarver’s time in prison with Dahmer
Christopher Scarver was placed in the same prison as Jeffrey Dahmer in 1994. Scarver and Dahmer had an uneasy relationship, with Scarver reportedly feeling anger and resentment towards the other inmates because of their fascination with Dahmer’s gruesome acts. On November 28, 1994, Scarver and two other inmates were taken by prison staff to a bathroom at the Columbia Correctional Institution for a work detail. It was here that Scarver attacked and killed Dahmer with a metal bar.
What led up to the murder
Before the fateful day of November 28, 1994, there were several signs that Scarver was increasingly disgruntled with his situation and Dahmer’s presence in the prison. He had been complaining about Dahmer for some time, and had been heard saying things such as “God is going to get him”. A few days before the murder, Scarver reportedly asked the prison guards for permission to speak to Dahmer, but was denied. On the day of the murder, he suddenly left his work detail and went to the bathroom, where Dahmer was waiting.
Details of the murder and aftermath
On November 28, 1994, Christopher Scarver attacked Jeffrey Dahmer in the bathroom at the Columbia Correctional Institution. Scarver used a metal bar that he had taken from a nearby weight room to beat Dahmer over the head multiple times. The attack was so severe that Dahmer was pronounced dead at the scene from extensive head trauma.
Scarver’s mental state at the time
Scarver’s mental state at the time of the murder was one of extreme anger and resentment. After spending years in prison, he had come to resent Dahmer and other inmates whom he saw as having an undeserved level of fame due to their heinous crimes. He had been heard complaining about Dahmer for some time, and reportedly asked prison guards for permission to speak to him a few days before the murder.
Other Crimes and Incidents
Other crimes Scarver was involved in
Christopher Scarver has a long criminal record that dates back to the late 1980s. In addition to the crime he was serving time for when he killed Jeffrey Dahmer, which was shooting and killing a man he had argued with in a bar, Scarver has been involved in other crimes as well. In 1987, Scarver was arrested for stealing a car and charged with auto theft.
Incidents during his time in prison
Christopher Scarver had several run-ins with prison authorities during his time in prison. In 1992, he was involved in a fight with another inmate and was disciplined by the prison staff. He also had difficulty following rules and regulations, which led to more disciplinary action from the guards. In 1994, Scarver was transferred to a different prison, where he was placed in the same unit as Jeffrey Dahmer.
Any attempts at rehabilitation or treatment
During his time in prison, Christopher Scarver had access to a few rehabilitation and treatment programs. In 1995, he was placed on a mental health program that included counseling and therapy sessions. He also attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and participated in a number of other self-improvement activities. However, it is unclear if these treatments had any effect on Scarver or if they were enough to prevent the attack on Dahmer.
Aftermath and Legacy
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Following the murder of Jeffrey Dahmer, Christopher Scarver was tried and convicted of first-degree intentional homicide. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. After his conviction, Scarver remained in Wisconsin prisons for many years before being transferred to a federal prison in 2007. Scarver remains incarcerated at this time, though he has been eligible for parole since 2017.
Scarver’s life after prison
Scarver’s life after prison has been a difficult one. After being transferred to a federal prison in 2007, he has remained incarcerated at this time and is currently serving his sentence for the murder of Jeffrey Dahmer. Although Scarver has been eligible for parole since 2017, it is unlikely that he will ever be released due to his violent past and lack of remorse. In recent years , Scarver has been more active in speaking about his experience, including giving interviews to media outlets and appearing in documentaries.
The lasting impact of the Dahmer murder on Scarver and American society as a whole
The murder of Jeffrey Dahmer by Christopher Scarver has had a lasting impact on both Scarver and American society as a whole. This event was highly publicized at the time, and the details of the crime sparked a national conversation about mental health, prison reform, and crime in general. The case highlighted the need for better mental health care for inmates and showed how prisons can fail to address an inmate’s mental health needs. The murder also had a profound effect on Scarver, who has spent much of his life behind bars for the crime.
Conclusion
Christopher Scarver’s life and actions are a reflection of the struggles of those with mental health issues and the consequences of failing to provide adequate treatment for those in prison. The murder of Jeffrey Dahmer by Scarver was a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the nation, yet it has also highlighted the need for more humane treatment and rehabilitation within prisons. It is clear that Scarver was deeply troubled and in need of help, and it is important to remember that the crime he committed was a direct result of his own mental health issues.
The legacy of Christopher Scarver is one of tragedy and sorrow. His actions, while inexcusable, were a direct result of his own mental health issues and the lack of treatment or rehabilitation he received in prison. Though Scarver will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars for his crime, it is important to remember that it was not only his fault; it was also the fault of the system that failed to provide adequate treatment and rehabilitation for those in need.
