Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer are two of the most infamous serial killers in American history. While their crimes are well-documented, some aspects of their lives remain lesser known. This blog explores some unusual facts about them, highlighting their backgrounds and personalities.
Ted Bundy’s Unusual Facts
1. Bundy’s Best Friend Was the Journalist Hunting Him All Along.
Ann Rule, a former police officer and true crime writer, worked alongside Bundy at a crisis hotline in Seattle. At the time, she was unaware that the charming and intelligent young man she had befriended was responsible for a series of brutal murders. Rule later became one of the most well-known true crime authors, detailing her unsettling relationship with Bundy in her book The Stranger Beside Me. Their friendship continued even after Bundy’s arrest, with Rule expressing a mix of horror and disbelief over his crimes.
2. Bundy Worked at a Suicide Hotline.
During his time in Seattle, Bundy volunteered at a suicide prevention hotline, where he was responsible for talking to individuals in crisis and offering support. Colleagues noted his seemingly compassionate nature, making it all the more chilling to discover his capacity for cruelty later. His ability to manipulate and charm others, traits that would later aid his criminal activities, was evident even in this setting. This paradox in his personality is a key reason why many found it difficult to believe he could be a killer.
3. Teenage Ted: The Hero Who Saved a Drowning Child.
As a teenager, Bundy displayed an unexpected act of heroism by rescuing a three-year-old boy from drowning in a local lake. This selfless act earned him praise from his community and reinforced the idea that he was an upstanding young man. This early incident adds another layer of complexity to Bundy’s character, as he was capable of genuine good deeds while harboring dark and violent impulses. The stark contrast between his public persona and his hidden nature would later allow him to evade suspicion for years.
Jeffrey Dahmer’s Unusual Facts
1. Dahmer’s Brief Stint in the U.S. Army.
Dahmer enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after dropping out of Ohio State University. He trained as a medical specialist and was stationed in Germany, where his drinking problem worsened. Fellow soldiers later reported that his behavior was erratic and disturbing, and there were allegations of violent assaults during his service. Due to his alcoholism, he was deemed unfit for duty and was honorably discharged in 1981. After his return to civilian life, his descent into crime accelerated, as he struggled with unemployment and his growing urges.
2. Dahmer’s Baptism Coincided with John Wayne Gacy’s Execution.
After being convicted and sentenced to multiple life terms, Dahmer sought redemption by turning to religion. He participated in Bible study and eventually decided to be baptized. His baptism took place on May 10, 1994—the same day that fellow serial killer John Wayne Gacy was executed by lethal injection in Illinois. Some saw this timing as an eerie coincidence, while others viewed it as Dahmer attempting to reconcile with his past. Despite his newfound faith, he remained a controversial figure among the prison population.
3. Hypnosis and the Hunger for Control.
As a teenager, Dahmer exhibited an early fascination with control, which would later become a major aspect of his crimes. He was particularly interested in hypnosis and reportedly experimented with it to manipulate others. His high school classmates recalled his odd and often disturbing behavior, including pretending to have seizures and mocking his teachers. These small glimpses into his psyche foreshadowed the terrifying ways he would later attempt to dominate his victims.
Recap and Further Exploration
Both Bundy and Dahmer lived lives filled with contradictions—moments of perceived normalcy alongside their horrifying crimes. The paradoxes in personalities made them evermore chilling, as they were able to blend into society while committing unimaginable atrocities. For further insight into Bundy’s complex unusual personality, consider watching Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile starring Zac Efron as Bundy. Recommendations for Dahmer include watching My Friend Dahmer featuring Ross Lynch, and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story starring Evan Peters.
