Why was Jeffrey Dahmer not in solitary confinement?

Answer 1

Steven Hicks, Dahmer's first victim, was murdered by Dahmer in 1978 while Dahmer lived in Bath, OH. Ohio citizens voted in favor of a death penality in 1981, several years after Hicks was killed, therefore Hicks' was not death penality case on that technicality.

Answer 2

Although Ohio does allow capital punishment Dahmer made a deal in order to avoid death. Since his other muders were in the state of Wisconsin he was not given death because there is not death penalty in that state.

Answer 3

As is the case with many notorious killers, they are kept in solitary confinement for their own safety. Dahmer, however, refused isolation, preferring to mingle in mainstream prison population. Unfortunately, Dahmer underestimated his celebrity and was attacked and killed by a fellow inmate. Christopher Scarver, serving a life sentence for first degree murder, also killed inmate Jesse Anderson, who was serving a time for the stabbing death of his wife.

Answer 4

The state of Wisconsin does not allow capital punishment so the stiffest sentence Dahmer could get was life with no parole.