The Untold Horrors: Unveiling the Tragic Tale of Jeffrey Dahmer's Forgotten Victim, Tony Hughes

Tony Hughes, the twelfth victim of Jeffrey Dahmer, is featured in Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. However, there has been significant debate regarding the accuracy of this portrayal. At the time of his abduction and murder, Hughes was a 31-year-old deaf Black man residing in Madison. Similar to many of Dahmer's victims, Hughes was tricked into visiting Dahmer's apartment after encountering him at a gay bar while he was visiting family in Milwaukee. Episode six of the series specifically focuses on Hughes' death.

During this episode, Hughes communicates with Dahmer using notes as he is unable to speak. The killer invites Hughes to his apartment under the guise of photographing him. Once there, Hughes is drugged and subsequently murdered by Dahmer. When Dahmer was arrested, Hughes' remains were discovered in his apartment. In Monster, Hughes' mother, Shirley Hughes, also makes an appearance. She gives a heart-wrenching testimony during Dahmer's murder trial, where she reads a poignant poem describing her son's final moments. Since the release of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix, Shirley Hughes has been openly critical of the show.

How Accurate Is Tony Hughes' Story In Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

The accuracy of Monster: the Jeffrey Dahmer Story has sparked intense debate, particularly regarding the relationship between Tony Hughes and Jeffrey Dahmer. A major point of contention is the decision to depict a friendly and romantic connection between Hughes and Dahmer prior to Hughes' horrifying murder. Following his arrest, Dahmer insisted in his confession that they had never met before the night of Hughes' drugging and death. However, some friends of Hughes claimed to have seen the two together before then.

Although it is impossible to confirm their actual acquaintance, Shirley Hughes argues that Monster is incorrect, stating that Dahmer and Tony Hughes' encounter "did not happen in that manner." Many, especially the victims' families, find the portrayal of their relationship to be a offensive romanticization of Dahmer.

Tony Hughes' Mother Has Spoken Out Against Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Shirley Hughes has criticized the Monster project, accusing it of exploiting her family's and other people's tragedies. In a brief comment to The Guardian, Hughes expressed her disbelief at the use of their names and the release of such content. Other relatives of victims, including Rita Isbell, the sister of Errol Lindsey, have also expressed criticism, stating that they were not consulted by the producers regarding the portrayal of their loved ones' stories.

In Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Tony Hughes is depicted in a way that humanizes him, and Rodney Burford's performance in the role has received praise. The series highlights the systemic injustices that resulted in the neglect of Dahmer's victims. However, it is understandable that family members, like Tony Hughes' mother, feel that the series profits from their tragedy. Creator Ryan Murphy has previously depicted real-life crime victims in projects like American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, but Monster seems to have evoked stronger reactions with its portrayal of real crimes. As Monster prepares for a second season based on the Menendez brothers, it is clear that this debate is far from over.

How Tony Hughes' Mother Impacted Jeffrey Dahmer's Murder Trial

Shirley Hughes' reading of a poem during Jeffrey Dahmer's trial had a significant impact on the proceedings. This emotional recitation took place during her victim impact statement before the sentencing. The poem, written by a close friend of Tony Hughes, poignantly portrays his final moments from his own perspective, revealing the anguish of being a victim in a cruel world. It concludes with Hughes communicating with his mother from beyond the grave, and she ended the reading by expressing her love for him in American Sign Language.

Subsequently, Dahmer received 16 life sentences for his heinous crimes. It is highly likely that Shirley Hughes' poignant words about her son played a substantial role in this severe sentencing. However, the portrayal of these events in the Netflix series "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" may have taken artistic liberties to create a more coherent narrative. Unfortunately, these changes influenced the story of Tony Hughes.