On the night of July 22, 1991, Milwaukee police officers Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak responded to a call from a frantic mother who reported that her son had been abducted. 

The officers found the mother’s son in the company of Dahmer’s victim, Konerak Sinthasomphone. Despite the fact that Konerak was naked and covered in blood, Gabrish and Balcerzak released him to Dahmer’s custody. 

This proved to be a fateful decision, as Dahmer went on to kill and dismember several more victims before he was finally apprehended.

Although Gabrish and Balcerzak have been criticized for their handling of the situation, it is important to remember that they were responding to a call in which no crime had been reported. 

In retrospect, it is clear that they made a grave mistake in releasing Dahmer, but it is also important to remember that they were not trained to deal with such a situation.

How Far Are Officers Joseph Gabrish And John Balcerzak To Be Blamed For Konerak Sinthasomphone Death?

Konerak Sinthasomphone, 14, was given over to Milwaukee’s cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer by John Balcerzak and his fellow officer Joseph Gabrish.

As the Milwaukee police officers handed Konerak over to Dahmer, he continued to brutally murder 4 additional victims in addition to the youngster.

Despite Glenda Cleveland, a neighbor of Dahmer, and other women who were present at the scene objecting, the police officials still gave the boy to Jeffrey.

Dahmer killed the boy shortly after that. He even had a sexual act with his corpse. The media called the police officials, Gabrish and Balcerzak the “Dahmer cops,” for the negligence that they showed in the case.

Both men went on to enjoy long careers as Wisconsin law enforcement officers despite the controversy that made national headlines at the time of Dahmer’s arrest.

According to the Advocates, Police Chief Philip Arreola fired two policemen, John and Joseph, but a court ruling led to their reinstatement. Robert Parins, a reserve judge, issued the decision.

The judge reportedly said, “The firings were too severe a punishment and that former Officers John Balcerzak and Joseph Gabrish should be reinstated, with back pay of nearly $55,000 each,” according to an Associated Press article from 1994.

Where Are Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak Today?

Milwaukee police officers Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak are still around in 2022. They have been working together for several years and have developed a good rapport. Both officers are highly respected by their peers and are well-liked by the community. 

In addition to their regular duties, Gabrish and Balcerzak have also been involved in several high-profile cases, most notably the investigation of a serial killer who was active in the Milwaukee area.

Thanks to their hard work, the killer was eventually apprehended and brought to justice. 

Today, Gabrish and Balcerzak continue to serve the citizens of Milwaukee with distinction. They are proud to be part of a department that is known for its professionalism and commitment to public safety.

Do Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak Feel Guilty?

Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak were the two Milwaukee police officers who found Jeffrey Dahmer’s first victim, Stephen Hicks, and then returned him to Dahmer’s apartment (O’Brien, 1996). 

It is not known whether or not they felt guilty about this decision. What is known is that when they went back to Dahmer’s apartment to arrest him, they found that he had already killed and dismembered another man, Anthony Sears (O’Brien, 1996).

If Gabrish and Balcerzak had been more diligent in their investigation of Dahmer, perhaps they could have saved Sears‘ life. As it stands, however, they must live with the knowledge that their carelessness resulted in another death.