Who Is Glenda Cleveland In Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story?

"Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" is the latest crime sensation from Netflix. With true crime all the rage, it's no surprise that creatives are tapping into some of the world's most notorious killers to recreate chilling tales. Created by "Glee" and "American Horror Story" helmer Ryan Murphy and frequent collaborator Ian Brennan, the series follows notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. While there are dozens of projects based on Dahmer's life, "Monster" differentiates itself by telling the killer's story from the point of view of his victims, giving a rare insight into their lives.

Evan Peters, who has worked with Murphy on several "American Horror Story" seasons, stars as the titular monster, making him the second Marvel veteran to play Dahmer. Joining Peters is an all-star cast, including Richard Jenkins, Michael Learned, and Molly Ringwald — all of who appear as Dahmer's family members. This intimate look into Dahmer's surroundings extends to those outside his family. In "Monster," Glenda Cleveland (Niecy Nash) is a standout character who plays a key part in Dahmer's arrest. While the broad strokes of Dahmer's life and exploits are common knowledge, it's difficult to remember projects and stories that highlight Cleveland's heroic efforts.

"I have watched many #JeffreyDahmer documentaries over the years and not once was his 'neighbour' ever named," writes Twitter user @glennjo_. "#GlendaCleveland was such a pivotal part of this story and her story is MESMERISING." With such curiosity surrounding the real-life figure, Nash has cleared the air surrounding her character and the ridicule she faced while bringing Dahmer to justice.

Glenda Cleveland was Jeffrey Dahmer's real-life next-door neighbor who suspected he was up to no good. Despite her best efforts, authorities dismissed her claims. "Glenda was one of his victims too. And her story has been told the least," Niecy Nash candidly discussed while speaking with Netflix. Cleveland notified their landlord about the bad smells emerging from Dahmer's apartment but her concern was brushed aside due to Dahmer's positive reputation. She later began to call the police. Perhaps one of the most pivotal scenes in "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" is when Cleveland comes across the teenaged Konerak Sinthasomphone (played by Kieran Tamondong), who stumbles out of Dahmer's apartment. Concerned, the police arrive and question Dahmer, who charms his way out of the situation, leaving Cleveland helpless (via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). Sinthasomphone would become his 13th victim.

Had the police afforded Cleveland a proper audience, five of Dahmer's 17 victims could have been saved. Nash firmly believes that Cleveland deserves more respect for her efforts in bringing down Dahmer, as her suspicions planted the seeds in the case against him. "She deserved way more than a little cheesy plaque in the bottom of a social hall somewhere. She deserved way more than the police to step in front of her and say, 'Look what we did. Look what we tried to do,'" Nash said. Cleveland continued to live in the same neighborhood until 2009 and ultimately passed away in 2010, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.