Dennis Lynn Rader

Serial Killer

Dennis Lynn Rader: The BTK Killer

Introduction

Dennis Lynn Rader, infamously known as the "BTK Killer" (Bind, Torture, Kill), was a serial killer who terrorized Wichita, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991. His crimes remained unsolved for decades until his arrest in 2005. Rader, who led a seemingly normal life as a family man and church leader, secretly harbored a dark obsession with control and sadism. His chilling letters to the media and police ultimately led to his capture.

Victims and Crimes

Rader meticulously planned his murders, often stalking his victims before striking. Below is a detailed list of his known victims:

• Joseph Otero (38), Julie Otero (34), Joseph Otero Jr. (9), and Josephine Otero (11) - January 15, 1974, Wichita, Kansas. Rader broke into their home, strangling the parents and their son. He hanged Josephine in the basement.
• Kathryn Bright (21) - April 4, 1974, Wichita, Kansas. Rader forced his way into her home, shooting her brother Kevin (who survived) and fatally stabbing Kathryn.
• Shirley Vian (24) - March 17, 1977, Wichita, Kansas. Rader entered her home, tied her up, and strangled her while her young children were locked in a bathroom.
• Nancy Fox (25) - December 8, 1977, Wichita, Kansas. He broke into her home, bound her, and strangled her before calling police to report the crime himself.
• Marine Hedge (53) - April 27, 1985, Park City, Kansas. Rader killed her, transported her body to a church, and posed her for photographs before dumping her in a ditch.
• Vicki Wegerle (28) - September 16, 1986, Wichita, Kansas. He posed as a repairman to enter her home before strangling her.
• Dolores Davis (62) - January 19, 1991, Park City, Kansas. Rader abducted her from her home and strangled her.

Capture and Sentencing

After years of silence, Rader resurfaced in 2004, taunting authorities with cryptic messages and clues. A floppy disk he sent to police led them to his church, where digital metadata tied him to the crimes. He was arrested on February 25, 2005. On June 27, 2005, Rader confessed to all ten murders in gruesome detail. He was sentenced on August 18, 2005, to ten consecutive life terms, ensuring he would never be released. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (10)

Joseph Otero Age: (39), Date of Death: 1974-01-15

    ...View 9 additional victims
Survivors:

Kevin Bright Age: (19), Date of Attack: 1974-04-04

Anna Williams Age: (63), Date of Attack: 1974-04-28

Dennis Rader - Wikipedia

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