Dennis Lynn Rader

Serial Killer

Dennis Lynn Rader: The BTK Serial Killer

Overview

Dennis Lynn Rader was an American serial killer who murdered ten people in and around Wichita, Kansas, between January 1974 and January 1991. He called himself "BTK," an abbreviation for "Bind, Torture, Kill," a name he used in communications sent to police officers and news organizations. Rader carefully stalked many of his victims, studied their routines and entered their homes when he believed they would be vulnerable. Rader maintained an outwardly conventional life while committing his crimes. He married, raised two children, served in the United States Air Force, worked for a home-security company and later became a municipal compliance officer in Park City, Kansas. He was also active in Christ Lutheran Church, where he eventually served as president of the church council. His public identity as a husband, father, church member and local employee concealed his violent fantasies and criminal behavior for more than three decades.

The Otero Family Murders

Rader committed his first known murders on January 15, 1974, at the Wichita home of Joseph and Julie Otero. He had previously watched the residence and prepared what he called a "hit kit," containing items he intended to use during the attack. After entering the house, he confronted the family and claimed that he was a wanted criminal who needed food, money and a vehicle. He then forced the family members to cooperate while he restrained them. Joseph Otero, his wife Julie and two of their children were killed inside the residence. Three other Otero children were away from home at the time. When they returned, they discovered the crime scene. The murders shocked Wichita because several members of one family had been killed in their own home without an immediately apparent motive.

• Joseph Otero Sr. Age 38. Murdered on January 15, 1974, at the Otero family home on North Edgemoor Street in Wichita, Kansas.
• Julie Otero Age 33. Murdered on January 15, 1974, at the family's North Edgemoor Street residence in Wichita.
• Josephine Otero Age 11. Murdered on January 15, 1974, inside the Otero residence in Wichita.
• Joseph Otero Jr. Age 9. Murdered on January 15, 1974, inside the Otero residence in Wichita.

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Confirmed Victims: (10)

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

Survivors:

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

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

Dennis Rader - Wikipedia