Dennis "BTK" Rader was a serial killer from Wichita, Kansas who murdered 10 people between 1974-1991. He grew up showing signs of violence by harming animals. As an adult, he worked in security and for the census bureau while having a wife and children. He derived pleasure from completely controlling and strangling his victims. He was caught after sending evidence to the police that was traced back to him through DNA. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole due to crimes being committed before Kansas had the death penalty.
2. CHILDHOOD
Oldest of four brothers
grew up in Wichita, Kansas
Father was Marines
Showed signs early-- hanged stray cats from trees
when a kid
3. ADULTHOOD
Married in the 70s. Was married for over 30 years
Had 2 children-- boy and a girl ( unknown if they
were loners )
Worked for ADT Security Services from 1974-
1989, and also the US Census Bureau in 1989
Served in Air Force in Vietnam from 1965-1969
Attended Wichita State University; Graduated with
a degree in Administration of Justice
4. MOTIVES
Called his victims "projects"
Wanted to strangle victims because he wanted
COMPLETE CONTROL
Obtained sexual pleasure from strangulation
Very narcissistic; A perfectionist
Factor X or "little friend"-- frog demon thing drawn
in his mind was present during killings
5. METHODS AND RITUALS
"Bind them, Torture them, Kill them" --Dennis Rader
Suffocated them with a plastic bag
Multiple bruising on victims necks from different
objects being used for strangulation
6. VICTIMS
Mostly women; all ages. Children- Elderly; did not
matter the age
10 people total
First 4 kills were the Otero family
7. GETTING CAUGHT
Being pulled over at a red light
Sending a tape to KSAS-TV radio station. DNA and
other samples matched to Rader
8. SENTENCING
Wasn't given the death penalty because crimes
were committed when Kansas didn't have the
penalty Letters sent to
175 ( life ) police
9. ORGANIZED CRIME SCENE: PLANNING SHOWN
1. Planned offense
2. Body hidden
3. Controlled conversation
4. Demands submissive victims
5. Missing weapon or evidence
6. Victim is a stranger
7. Personalizes victims
10. DISORGANIZED CRIME SCENE: SPONTANEOUS
ACTIONS
1. Body left at crime scene
2. Evidence or weapon left at scene
3. Victim or location known
4. Body left in view
5. Depersonalizes victims
6. Sexual acts after death
7. Minimal conversation
11. MIXED CRIME SCENE
Shows characteristics of both organized and disorganized
crime scenes. Could indicate presence of two offenders, or
the offender planned crime was interrupted.
12. ATYPICAL
Crime scene that can’t be classified by the data available.
Decomposed remains fall under this type. The police or
profilers may have to take other things into consideration
when faced with this crime scene.
13. INTERESTING INFORMATION
The most surprising was the confession Dennis
Rader gave at his trial. How emotionless he
was and how he has no remorse for his
victims or their families. I was also surprised
at how well he contained his impulses from
his regular life.
