18: The Unsettling Similarities Between Rex Heuermann and BTK Killer

In a recent episode of the “Hidden Killers” podcast, Tony Brueski engages in an enlightening conversation with Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent and former Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. Their discussion unravels around Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, analyzing Heuermann’s reactions upon arrest, the intriguing commentary by Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and questioning whether Heuermann could have been better profiled.

On being asked about Heuermann’s reaction upon arrest, Dreeke pointed to a character trait common amongst individuals with psychopathy, “It's all about grandiosity and how big a name am I...”. He interpreted Heuermann’s curiosity about the media coverage as an indication of his grandiose sense of self-importance and as a way to gauge the extent of his infamy.

The conversation was particularly interesting when Brueski brought up Dennis Rader, who spoke out about Heuermann. Rader, also known as BTK killer, has somehow emerged as a voice in the true crime community. While the thought of gaining insights from someone familiar with the inner workings of a murderer’s mind might seem appealing, it also raises the question of whether Rader should be granted a platform to voice his opinions.

In response, Dreeke admitted to the conundrum, emphasizing the need to serve the victims and their families by uncovering as much as possible. Dreeke revealed that Rader, like many with psychopathy, could be motivated by notoriety, which could be used as a ‘carrot’ to obtain crucial information.

The retired FBI agent also shared the intriguing concept of using one-upmanship, a form of rivalry, to get these individuals to disclose more information. He explained, “...you know, with the one-upmanship, you could probably get a lot of information that could bring some solutions”.

On profiling Heuermann, Dreeke admitted that profiling such a meticulous individual with a high intellect like Heuermann was challenging. He mentioned, “Everyone has something they're ashamed of and does a decent job of hiding it. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and I think he had a lot of life skills and repetitions of hiding that secret place very effectively”.

This conversation offers intriguing insights into the mind of a suspected serial killer and the complexities of investigating such individuals. It underscores the need for continued vigilance in solving such crimes and providing closure for the victims and their families
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