Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes | The Dennis Rader Story

Oklahoma officials have recently unearthed crucial evidence from the former property of notorious serial killer, Dennis Rader, situated in Park City, Kansas. The disturbing discovery included "personal items and other binding type items,” according to Osage County Sheriff, Eddie Virden. The sheriff’s department also found pantyhose with unique knots tied around the points where they would potentially wrap around a person’s wrist or ankle.  Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK killer – an acronym for "Bind, Torture, Kill" – was a church leader and Boy Scout volunteer. He is currently incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for 10 murders that took place around Wichita between 1974 and 1991. Today, Rader emerges as the “prime suspect” in the cold case disappearance of Cynthia ‘Cyndi’ Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The sheriff's office has also linked Rader to other unsolved murders.  Rader's involvement in these heinous crimes has been a matter of significant speculation. Sheriff Virden is convinced about Rader’s connection to the 1976 disappearance of Kinney. "Rader is 100%, in my opinion, the guy," Virden remarked. However, both Rader and his daughter have persistently denied these accusations.  In a previous excavation conducted in April at Rader's former home, officials uncovered vital evidence that was kept under wraps. This week's dig could have been another discreet operation if not for the word getting out. Sheriff Virden explained that the secrecy was not to hide information but rather to protect the affected families and to ensure the investigation remains uncompromised.  Sheriff Virden provided insight into the recent findings, stating, "The items were deliberately placed 14-16 inches below the ground." This depth is significant as it reflects Rader's meticulous nature and his history of retaining souvenirs from his victims. Two separate locations in the property revealed deliberately buried items. One such location had its soil replaced with a sand-like substance and appeared to have a brick floor with shingles, possibly to shield the buried items. The sheriff remains uncertain whether these found items pertain to the 10 murders for which Rader is currently serving his sentences or if they relate to the newer cases he is suspected of.  One of the primary cold cases linked to Rader is that of Cynthia Dawn Kinney. Kinney mysteriously vanished in 1976 after reportedly leaving her family’s laundromat and possibly entering a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women. Several clues hint at Rader's involvement, including a cryptic message in a book he was penning before his arrest, referencing a 1976 killing titled "project bad laundry day." Further, Rader's known familiarity with the Oklahoma region, combined with his occupation as a regional installer for ADT – which would have put him in proximity to the area during Kinney’s disappearance – strengthen suspicions of his involvement.  Rader is also under investigation for his potential involvement in other tragic incidents, like the unfortunate case of Shawna Beth Garber from Missouri.  Kerri Rawson, Rader's daughter, broke her prolonged silence to collaborate with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing investigation. Rawson disclosed that she had directed the sheriff's office to inspect specific areas where Rader had previously buried their family pet. She has also re-established contact with her father, confronting him about the new allegations. Although he reiterated his innocence, Rawson observed that he frequently altered his alibis, which she believes could be attributed to his deteriorating memory due to his age.  However, regardless of these findings and suspicions, Rawson remains conflicted. She commented, “I’m still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point,” but also emphasized the importance of discovering the truth, stating, “If my dad has harmed somebody else, we need answers.”  This case serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice. The sheriff’s office remains committed to unearthing the truth, ensuring that the victims and their families receive the closure they desperately seek. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com  The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

28 Aug 202310min

The notorious BTK serial killer, who once terrorized Kansas, is once again making headlines. Dennis Rader, the man infamously known for his chilling modus operandi to "bind, torture, and kill," is now considered the “prime suspect” in at least two cold cases, as announced by authorities on Wednesday.    Cold Cases Reopened:    The spark that reignited interest in Rader's potential involvement in additional crimes was the renewed investigation into the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Kinney in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. This case, having been shelved and revisited intermittently over the decades, saw a resurgence of activity last December.    “With our proximity to Kansas and Wichita, Rader's known territory, it was only prudent to delve deeper into our cold cases," said Osage County, Oklahoma, Undersheriff Gary Upton. “The result was the unearthing of numerous unsolved homicides and missing persons cases that potentially have BTK’s fingerprints all over them."    Further compounding the suspicion, another cold case being revisited is the tragic death of Shawna Beth Garber. The 22-year-old’s remains were discovered in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri. The circumstances of her death were hauntingly familiar: she had been raped, strangled, and restrained with different bindings. Her body, lying undiscovered for nearly two months, was not identified until as recently as 2021.    Rader's Reign of Terror:    Dennis Rader, while maintaining the facade of a city code inspector in Kansas, committed a series of gruesome murders, confessing to 10 killings in the Wichita area between 1974 and 1991. His sinister activities caught up with him in 2005, leading to his arrest. Later that year, Rader was handed 10 consecutive life sentences in prison.    Recent Developments:    In an atmosphere of palpable anticipation, Upton shared limited information about a search conducted near Rader's former property in Park City, Kansas. Described as “items of interest,” these findings will undergo meticulous examination to ascertain their connection to the cold cases. Collaborating with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Upton aims to shed light on the dark corners of Rader’s past.    Phil Bostian, the police chief in the Wichita suburb of Park City, mentioned the involvement of public works in the investigation, hinting at the removal of cement and excavation activities.    Rader's Family Cooperates:    In a twist that adds depth to the narrative, Kerri Rawson, Rader’s daughter, revealed her collaboration with investigators this summer. Rawson met with her father after years of no communication, suspecting that her father might have concealed items related to the unresolved cases on his property, notably under a metal shed he constructed. This shed, along with Rader's previous residence, has since been razed.    Rawson additionally directed investigators to the location where the family dog was buried. With a mix of hope and trepidation, she expressed her wish to find conclusive answers. "I'm still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point," she remarked. However, in her words, if her father had indeed harmed others, "we need answers."    The Path Ahead:    The renewed interest in Rader’s possible involvement in additional crimes highlights the never-ending quest for justice. With investigators leaving no stone unturned, and with cooperation from unexpected quarters, the hope is to finally close the chapter on cases that have haunted families for decades.    These developments remind us that even in the darkest of tales, the pursuit of truth remains relentless. As the story unfolds, communities affected by Rader's heinous acts look forward to a resolution and, perhaps, a sense of closure. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 20234min

In a gripping and revealing conversation, forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, known for her deep-dive exploration into the mind of the notorious serial killer Dennis Rader (the BTK Killer), spoke with Tony Brueski on the podcast "Hidden Killers". Ramsland, the author of Rader's autobiography, offered an unrivaled glimpse into the process of understanding extreme offenders, her experiences with Rader, and the effect of this journey on criminology and forensic psychology.   Ramsland shared, "I've been teaching a course on extreme offenders for several decades... I had just finished a book where I looked at a dozen cases of mental health experts who had spent a lot of time with either a mass or serial killer, trying to learn as much detail about their developmental process as possible." The opportunity to work on Rader's biography, she mentioned, was one that she couldn't turn down, even though it meant navigating complex situations and trust-building exercises.   A significant part of the process was to gain the trust of both Rader and the victims' families. Ramsland explained, "I had to write a proposal that everybody agreed with, and it essentially, it was to be able to use whatever [Rader] tells me to benefit law enforcement, criminology and forensic psychology." It was a sensitive negotiation that demanded empathy, understanding, and clinical detachment. The project significantly impacted Ramsland's career and research in criminology. Her time with Rader involved prison visits, phone conversations, detailed letters, and a study of his drawings and poetry, among other things. "It taught me things, taught him things. I think it did make a contribution... some people, I use it as a textbook in my classes," Ramsland said, affirming the value of the project to her field.   Ramsland emphasized that the process of gaining trust was intricate and multifaceted. She demonstrated her clinical interest with the victims' families and stated her intent to avoid any glorification or excessive graphic details. Ramsland recounted, "I think when I told them my intent... and agreed to the terms, um, and that this was really for me, a professional research project. And that's what I wanted to use it for. They were on board."   On the other hand, building a relationship with Rader involved satisfying his fascination for puzzles and codes. Ramsland shared, "The first thing he wanted me to do was solve some codes... because he wanted to see if I'd play the game... I did because it was interesting... And then in the end, um, I ended up writing the code we used for the book." Her willingness to engage in Rader's world allowed her to gain his trust and foster an understanding that eventually led to the book's creation.   Ramsland's intensive exploration into the mind of one of the world's most infamous serial killers paints an illustrative picture of the complexities involved in understanding such individuals. This work has contributed significantly to the field of forensic psychology and brought to light the mechanisms of how the minds of extreme offenders work. Her pursuit reflects a compelling blend of professional rigor, human empathy, and academic curiosity, underlining the importance of such investigations for broader societal understanding and law enforcement applications. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 20238min

In a captivating series of conversations on the podcast "Hidden Killers", host Tony Brueski delves into the mind of one of the most notorious serial killers alive today, Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer. The series features extensive interviews with Dr. Katherine Ramsland, the author of Rader's autobiography and a professor of forensic psychology. Brueski and Ramsland provide a fascinating insight into the psyche of a murderer, drawing from years of correspondence and interactions between Ramsland and Rader himself. Ramsland's approach to understanding Rader involved extensive communication through letters and phone calls, exploring the intricate world of a killer's mind. "Well, he has what I believe is hypergraphia. Which is excessive writing," Ramsland revealed. "He would fill pages and pages of details...but just the fact that I would have these written documents was good because then I could use those as springboards for questions back to him." Notably, Rader maintained certain degrees of respect and discipline throughout the process, which Ramsland describes as unusual amongst serial killers. "Rader was not like that. He was respectful. He appreciated what I was trying to do. He read some difficult things. I sent a couple of books that I wanted him to read and think about and comment on regarding his own case, and he made his way through them," she said. As a part of her research, Ramsland encouraged Rader to read books like "The Anatomy of Violence" by Adrian Rain, a leading forensic psychologist. Rader's narcissism often guided his interest, focusing on segments of the text that seemed relevant to his situation. Interestingly, Ramsland mentioned that Rader showed a keen interest in understanding his own actions and behavior, an aspect which isn't often observed in psychopathic individuals. "He is interested in knowing why he turned out to be this way, especially because he, you know, lost a lot was at stake. He lost his family, he lost his social standing," Ramsland commented. One aspect of their conversation brought out a rather unexpected side of Rader - his emotional response to a documentary about his crimes. Ramsland noted, "It made him cry when he watched the other people talking on it." This sparked a discussion on the depth and authenticity of Rader's emotional responses, which Ramsland explained are often superficial in psychopathic individuals. However, Ramsland does not assert these observations as definitive proof of Rader's psychopathy or ability to feel remorse. "I'm not inside his head. I can't say that he has how deep his feelings go. I can't say that about anybody I know," she says, highlighting the complexities and limitations of studying such individuals. The series on "Hidden Killers" provides an unnerving yet enthralling look into the world of true crime, expertly helmed by Brueski. With Dr. Katherine Ramsland's invaluable insights into the mind of a murderer, the series invites listeners to gain a more profound understanding of the macabre world of serial killers like Dennis Rader. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 202312min

In a recent episode of the riveting podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, distinguished forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, who authored the autobiography of the notorious BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer, Dennis Rader, shared remarkable insights into the mind of the infamous murderer. Ramsland's professional credentials, which include being an Assistant Provost and a professor of forensic psychology, provide a credible framework for the intricate discussions in the podcast.    Rader, responsible for taking at least ten lives from 1974 to 1991, had often spoken of his actions in an alarmingly nonchalant way. As Ramsland recollected, "He didn't justify it. He just knew that he had to have a double life." This was manifested in his becoming a father, a husband, a church-goer, while simultaneously embracing his sinister identity as a serial killer. He had been inspired by past infamous killers such as Harvey Gladman and H.H. Holmes. Rader even had a list of 55 potential victims, or 'projects,' who were saved by fate's interruptions.    Notably, Rader's evolution into a serial killer didn't occur until after he'd built a seemingly normal life, complete with military service and marriage. "He had a very active, rich, multidimensional fantasy life...mental rehearsal, years of it, prepared him to do it," Ramsland said. A loss of job, a shift in the family dynamic with his wife becoming the breadwinner, and an unfulfilled abduction attempt all culminated in Rader's first killings.    Ramsland vividly recounted Rader's first lethal encounter with the Otero family. Initially targeting Julie and her daughter, Rader found himself facing unexpected hurdles, like the presence of the father and a guard dog. Despite the unexpected complications, Rader chose to proceed, leading to the devastating end of four lives. "He was quite daunted by it, but he put it in motion. He had to go through with it," Ramsland detailed.    Despite his extensive mental rehearsals, Rader's first crime was riddled with mistakes. His underestimation of the practicalities of his sadistic plans, such as the physical exhaustion of strangling, and logistical oversights, like the Otero family's car being out of gas, resulted in the brutal murder of the family inside their own home. Furthermore, Rader left behind incriminating evidence, adding to the chaos of his inaugural crime scene.    After his initial foray into murder, Rader was filled with fear and anticipation of his imminent capture. As Ramsland mentioned, "He was scared. He really thought he was gonna get caught." However, Rader managed to evade the law for three decades, only being caught in 2005, leaving a legacy of terror and a community forever scarred by his crimes.    In the conversation with Brueski, Ramsland's insights illuminated the complex, eerie world of the BTK Killer. It's a chilling reminder of the reality of evil in the most ordinary of places, and an urgent call to never forget the victims whose lives were tragically cut short. As Brueski concluded the episode, he enticed listeners to stay tuned for more of Ramsland's revelations in their five-part series, promising to delve deeper into the chilling narrative of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 20237min

Dr. Katherine Ramsland, an esteemed figure in the field of forensic psychology and author of the autobiography on Dennis Rader, the infamous BTK Killer, recently joined host Tony Brueski on the popular podcast "Hidden Killers." Ramsland provided an unprecedented window into her years of correspondence with Rader, giving audiences a peek into the mind of one of the most notorious serial killers alive today.    Ramsland spent years corresponding with Rader, building a unique understanding of his motives and tactics. "He didn't get caught, so that... better, but he killed only three months later. It wasn't a very long time to pass... Nothing in the news suggested he had been seen, that they had a suspect," explained Ramsland. Her conversations with Rader gave her a deep understanding of his methods, his mindset, and the chilling indifference with which he approached his terrible deeds.    Ramsland offered an intriguing analysis of Rader's criminal modus operandi. After not getting caught in his early crimes, Rader appeared to grow more confident, targeting victims with a calculated attention to detail and pattern. This behavior resulted in his eventual moniker: BTK, standing for Bind, Torture, Kill.    Ramsland delved into a particular incident where Rader broke into a home with a young woman and her brother. Despite shooting the brother, Kevin, in the head, the victim was able to escape and become a witness to Rader's crime. Rader's adaptability and terrifying perseverance became apparent. "Now Raiders [Rader] realizing, oh my God, now we have a witness. And I have very little time, but still he stayed," recounted Ramsland.    She also shared Rader's modus operandi of 'cubing.' "On each side is an identity. So, Boy Scout, volunteer, good husband, serial killer, thief, good father, church president," Ramsland explained. "He could turn whatever side he needed, depending on the circumstances, and flip to another one if needed." This allowed Rader to live a seemingly normal life while leading a horrifying parallel existence.    Brueski asked Ramsland about any suspicions Rader's family might have had. Ramsland shared that Rader was at times afraid that his wife might be onto him, but she noted that it is not common for family members to suspect their loved ones of being serial killers. Rader's double life continued, largely unexamined by those closest to him.    When asked if Rader had conditioned his family to aid in his deception, Ramsland noted that it wasn't just family but friends and co-workers too who were manipulated by Rader's dual persona. She added that people living a double life, whether they're serial killers or merely unfaithful spouses, are "actively deceiving people on a regular basis."    The chilling conversation with Dr. Ramsland offered rare insights into the mind of a serial killer and the complexities surrounding their perceived normalcy. The five-part series promises to delve deeper into these chilling narratives, presenting listeners with a unique exploration of the darkest corners of human psychology. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 202311min

An in-depth understanding of notorious serial killer, Dennis Rader, famously known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer, was discussed on the acclaimed podcast, "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Bruski. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, author of Rader's autobiography, provided unique insights into his motivations and mindset during her five-part conversation on the show.   "Dennis Rader was in a cat-and-mouse game with the media and the police. He enjoyed the thrill of being in the spotlight, while remaining anonymous," noted Ramsland. This aspect of Rader's behavior emerged after the arrest of three men by the police for the Otero murders, which Rader had committed. Upset by what he saw as a waste of taxpayer money, Rader contacted a reporter to correct the police's mistake and claim the murders for himself.   "He wrote a long description of the Otero murders and said, 'I'm the only one who did this'," Ramsland elaborated, adding that Rader had even placed his confession in an engineering book at the Wichita State University Library. This marked the beginning of Rader's obsession with notoriety, leading him to model his actions after infamous killers like Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy.   Ramsland explained that Rader often sent letters to the media about his crimes and even wrote poems about his victims. Despite this, he remained silent about his last three victims. He emerged from his silence only when an attorney planned to write a book about his murders. "Rader decided he did not want someone writing his story," said Ramsland, which prompted him to re-engage in his cat-and-mouse game with the media.   Regarding Rader's view of society, Ramsland disclosed, "he does have a fan club because lots and lots of people write to him. Send him money. Want some kind of association with him. Lots of people do. So he still enjoys seeing his name." Even after his arrest and imprisonment, Rader continues to yearn for the notoriety that his heinous crimes have granted him.   Despite his desire for infamy, Ramsland firmly believes that Rader does not have any undisclosed victims. She clarified, "I know that the ones that he is currently being questioned about, there's no evidence linking him to them. I would never say that's it. He's telling us the full truth. But that doesn't mean, I think the case is currently under investigation will be successfully resolved with him indicted."   One of the key lessons Ramsland learned from her work with Rader is the need to move beyond established norms when examining serial killers. Rader, an active member of his community and a Boy Scout volunteer, didn't fit the typical serial killer profile. She argued, "We need to learn that our formulas are strictly trying to make us feel safe, and they're not necessarily true. Raider's case shows us that."   As for Rader's future plans, Ramsland stated, "I don't think he has aspirations like, oh, I wanna be a commentator." Instead, he sees his participation in the book as a way of making a positive contribution, potentially aiding in the early intervention and prevention of criminal behavior like his own.   For further insight into the mind of the BTK Killer, be sure to tune into the rest of Dr. Ramsland's five-part series on the "Hidden Killers" podcast. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Aug 202313min