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

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

23 Sep 202324min

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

23 Sep 202318min

Could Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, be employing a new psychological tactic, or are we looking at deeper issues within the investigative chain? In the most recent episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski revealed a rather audacious exchange that took place between Rader and Eddie Virden, the sheriff of Osage County. "First thing that Dennis Rader said to Eddie Virden… was, 'So, looks like you don't have enough evidence to convict,'" recounts Brueski, emphasizing that this comment was made moments after a press conference where the D.A. announced a current lack of evidence to prosecute Rader further. Jennifer Coffindaffer, former FBI Special Agent and daily contributor to "Hidden Killers," immediately voiced her perception of this exchange. "It sounds like a game," she stated candidly. The immediate connection between the D.A.'s announcement and Rader's audacious comment isn't lost on her.  However, the conversation soon took an unexpected turn. Coffindaffer delved deep into the most recent interviews of the D.A., explaining that the underlying tone and comments were striking. "I mean, one, he essentially accused Osage County of... inappropriate search methods… It was stark and strong."    There seems to be an apparent chasm between the Osage County sheriff's department and the D.A.'s office. Coffindaffer suggested, "There's an issue between this DA and this sheriff, you know, like either personal, maybe from other cases, but they don't have a relationship." This rift could prove problematic for the progress of any related cases.    The D.A.'s expressed desire for the Oklahoma Bureau (OSBI) to handle the investigation isn't unfounded. As Coffindaffer highlighted, the OSBI possesses more tools and authority beyond Osage County, whereas the Sheriff's jurisdiction is limited to that county alone. This discrepancy could be a significant reason for any misalignment or miscommunication.    Brueski, intrigued, brought the conversation back to its origin: BTK's response. Rader, having witnessed the D.A.'s comments before his interview, was, in Coffindaffer's words, "a savvy serial killer" who had "an ace in the pocket." His initial response, though defiant, was possibly influenced by the preceding events, placing him in a position of apparent superiority.    But the question remains, as Coffindaffer ponders, "Is there nothing there?" Are Rader's comments merely a diversion, a reflection of his psyche, or is there a more profound truth hidden in the dynamics between the investigative entities?    The BTK killer's past is replete with psychological manipulations, crimes that horrified the nation, and a cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement. With the recent revelations, it seems the game, if it can be called that, is far from over. Not only are authorities dealing with the enigmatic mind of a serial killer, but potential internal dynamics could be hindering the investigative process.    As authorities strive to make headway in the renewed focus on BTK, one can't help but wonder: Are we witnessing the continuation of Rader's twisted psychological games, or are we glimpsing deeper issues within our investigative frameworks? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

22 Sep 20234min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski was joined by former FBI Special Agent and regular contributor Jennifer Coffindaffer. Their discussion raised some provocative questions about the display of evidence on national television, specifically in the ongoing investigation of the notorious serial killer BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill). Brueski opened the conversation by discussing a rather controversial moment where evidence, specifically a pantyhose, was showcased on the Banfield show. “I’ve talked to like 10 FBI agents since this happened and everyone I’ve talked to has said they just utterly cringed when they saw him playing with the pantyhose on Banfield,” Brueski revealed. The aim, as he mentioned, was to garner national attention, hoping that it would spur the investigation forward.   Jennifer Coffindaffer responded emphatically, calling out the action as a definitive no-no. "You don't do that to gain the attention," she said, shedding light on the ethical concerns surrounding such an act. She elaborated on how the media circus surrounding the case can often derail from its primary objective: truth and justice for the victims and their families.   Coffindaffer shared her reservations about the manner in which certain cases are being investigated and discussed in the media. "When I say looked hard into it in terms of what the investigative authorities [are saying], KBI says that the woman in Hayes is absolutely not connected to BTK," she mentioned. Her emphasis was on the emotional toll these media speculations can take on families, who have to wrestle with the horrifying possibilities their loved ones might have faced.   The conversation further delved into the formation of task forces to handle such high-profile cases. Coffindaffer, drawing from her extensive FBI background, shared her confusion regarding the inclusion of media personnel in these task forces. "I would never ever [consider] informing these task forces nor would my bosses... want the media involved," she explained. Her primary concern being that media professionals lack the authority and tools required for effective investigative work.   The duo raised valid concerns about the implications such liberties in evidence handling and media involvement could have on the outcome of cases. As Brueski pointed out, mishandling investigations, especially outside of a jurisdiction, can jeopardize the case's standing in court. Coffindaffer shared this sentiment, stating, "from the media standpoint, there's absolutely no purpose, zero purpose."   A poignant moment in the conversation emerged when Coffindaffer emphasized the personal nature of these investigations for law enforcement professionals. She painted a vivid picture of investigators who pour their heart and soul into their cases, seeking justice and truth, often setting aside the glamour of media limelight.   In conclusion, the "Hidden Killers" podcast shed light on the complexities surrounding high-profile criminal investigations. While media attention can indeed propel investigations forward, there's a thin line between informative reporting and turning investigations into a spectacle. The core question that emerged was: In our quest for justice, are we sometimes blurring the boundaries of ethics and sensationalism? So, as one continues to ponder the discussions of the episode, the lingering question remains: Are our current investigative methods prioritizing spectacle over substance? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

22 Sep 20238min

Could the infamous BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, Dennis Rader, be back in the headlines with a potential new set of crimes? Or is this all just part of his macabre play for attention?    Dennis Rader, known as the BTK serial killer, made headlines throughout the 1970s to the early 2000s for his heinous crimes. Convicted of ten counts of first-degree murder, Rader's modus operandi was to bind, torture, and kill his victims. But in a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski revealed a rather shocking exchange that took place between Rader and Eddie Virden, the sheriff of Osage.    Brueski recalled, “I was talking to under Sheriff Gary Upton... Eddie Virden...was actually waiting to talk to BTK in prison in Kansas right as the press conference was being given by the district attorney.” The DA had announced there wasn't enough evidence currently to convict Rader of any new crimes. And Rader's chilling response to Virden? "So, looks like you don't have enough evidence for a case."    Such a response might seem defiant, bordering on cocky. It signals the start of what seems to be a game – a dark and twisted game that Rader, apparently, might be keen to play. Bob Motta, Defense Attorney and host of the podcast Defense Diaries, weighed in on the matter. "I think that was exactly what it was. I think it's him... playing the game, which a lot of these guys do."    Motta further hinted at the possibility that Rader's craving for attention might be driving this behavior. "I have to believe that he's reading all of his press clippings... I think that there's like an aspect of him that loves the fact that his case is front page news every day." But what happens when this desire for attention blurs the lines between truth and manipulation? Could Rader be taking credit for crimes he didn't commit or setting the authorities on false leads?    Motta discussed the pattern seen with other high-profile criminals, specifically mentioning Israel Keyes. Keyes had numerous taped interviews with the federal authorities, and many believe he might have been misleading them, sending them on wild goose chases. Motta pointed out, "I just always personally...think he's [Rader] going to make it difficult on them, and I think that he's going to toy with them at every opportunity that he can."    This behavior pattern isn't new. Serial killers, especially those with a penchant for playing games with law enforcement, often engage in such tactics. They thrive on the power dynamics, turning investigations into personal contests of wit and will.    But as Motta succinctly summarized, "Now whether he did it or not, he wants to play the game and everybody is his pawn."    This revelation provides a stark reminder of the complexities in dealing with individuals like Rader. Investigations aren't merely about gathering evidence but navigating the intricate psychological web spun by the perpetrator.    As authorities continue to probe into potential new crimes linked to BTK, one can't help but wonder: Is this a genuine pursuit of justice, or is it merely a new chapter in Dennis Rader's twisted game? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

22 Sep 20233min

Is notorious serial killer Dennis Rader, better known as BTK, responsible for even more unsolved disappearances? A deep dive into the concerns over evidence collection and the heart-wrenching quest for answers unveils the true complexity of such high-profile cases. The "Hidden Killers" podcast, featuring retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke, provides a rare window into the professional and emotional challenges investigators face.    In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," a significant point of contention arose surrounding BTK's potential link to the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Kinney. The District Attorney for Osage and Pawnee counties, Mike Fisher, voiced his reservations about implicating Dennis Rader in the case, due to the lack of substantial evidence to press charges. Meanwhile, Sheriff Eddie Virden of Osage County, having spearheaded a nationwide task force, seems convinced of Rader's involvement in not just Kinney's disappearance, but potentially other cold cases.    The heart of the matter, as presented by hosts Tony Brueski and Robin Dreeke, revolves around two central issues. Firstly, there's the concern of procedural integrity. The manner in which evidence has been collected, especially as the Osage County Sheriff's Office apparently stepped outside their jurisdiction, raises serious questions. Are the obtained search warrants valid? Would the evidence be admissible in court, given the concerns about how it was collected?    Robin Dreeke touched upon the nuances, emphasizing, "If it's been done that way, yeah, that's a concern." He further elaborated on the danger of investigators becoming overly emotionally invested in cases, potentially leading to oversights or missteps in the process. In a particularly poignant moment, Dreeke noted, "Emotionally being invested in this versus being professionally invested in this and doing things the right way... there's much bigger things that could go wrong here."    In light of such concerns, the episode delved into the quintessential challenge of balancing the pursuit of justice with procedural propriety. While the pressing urgency to "right wrongs in society" is paramount, there are processes and rules designed to ensure that justice isn't just served, but served right.    Further adding to the conundrum is the revelation that some leads, directly linked to BTK, have been gathering dust for years. The existence of "trophies" — a chilling term used by killers to refer to mementos from their victims — buried in Rader's backyard shed was noted in a 2008 letter. Yet, it took until 2023 for any action to be taken on this information.    One could argue, why the delay? Dreeke offers a simple, albeit troubling, answer: resources. "There are not nearly enough people working these things to do it all," he states. The demands of prioritizing, often driven by public and media outcry, means some cases, or leads, are left by the wayside.    Reflecting on his time with the FBI, Dreeke offers insight into the agonizing choices that law enforcement personnel must make daily, juggling a multitude of "urgent" tasks. They're in a perpetual race against time, forced to make heart-wrenching decisions about where to allocate their attention. While the public's cries for justice echo loudly, law enforcement is constrained by the practicalities of resource allocation and the ever-present, towering backlog of cases.    It's a haunting reminder that behind every unresolved case, there's a team of individuals grappling with the knowledge that they couldn't do it all. As Dreeke poignantly remarked, referencing the film "The Guardian": "Sometimes you just can't do it all." The pursuit of justice is never black and white, and as the podcast episode reveals, even the most notorious cases aren't exempt from the shadows of uncertainty. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

22 Sep 202310min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski delved into the controversial investigation into the infamous BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) serial killer, Dennis Rader, and his possible connection to four other unsolved homicides. Guest Neama Rahmani, an attorney and former Federal prosecutor, offered an insightful take on the complexities and implications surrounding the matter.    "The Osage County Sheriff's Office seems to be making quite a spectacle of the investigation, don't they?" Brueski opened, highlighting the media frenzy surrounding the case and the somewhat dramatic methods the Sheriff's Office has employed.    Rahmani was quick to point out a significant rift between law enforcement and the District Attorney. "Officers investigate, but they shouldn't be playing lawyer," he said, expressing concern over the sheriff's overreaching jurisdiction, the legitimacy of the search warrants, and the actual evidence in hand. Such discrepancies might just be giving defense lawyers the leverage they need to get a potential case dismissed.    Brueski furthered the debate by questioning the intent behind reopening an investigation against a man already serving multiple life sentences. "What's the endgame here?" Rahmani mused. "Unless you're gunning for a death sentence, what do you gain from prosecuting Rader for one of these murders?" He painted a vivid picture of Rader reveling in the courtroom attention, given his history of seeking the limelight.    The conversation turned to the type of evidence the Sheriff's Office might be relying on. Brueski described decades-old Polaroid pictures of Rader donning his victims' clothing. While such photos might look damning to the general public, Rahmani was skeptical about their legal weight. "Is a Polaroid from 40 years ago strong enough to convict someone of murder?" he questioned, emphasizing that the optics and the reality of a courtroom are often worlds apart.    Yet, one of the most intriguing points Rahmani raised was about Rader's own confessions. The BTK killer has been nothing if not vocal about his crimes, often offering chilling details about his murders. "He's been given offers of immunity if he just comes clean," Rahmani shared. So, why the silence on these new allegations? "What is he hiding? What reason does he have not to admit to these other killings if he did them?" Rahmani posited.    For victims' families, the reopening of cold cases linked to such a notorious figure offers a glimmer of hope. The promise of closure, justice, or perhaps just a definitive answer is invaluable. Yet, the intersection of media, law enforcement's ambitions, and a killer's penchant for drama muddies the waters. As Rahmani pointedly asked, "Unless it's a provable case beyond a reasonable doubt, why make a questionable case that adds nothing to Rader's sentence?"    In the labyrinth of legal intricacies, public perception, and the haunting shadow of the BTK killer, the true path to justice remains elusive. Are we genuinely unearthing hidden truths, or are we merely giving a monster another moment in the spotlight?    How do we differentiate between the pursuit of justice and the hunger for sensationalism? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

21 Sep 20235min

In the recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski engaged in a chilling conversation with Clinical and forensic psychologist & licensed private investigator Joni Johnston about the notorious BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) murderer, Dennis Rader. As more potential victims and connections to Rader emerge, the question that looms large is: how many secrets does the BTK killer still keep?    The conversation unveiled Johnston's association with a nationwide task force formed to probe deeper into the BTK's unresolved crimes. She revealed, "We all signed nondisclosure agreements... our role is just to look at the evidence... to see if there is any connection between Dennis Rader and some of the crimes that... appear to be potentially connected to him."    Gary Upton, a key informant, had previously pointed out that there might be four potential connections to Rader. The Cynthia Kinney case stands out among them, primarily because of the eerie drawings by Rader that mirror some aspects of the crime scene.    "The challenging thing when you're talking about drawings... is we know that serial killers... will journal or they'll draw, you know, both fantasies that they have as well as potentially crimes they've committed," Johnston said, highlighting the unsettling intersection of fantasy and reality in Rader's drawings and photographs. These artifacts often act as a macabre catalog of a serial killer's conquests, but discerning fact from fiction is no straightforward task.    Diving deeper into the psyche of Rader, Johnston reflected on the duality of his nature: the sadist in him that derived pleasure from torturing his victims, and the side that seemed to derive an equal amount of satisfaction by envisioning himself as the victim. She theorized, "This is somebody who is attempting to... relive the pleasure he experienced at the time by almost acting out his own kind of play or movie."    But why, despite being offered immunity, has Rader not come forward to clarify these potential connections? With his physical health deteriorating but mental faculties still sharp, the motivations behind his silence remain an enigma. While Johnston believes that only Rader can answer that question definitively, Kerry Rawson, Rader’s daughter, has been invaluable in aiding the task force and law enforcement over the years, suggesting she might have some insight.    Johnston further alluded to suspicions about Rader initiating his violent streak during his Navy tenure overseas, a period he hasn’t spoken about. She emphasized, "I don't think we can rule him out, but it does raise a question."    Brueski then brought up an intriguing point about Rader’s current relationship with media attention. It appears Rader has found a renewed interest in the limelight, offering unsolicited insights into various cases. This behavior begs the question: is he genuinely trying to help, or is this another twisted game?    A significant concern raised during the discussion was the role of potential media opportunism, specifically the risk of a reality TV show influencing the investigation. Responding to this, Johnston candidly expressed her hopes that the integrity of the task force remains uncompromised, emphasizing, "The check or the reality check is always going to be the evidence or lack thereof."    The quest for the truth, bolstered by evidence from Wichita's untouched archives, remains the primary objective. Johnston concluded with a heartfelt sentiment, hoping for "directions of closure for some of these families."    But as we reflect on the chilling details discussed in "Hidden Killers", another unsettling question arises: how many more "hidden killers" remain buried in the annals of crime, waiting to be uncovered? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

21 Sep 20237min