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

A shocking revelation has sent ripples through the cold case community: could the notorious BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) serial killer, Dennis Rader, have had secret torture barns? Newly surfaced Polaroids and chilling sketches, indicating a possible link between the BTK killer and specific barns, have law enforcement expanding their search radius. This latest lead has not only spurred renewed investigative efforts but also reignited disagreements about the BTK’s ties to unsolved cases.    In the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, he delved deep into this mystery, aided by the insights of Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI Special Agent. "We know that he had a real fascination with barns and seemed to connect them to his sexual fantasies," Brueski stated, referencing Catherine Ramsland’s book about Dennis Rader. The book unveiled Rader's dark desires of creating a 'torture barn', where he would take and torment his victims. Though previously believed to be just a grim fantasy, the emergence of these Polaroids and drawings begs the question: "Did he actually have these torture barns in and around Wichita?" pondered Brueski.    Coffindaffer noted the expanded search parameters, revealing, "I think they're really even broadening where they're looking is, of course, Oklahoma. Yeah. And Missouri, Arkansas." This renewed search stems from understanding Rader's past activities with the Boy Scouts and his role as a serviceman for ADT, potentially pinpointing locations where such barns might exist.    While these startling revelations open up avenues for renewed investigations, there's a significant challenge. Numerous cold cases that may have links to BTK are mired in controversy. "Listen, it is not BTK. We've looked at the new evidence... and we still don't believe there's anything to connect BTK," several investigators commented about specific cases they have been examining. This sentiment is reflective of the broader challenges law enforcement faces in retroactively tying BTK to unsolved crimes.    This isn't to say there aren't passionate advocates striving to shed light on these mysteries. Kerri Rawson, Rader's daughter, is tirelessly seeking justice for the victims of her father's heinous crimes. However, she has voiced concerns, especially regarding the Missouri case involving a detective named Lori Howard. Despite the lack of direct evidence linking Rader to the victim, Garber, Kerri remains skeptical of Howard's approach. Brueski highlighted the inherent tension, noting, "Kerri speaking out against it, saying flat out she has no faith in Lori Howard. On Banfield and that she would've made an arrest the previous week."    The real challenge here is deciphering the true modus operandi of BTK. Was Garber's case – which involved rape – consistent with the known patterns of BTK? Brueski commented on Kerri's unique position, "Kerri, of anybody on this planet... would know her father better than anybody." Does she, with her deep personal insights, intuit a different truth?    Ultimately, in the hunt for irrefutable evidence, DNA seems to be the key. Coffindaffer believes that due to Rader's meticulous nature, there might still be DNA evidence linking him to victims. "There could be a piece of jewelry, a piece of clothing. A blanket that's been discussed," she detailed, suggesting that any inexplicable connection between such evidence and BTK could be the definitive answer.    Conclusively, as investigators reexamine this morass of old evidence, leads, and claims, Coffindaffer suggests a return to the very beginning: "You have to start at the beginning to look at all those factors. Not just writings, not just pictures, but what did he say when he was arrested and what was corroborated by evidence back then?"    As the hunt intensifies, it's clear that any revelations will reshape our understanding of one of America's most chilling serial killers. Whether Rader's barn fantasies were a gruesome reality remains to be seen, but the drive to unearth the truth has never been stronger. 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

12 Sep 20235min

An Oklahoma prosecutor, District Attorney Mike Fisher, stated yesterday that there isn't sufficient evidence to charge notorious serial killer Dennis Rader, also known as BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill), in connection with the 1976 disappearance of 16-year-old Cynthia Dawn Kinney. This decision comes despite law enforcement officials labeling Rader as a prime suspect. Fisher emphasized during a news conference that he has not reached a point where he can file charges against Rader in Kinney's disappearance. However, he has requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to formally look into the case due to the revived public interest in this cold case. If substantial evidence emerges, Fisher is prepared to file charges. Osage County sheriff's officials, including Undersheriff Gary Upton, have recently described Rader as a "prime suspect" not only in Kinney's disappearance but also in the death of 22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber, whose body was found in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri. 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

12 Sep 20232min

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and former FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer discussed potential new connections between the infamous BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer, Dennis Rader, and unsolved murders. According to Rader's daughter, Kerry, there are up to five potential connections currently under investigation.    Coffindaffer shared details of a conversation she had with Kerry, during which they discussed "bad laundry day," a term referenced in Rader's writings. This phrase is linked to a fantasy Rader had about abducting a woman from a laundromat. Sheriff Eddie Virden of Osage County, Oklahoma, had a similar experience when he visited Rader in prison. Before Virden could explain the purpose of his visit, Rader described a fantasy that closely matched the unsolved murder Virden was investigating. This led authorities to believe that Rader might have had prior knowledge of the crime.    Coffindaffer expressed concern about the growing number of connections between Rader and unsolved cases. She noted that while some authorities have ruled out Rader as a suspect in certain cases, others believe there is a strong possibility that he may be connected to more murders than previously thought. Coffindaffer praised law enforcement for taking a closer look at Rader's writings, which include references to over 200 "projects" – potential victims or crimes he considered committing. She also raised questions about whether some of the unsolved cases fit Rader's modus operandi, which involved sexually gratifying himself after his victims were dead, rather than during the act of killing.    Recent efforts to connect Rader to unsolved cases include the excavation of his former property in Park City, Kansas. While items have been recovered from the site, it is unclear whether they are linked to any specific cases. Coffindaffer expressed concern about the proper management of evidence and questioned whether some items had been adequately examined by forensic experts.    The discussion also touched on the issue of access to Rader's writings. While they are currently held as evidence, Coffindaffer noted that law enforcement in the tri-state area and Rader's daughter, Kerry, have been granted access. She expressed frustration that the writings were not examined more closely when they were first obtained in 2004 but expressed hope that the renewed investigation might bring closure to some families.    The offer of immunity from federal and state prosecution was also discussed as a potential incentive for Rader to provide more information about unsolved cases. Coffindaffer noted that while Rader might fear being moved from his current comfortable prison accommodation, he has always sought fame and might be tempted to disclose more information if he believes it will bring him greater notoriety.    Coffindaffer concluded by questioning whether Rader is still playing a game with law enforcement and enjoying the attention he receives. She wondered whether he might admit to additional crimes if charged but also noted that his physical frailty could be a deterrent to confessing if it meant being moved to a less comfortable facility.    Overall, the podcast episode shed light on the ongoing efforts to connect Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, to unsolved murders. While there are promising leads and a renewed commitment from law enforcement to examine all available evidence, many questions remain unanswered. The hope is that this renewed focus will bring closure to the families of victims and ensure that justice is served. 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

11 Sep 202310min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" hosted by Tony Brueski, psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott discussed the possibility that Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, may be linked to more unsolved cases than previously thought. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden recently initiated an investigation to find possible links between Rader and Cynthia Kinney, a 16-year-old who disappeared in the 1970s. This move was prompted after the discovery of the phrase "Bad laundry day" in Rader's writings, which could possibly be linked to Kinney's disappearance. During the podcast, Scott highlighted the difficulties in solving these cases, given Rader's penchant for mind games. Rader, who is serving 10 consecutive life terms for 10 murders committed between 1974 and 1991, has always been open about the crimes he committed. However, he has not claimed any responsibility for the Cynthia Kinney case. Scott shared, "You never know when a person like this is telling the truth... So I think it's a horrifying, real possibility that he was involved in this other disappearance." Rader's mental state and aging process were also discussed, particularly in relation to his willingness to reveal any past crimes. Brueski mentioned the case of the Golden State Killer, who, despite being of advanced age, did not disclose any information. Scott noted that there has not been any research on dementia in serial killers and how it may affect their willingness to disclose past crimes, which presents an intriguing area for study. Another case discussed in the podcast was that of Shawna Beth Garber, a 22-year-old whose body was discovered in 1990. The autopsy revealed that she had been raped, strangled, and restrained with bindings, which are similar to Rader's modus operandi, except for the rape. Rader admitted to getting sexually aroused by his crimes and pleasuring himself at the crime scenes but denied ever raping anyone. Scott mentioned that it's possible that Rader could be connected to this case, as serial killers' methods can sometimes vary. The episode also touched on the strange phenomenon of murderers keeping "trophies" from their victims. Recently, objects buried deep underground were found on Rader's former property in Park City. Scott explained that even if the trophies are not used for masturbation, which is common among serial killers, keeping them represents a bond with the victim. "It's almost like here's a tangible object that represents this person to me, and I've got it... there's this whole weird internal dynamic about being bonded together forever into eternity with your victims," Scott elaborated. Overall, the podcast episode shed light on the ongoing efforts to link Dennis Rader to other unsolved cases and the psychological complexities of serial killers. While Rader's declining health and mind games present challenges for investigators, the discussion highlighted the importance of continued research and investigation to bring closure to the families of the victims.

11 Sep 20238min

A recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" featured a discussion with retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke, on the newly discovered evidence in Park City, Kansas, linked to serial killer Dennis Rader. The hosts questioned Dreeke about the implications of the recent discovery of a 'Heidi hole' in Rader's old property and what it may mean for the ongoing investigation into his crimes.    Dennis Rader, notoriously known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, was apprehended in 2005 after a series of murders spanning several decades. It is known that Rader kept 'trophies' from his victims, which he stored in hiding places he referred to as 'Heidi holes.' Although his house was torn down about 15 years ago, a new 'Heidi hole' was recently uncovered in the area where a shed once stood on his property. This particular hiding spot, covered in dirt and concealed beneath wood and shingles, contained items believed to be trophies and pieces of evidence from his heinous crimes.    Dreeke offered insight into the mind of a serial killer, suggesting that Rader might have buried these items after exhausting their fantasy value but did not want to completely discard them due to emotional attachment. "It's his addiction and his fantasy. And I think he just exhausted the usefulness of those items for his fantasy world and moved on to new ones, but he didn't want to totally get rid of them because he's emotionally attached to them," Dreeke said.    This recent discovery raises questions about whether Rader intended to lead authorities to this hidden cache of evidence or whether it was meant to remain undiscovered. His daughter, Carrie, pointed the authorities in the direction of the shed, leading to the unearthing of the hidden items. Dreeke speculated that Rader did not plan that far into the future, nor did he ever envision himself getting caught. "They plan on how not to get caught. That, you know, they don't plan for after they're caught. They plan to do things about not being caught. So that's the way I again, 'cause that is more in the present. More in the now," he added.    Moreover, Dreeke suggested that Rader might leverage the situation for attention, as he is already serving multiple life sentences and has nothing to lose. "He's probably doing back flips in, there's psychological back flips saying, wow, I'm back in the game. Look at this. And just keep denying it. Why not? Because part of that grandiosity is not the number of people you've killed at this point. I think it's the attention he's getting," Dreeke explained.    As investigations continue and more evidence surfaces, it remains to be seen what impact this new discovery will have on our understanding of the mind of a serial killer and the extent of Rader's crimes. Nonetheless, this conversation with Robin Dreeke provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of criminal psychology and the ongoing quest for justice for the victims of these heinous acts. 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

11 Sep 20236min

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

10 Sep 20236min

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

10 Sep 20236min

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

10 Sep 20237min