Notorious Case CrimesBTK KILLER

By David Rashty And John Mifsud

Brief BTK Bio• Born Dennis Rader March 9th,1945• Attended Kansas Wesleyan University• After getting a degree in Engineering, Rader

spent time in the US Navy• Served 4 years in the Navy and was stationed

in Greece, Turkey and South Korea• BTK was a self given nickname that stands for

“Bind, Torture, Kill”

Reason for Selection• The BTK Killer’s infamous killing span of 27

years is as enticing as it is ruthless. From 1974 to 1991, this cold-blooded killer lurked on the prowl, killing a confirmed 10 victims without the police being able to track him. It is important we understand that even the police are human and can be deceived by the most heinous of criminals.

Background of the Crimes

• From 1974 to 1991, the BTK Killer took part in the brutal and bloodthirsty slaying of 10 victims

• 7 women, 1 man and 2 kids ages 11 and 9• 8 of the victims were strangled by his own

bare hands• 1 was stabbed• 1 was hanged from a drainage pipe

Letters• In traditional psychopath form, the BTK Killer

sent letters to both the police and local news stations in order to get his message across

• The letters often would appear after a murder, claiming ownership and dismissing all attempts to catch him

• He claimed that the authorities were no match up against him and that trying would be futile

2005• In 2005, BTK sent a letter to authorities,

reminding them that he was still very much alive

• To his dismay, in his 14 year absence, forensic science and investigative technology had increased tenfold, and the letter was tracked down to a local church and even more compelling, an avid member of the community by the name of Dennis

Further Investigation

• The evidence gathered to that point was enough to suffice a warrant to arrest Rader for questioning

• While being questioned, Rader admitted to everything – claiming ownership and even basking in his own celebrity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXa_YreEFEs

The Trial• In the trial, Rader systematically pleaded guilty

to each charge of murder said against him• He was convicted of 10 charges of

manslaughter• Because his crimes took place from 1977-

1991, he was exempted from the Death Penalty, which Kansas reinstated in 1994

Theories• Strain Theory: Argues that people commit crimes

when they believe they cannot achieve their desires and goals through legitimate means.

• The BTK Killer in his confessional mentioned what he called “Factor X”. This was a fantasy that he felt made him accomplish his “goals” and finish his “projects”

Going Forward• The BTK Killer case is a shining example of an

average man keeping his distance from the law by being one step ahead. He was able to outthink the authorities and plan out each murder to perfection. But as if killing for 27 years wasn’t enough, he felt it necessary to arbitrarily fuel his own legend

• We live in an unjust society with an imperfect justice system