# New lead in the Wichita Serial killer "BTK" hunt **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 22, 2004, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959 "2004-08-22T09:45:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2004, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/1 "2004-08-22T09:45:20Z")
Thought I’d put this update in this forum. [Here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=247646) is a link to a thead I started back in May. Rather then ressurct the other thread, I decided to post an update. They seem to have narrowed the search down, and found a line to trace now. [News story.](http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/ap/0804/21_1_btk_link.html) WSU still has a large attendence, so it’s still a lot of sifting. I’m just glad that they are making progress, and wish they could have made this progress decades ago. ---
**Author:** ![Alias](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e4f/32.png) [@Alias](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alias)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2004, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/2 "2004-08-22T12:55:17Z")
I know what BTK stands for, but every time I see it I think it has something to do with Burger King. Anyway, thanks for the link. ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/3 "2004-08-23T00:58:34Z")
I’ve been wondering what was up with BTK lately. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/4 "2004-11-29T15:40:24Z")
BTK has sent another letter. [Here](http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/unsolved/btk/14.html?sect=4) is a link to the update page on the Crime Library article about the case. [This](http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/unsolved/btk/btk_jump_page.html) page contains various links to news articles etc. pertaining to the investigation. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/5 "2004-12-06T20:39:47Z")
They have made an arrest in connection with the BTK investigation, and the FBI has removed evidence from the person’s home! They also may, or may not be doing a DNA comparison. [Police release personal details about BTK, provided by killer himself](http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/11/30/btk.killer.ap/). [Man in custody may be linked to BTK](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6635554/). [Search for BTK killer continues](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6640382/). [Man on BTK suspect list refuses DNA test](http://www.kbsl10.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=KBSL/MGArticle/BSL_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031774735754&path=!news!). > [@](#): > > From the second article I linked: One of the unusual aspects of the case is that Valadez is reportedly being held on a $40,000 bond. Many consider that a high amount for the misdemeanor charges against him. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/6 "2004-12-06T20:55:31Z")
> [@2nd linked article](#): > > “I was like, ‘no way,’” said Foults. Do they _have_ to print that kind of crap verbatim? Sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/7 "2004-12-06T21:06:02Z")
That’s the way a large amount of people in this state speak. :eek: ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/8 "2004-12-22T07:01:18Z")
More updates on this case, they may solve it yet, and put BTK behind bars. [Police Investigate What May Be BTK Package](http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=331421) ---
**Author:** ![infamousmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d6d6ee/32.png) [@infamousmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/infamousmom)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/9 "2004-12-22T09:35:48Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > More updates on this case, they may solve it yet, and put BTK behind bars. I hope they finally catch that guy. He scared the crap outta me when we were living in Wichita. We used to shop at the Dillon’s store that was half a block from where Nancy Fox was killed. I spent a lot of time at the public library downtown. I probably saw the guy at some point. Even after 20 years the whole thing still gives me the creeps. He seems to want to be caught now. Why doesn’t he just give himself up? ---
**Author:** ![BJMoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@BJMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BJMoose)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/10 "2004-12-22T19:27:18Z")
Since **Zabali\_Clawbane** didn’t point this out, I guess I’ll have to: that guy arrested a couple of weeks back and _presumed_ to be a strong BTK suspect has long since been cleared and released. Wish the local media could end its circle-jerk and show a little restraint. ---
**Author:** ![YellowTail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/b5ac83/32.png) [@YellowTail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YellowTail)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/11 "2004-12-22T23:42:25Z")
> [@Larry Mudd](#): > > Do they _have_ to print that kind of crap verbatim? Sheesh. I couldn’t agree more, Mudd. The glorification of stupidity continues. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2004, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/12 "2004-12-23T06:21:26Z")
> [@BJMoose](#): > > Since **Zabali\_Clawbane** didn’t point this out, I guess I’ll have to: that guy arrested a couple of weeks back and _presumed_ to be a strong BTK suspect has long since been cleared and released. Wish the local media could end its circle-jerk and show a little restraint. I provided a link to the CourtTV news page on the BTK case (in a previous post) which is updated frequently, (as in, as soon as there is more news on the case) so if you’d troubled to look at the link, you’d have seen that I tacitly supplied the information. I didn’t point it out directly this time, because I figured anyone who was keeping an eye on the case would click the handy link I supplied above to read the compiled case on CourtTV. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2004, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/13 "2004-12-23T10:20:56Z")
Hmm, ok I saw that the BTK case on CourtTV’s Crime Library was updated (it sometimes takes them a few days, but usually not) so I opened it. It doesn’t have the latest update up yet, nor does it have the specific update on the DNA, so here’s a link about the person who was arrested’s[release](http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/12/04/build/nation/82-btk-suspect.inc). Also the police’s [media statment](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6638259/) about the reports. [FBI to analyze suspected BTK package](http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/12/15/btk.package/index.html). [BTK investigators turn focus toward journalists](http://www.showmenews.com/2004/Dec/20041215News016.asp) [BTK Investigators Target Media, Police in DNA Sweeps](http://www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=2684932&nav=1PubU8BW) ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/14 "2005-02-27T11:05:59Z")
They’ve announced the arrest of a person who is being charged with “at least 10” murders, or to qoute the Wichita Police Cheif “BTK is arrested”. Story[here](http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/special_packages/btk/11002959.htm), and [here](http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050227/ap_on_re_us/btk_killings). (Neither requires registration.) > [@](#): > > Police have booked Dennis Rader, 59, on 10 counts of suspicion of first-degree murder. > > A man suspected of being Wichita’s BTK serial killer has been arrested and is now tied to 10 killings dating to 1974, Wichita police said Saturday. Dennis Rader, 59, has been booked on 10 counts of suspicion of first-degree murder, authorities said. He is expected to be charged this week. > > \ > > Sedgwick County Sheriff Gary Steed then stunned the group with the announcement that BTK also was responsible for two other homicides – the April 1985 slaying of Hedge and the January 1991 death of Delores Davis. It doesn’t look like they can pursue the death penalty for this though. I hope they have actaully caught the one that committed those crimes, and I wish they could catch the criminals that do these things sooner. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/15 "2005-02-28T06:14:12Z")
He [confessed](http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050228/ap_on_re_us/btk_killings&e=1&ncid=) to six of the slayings?! :eek: > [@](#): > > WICHITA, Kan. - The man arrested on suspicion of being the BTK serial killer confessed on the day of his arrest to six slayings, a source close to the investigation said Sunday. > > \ but yet the article also says: > > When asked for comment, District Attorney Nola Foulston said, “Your information is patently false,” but she refused to say whether Rader had made any confessions or whether investigators are looking into Rader’s possible involvement in more unsolved killings. Police spokeswoman Janet Johnson also declined to comment specifically on the accuracy of the source’s statements. Dratted spin, wish they’d not even bother reporting it unless the DA confimrs it, and it is rather early for that. It’s still hard for me to believe that they may have caught BTK. He’s been such a “boogeyman” in this state that it’s somewhat hard to process. Wow… They may also be investigating other muders to see if they are connected to him too. Does no one care that they finally arrested a viable suspect? ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Pedro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Pedro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pedro)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/16 "2005-03-01T06:45:55Z")
I care **Zabali**. Seems like they really got him this time. Great news! I can’t imagine the joy and relief Wichitans must be feeling, even if it’s just to bring this dreadful ongoing saga to an end and put a face on the killer. The circumstances for Rader are completely incrimiminating to my mind but we will have to wait and see for sure. The only thing I was wondering is wether he was married or not in the 70s when most murders took place. The fact that he has a family and kids and was integrated in the comunity is surprising but there was no reason to believe BTK would stand out in any way, quite the opposite. I was really disappointed to read that he had been previously a suspect, as is so often the case. We still don’t know anything about how the investigation was handled but just browsing through [crimelibrary.org](http://crimelibrary.org) is sufficient to convince me the police overlooked some decent clues, hindsight being what it is and all. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2005, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/17 "2005-06-27T19:04:25Z")
Dennis Rader [confessed](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050627/ap_on_re_us/btk_killings_14;_ylt=Avgx8LswSLglspIEWB5cMybZyJEv;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl) to killing ten people Monday, June 27. He is the person who the media dubbed the BTK strangler. His confessed "projects are: Joseph Otero 38, Julie Otero 34, Josephine Otero 11, Joseph Otero II 9, Kathryn Bright 21, Shirley Vian 24, Nancy Fox 25, Vicki Wegerle 28, Marine Hedge 53, and Dolores Davis 62. That is more than previously suspected. I think there might be more that weren’t discovered, which we may hear about someday. > [@](#): > > When questioned by the judge about the motivation for the Otero slayings, Rader said: “That was part of what you call my fantasy.” Pressed further, Rader said, “Sexual fantasy, sir.” > [@](#): > > He described to the court how he chose his victims.“If you’ve read much about serial killers, they go through what they call different phases. In the trolling stage, basically, you’re looking for a victim at that time. You can be trolling for months or years, but once you lock in on a certain person, you become a stalker. That might be several of them but you really hone in on one person. They basically become the … that’s the victim. Or at least that’s what you want it to be.” I’m glad he’s been caught, and I hope at the least he’s never let out of prison alive. ---
**Author:** ![Ayesha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c0e974/32.png) [@Ayesha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ayesha)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2005, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/18 "2005-06-27T22:04:02Z")
I caught this on tv, that man made me shudder. No sign of remorse at all as he went into the details of each killing. Totally cold, there is just something so wrong with this man emotionally. It seemed that he did not have any compassion at all, that the people he killed weren’t human to him but mere objects. I do believe he is pure evil hiding in human skin. ::shudder:: ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2005, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/19 "2005-06-27T22:40:46Z")
Here is another [link](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050627/ts_nm/crime_btk_dc;_ylt=AqvrfsRpNt32et..c7Sk2SJ34T0D;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl) to a more thorough account. I agree **Ayesha** , he’s not right in the head, and for the safety of society, he shouldn’t ever leave prison alive. I don’t know if I can watch his confession after reading the account of what happened when he killed Shirley Vian. At least this boogeyman has been caught. ---
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959/20 "2005-06-28T00:57:34Z")
Personally, I can’t fathom the reason that he’s showing all of his cards. He’s not doing it out of compassion for those related to his victims. He’s not doing it to reduce the severity of his sentence. If he’s doing it for the attention, why not plead not guilty and have the thing drag out on TV for years? Is it that somehow, deep inside him, a part of him actually wanted to be caught? Or what? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lead-in-the-wichita-serial-killer-btk-hunt/260959.md?page=2)