Dennis Rader "BTK Killer" Kansas (Active: 1974–1991)
Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK Killer" (short for Bind, Torture, Kill), is responsible for the murders of 10 people between 1974 and 1991 in the Wichita, Kansas area. He earned the nickname because of his methodical approach to the killings, which involved binding, torturing, and killing his victims. Rader taunted the police and media with letters and communications for years, leading to his nickname.
Known Victims:
Joseph Otero (38), Julie Otero (33), Josephine Otero (11), and Daniel Otero (9) On January 15, 1974, Rader broke into the home of the Otero family. He bound the parents and two children and then strangled them. Joseph and Julie were strangled with a rope, while their children, Josephine and Daniel, were also strangled. Rader left a note at the scene, taunting the police.
Kathryn Bright – 21 years old. On April 4, 1974, Rader approached Kathryn, shot her, and bound her. He attempted to strangle her but was interrupted when she struggled. She managed to escape temporarily but later died from her wounds. Rader's first attempted killing that did not go as planned.
Shirley Vian – 24 years old. On March 17, 1977, Rader broke into Vian's home, bound her, and strangled her with a nylon stocking. Though her three young children were in the house they were unharmed. Unfortunately, they witnessed the brutal murder.
Nancy Fox – 25 years old. On December 8, 1977, Fox was at home when Rader entered her house. He bound and strangled her. Rader later called the police, providing details of the crime to taunt them.
Marine Hedge – 53 years old. On April 27, 1985, Rader abducted Hedge from her home and transported her to a remote location, where he bound, tortured, and strangled her. Her body was found a few days later. Rader took photographs of the murder, which he later used to taunt the authorities.
Vicki Wegerle – 28 years old. On September 16, 1986, Wegerle was killed in her home. Rader broke in, strangled her with a pair of pantyhose, and left behind an item that would later connect him to the crime. Vicki's murder went unsolved for several years.
Deborah Estrella – 15 years old. On April 27, 1988, Rader approached Deborah, strangled her, and dumped her body in an area outside the city. At the time, Rader's connection to her murder was not made clear until years later during his confession.
Rader was finally captured in 2005. He was caught after sending a floppy disk to police, which they traced to his church. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
