Dennis Rader
Dennis Rader, known as BTK, bound, suffocated, strangled, or otherwise killed 10 people in Kansas between 1974 and 1991. His first attack killed four members of the Otero family, including children aged 9 and 11.
At a glance
- What happened
- Rader stalked victims, entered their homes, restrained them, and killed them. In the Otero murders, he killed Joseph and Julie Otero and their children Joseph Jr., 9, and Josephine, 11. The crimes included sexualized violence and attacks on victims in their homes. His church and community roles concealed the killings, and he later sent communications claiming responsibility.
- When
- 1974–1991: the 10 admitted murders. February 2005: arrest. June 27, 2005: guilty pleas. August 2005: sentencing.
- Where
- Wichita and Park City, in Sedgwick County, Kansas.
- Why / motive
- Rader's nickname meant 'bind, torture, kill.' A definitive motive for every murder is not established here.
- Outcome
- Rader was sentenced to 10 consecutive life terms in 2005. Those convictions concern 10 murders; suspicions involving other missing people should not be treated as additional convictions.
Who is involved
- Dennis Rader — subject
Sources
- Kansas Supreme Court — Rader case history“On June 27, 2005, Rader pled guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder.”
- A&E — Dennis Rader case file“All four were bound with ropes; Rader suffocated Joseph and his son with plastic bags and strangled Julie”
- Dakota Digital Review — Otero family murders“ages 9 and 11”
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