Investigators Playing New Games With BTK

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

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.
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