Oklahoma Officials Discover New Evidence at Former BTK Home
Aug 28, 2023, 11:00 AM
Oklahoma officials have recently unearthed crucial evidence from the former property of notorious serial killer, Dennis Rader, situated in Park City, Kansas. The disturbing discovery included "personal items and other binding type items,” according to Osage County Sheriff, Eddie Virden. The sheriff’s department also found pantyhose with unique knots tied around the points where they would potentially wrap around a person’s wrist or ankle.
Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK killer – an acronym for "Bind, Torture, Kill" – was a church leader and Boy Scout volunteer. He is currently incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for 10 murders that took place around Wichita between 1974 and 1991. Today, Rader emerges as the “prime suspect” in the cold case disappearance of Cynthia ‘Cyndi’ Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The sheriff's office has also linked Rader to other unsolved murders.
Rader's involvement in these heinous crimes has been a matter of significant speculation. Sheriff Virden is convinced about Rader’s connection to the 1976 disappearance of Kinney. "Rader is 100%, in my opinion, the guy," Virden remarked. However, both Rader and his daughter have persistently denied these accusations.
In a previous excavation conducted in April at Rader's former home, officials uncovered vital evidence that was kept under wraps. This week's dig could have been another discreet operation if not for the word getting out. Sheriff Virden explained that the secrecy was not to hide information but rather to protect the affected families and to ensure the investigation remains uncompromised.
Sheriff Virden provided insight into the recent findings, stating, "The items were deliberately placed 14-16 inches below the ground." This depth is significant as it reflects Rader's meticulous nature and his history of retaining souvenirs from his victims. Two separate locations in the property revealed deliberately buried items. One such location had its soil replaced with a sand-like substance and appeared to have a brick floor with shingles, possibly to shield the buried items. The sheriff remains uncertain whether these found items pertain to the 10 murders for which Rader is currently serving his sentences or if they relate to the newer cases he is suspected of.
One of the primary cold cases linked to Rader is that of Cynthia Dawn Kinney. Kinney mysteriously vanished in 1976 after reportedly leaving her family’s laundromat and possibly entering a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women. Several clues hint at Rader's involvement, including a cryptic message in a book he was penning before his arrest, referencing a 1976 killing titled "project bad laundry day." Further, Rader's known familiarity with the Oklahoma region, combined with his occupation as a regional installer for ADT – which would have put him in proximity to the area during Kinney’s disappearance – strengthen suspicions of his involvement.
Rader is also under investigation for his potential involvement in other tragic incidents, like the unfortunate case of Shawna Beth Garber from Missouri.
Kerri Rawson, Rader's daughter, broke her prolonged silence to collaborate with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing investigation. Rawson disclosed that she had directed the sheriff's office to inspect specific areas where Rader had previously buried their family pet. She has also re-established contact with her father, confronting him about the new allegations. Although he reiterated his innocence, Rawson observed that he frequently altered his alibis, which she believes could be attributed to his deteriorating memory due to his age.
However, regardless of these findings and suspicions, Rawson remains conflicted. She commented, “I’m still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point,” but also emphasized the importance of discovering the truth, stating, “If my dad has harmed somebody else, we need answers.”
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice. The sheriff’s office remains committed to unearthing the truth, ensuring that the victims and their families receive the closure they desperately seek.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK killer – an acronym for "Bind, Torture, Kill" – was a church leader and Boy Scout volunteer. He is currently incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for 10 murders that took place around Wichita between 1974 and 1991. Today, Rader emerges as the “prime suspect” in the cold case disappearance of Cynthia ‘Cyndi’ Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The sheriff's office has also linked Rader to other unsolved murders.
Rader's involvement in these heinous crimes has been a matter of significant speculation. Sheriff Virden is convinced about Rader’s connection to the 1976 disappearance of Kinney. "Rader is 100%, in my opinion, the guy," Virden remarked. However, both Rader and his daughter have persistently denied these accusations.
In a previous excavation conducted in April at Rader's former home, officials uncovered vital evidence that was kept under wraps. This week's dig could have been another discreet operation if not for the word getting out. Sheriff Virden explained that the secrecy was not to hide information but rather to protect the affected families and to ensure the investigation remains uncompromised.
Sheriff Virden provided insight into the recent findings, stating, "The items were deliberately placed 14-16 inches below the ground." This depth is significant as it reflects Rader's meticulous nature and his history of retaining souvenirs from his victims. Two separate locations in the property revealed deliberately buried items. One such location had its soil replaced with a sand-like substance and appeared to have a brick floor with shingles, possibly to shield the buried items. The sheriff remains uncertain whether these found items pertain to the 10 murders for which Rader is currently serving his sentences or if they relate to the newer cases he is suspected of.
One of the primary cold cases linked to Rader is that of Cynthia Dawn Kinney. Kinney mysteriously vanished in 1976 after reportedly leaving her family’s laundromat and possibly entering a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women. Several clues hint at Rader's involvement, including a cryptic message in a book he was penning before his arrest, referencing a 1976 killing titled "project bad laundry day." Further, Rader's known familiarity with the Oklahoma region, combined with his occupation as a regional installer for ADT – which would have put him in proximity to the area during Kinney’s disappearance – strengthen suspicions of his involvement.
Rader is also under investigation for his potential involvement in other tragic incidents, like the unfortunate case of Shawna Beth Garber from Missouri.
Kerri Rawson, Rader's daughter, broke her prolonged silence to collaborate with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing investigation. Rawson disclosed that she had directed the sheriff's office to inspect specific areas where Rader had previously buried their family pet. She has also re-established contact with her father, confronting him about the new allegations. Although he reiterated his innocence, Rawson observed that he frequently altered his alibis, which she believes could be attributed to his deteriorating memory due to his age.
However, regardless of these findings and suspicions, Rawson remains conflicted. She commented, “I’m still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point,” but also emphasized the importance of discovering the truth, stating, “If my dad has harmed somebody else, we need answers.”
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice. The sheriff’s office remains committed to unearthing the truth, ensuring that the victims and their families receive the closure they desperately seek.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com