Home 
Key Insights
Why did Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, reappear after years of silence?
Jealousy over a book about the murders and a desire for attention.
Why did police initially suspect Bill Wegerle of killing his wife Vicki?
He failed two lie detector tests and was the most logical suspect.
Why did Dennis Rader target his victims?
They were objects to fulfill his obsession with bondage and control.
Why did Dennis Rader's wife not suspect his activities?
He hid his activities well and only disappeared for short periods.
Why did Dennis Rader choose to confess to his crimes?
He wanted to take credit for his life's work and felt a rapport with police.
Why did Dennis Rader's daughter's DNA match evidence from crime scenes?
Rader used his daughter's DNA in his crimes, leading to a close match.
Why did Dennis Rader start killing?
He was fascinated with inflicting pain from a young age and idolized serial killers.
Why did Dennis Rader's crimes go undetected for so long?
He led a double life, balancing normalcy with his secret obsessions.
Why did Dennis Rader avoid targeting his wife?
He didn't kill anyone he knew personally; his victims were chosen as objects.
Why did Dennis Rader's arrest bring relief to Wichita?
It ended three decades of fear and uncertainty caused by the BTK killer.
Chapters
Bill Wegerle, Vicki's husband, becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Despite taking polygraph tests and failing them, he maintains his innocence.
- Bill Wegerle found Vicki's body and called 911.
- Police initially suspected Bill due to failed polygraph tests.
- Bill's children faced rumors and accusations at school.
Shownotes Transcript