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Dennis Rader is born
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Period: to
BTK - Timeline
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Dennis joins the airforce
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Marries his wife Paulina
works for a camping gear company for a few years. -
works for adt security
The same year he commits his first crime. -
Foiur members of the otero family are killed
The BTK killer is born -
BTK killer strikes again
Rader killed Kathryn Bright by stabbing and strangling, and attempted to kill her brother, Kevin. Kevin was shot twice, but survived. He described Rader as "an average-sized guy, bushy mustache, 'psychotic' eyes," according to a TIME magazine article. -
The BTK killer searches for fame
In October 1974, Rader sought fame and attention for his crimes, placing a letter in a public library book in which he took responsibility for killing the Oteros. “It was this moment that victim was tied and bound. He could live in that moment for years.” -
has first son
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Rader kills Shirley Vian
Rader's next known crimes occurred in 1977. In March of that year, he tied up and strangled Shirley Vian after locking her children in the bathroom. -
BTK phones police
BTK strangles Nancy Fox in her home and then calles the police to tell them about the homicide. -
Sends poem about the Vian killing
sent a poem to a local newspaper about the Vian killing in January 1978. -
has first daughter
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leaves note for elderly women
Rader waits in an elderly woman’s home, leaves before she came home. He sends her a letter to let her know that the BTK Killer had been there. -
Rader kills his neighbor
“I remember problems with Josephine because her hair was in the way.” -
Dennis kills Vicki Wegler
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Leaves ADT and becomes a park city compliance supervisor
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BTK strikes for the last time
His final known victim was Dolores Davis was taken from her home on January 19, 1991. -
BTK resurfaces
Rader sent local media outlets and authorities a number of letters. These were filled with items related to his crimes, including pictures of one of the victims, a word puzzle, and an outline for the "BTK Story." -
Rader Arrested
Rader was arrested on February 25, 2005, and later charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder. Some neighbors and members of his church, where he served as president of the church council, were stunned by the news and could not believe that the man they knew was the serial killer that had haunted the area for so long. -
Rader pleads guilty to all accounts
Rader admits to all accounts of murder, he is now serving 10 consecutive life sentences
“I brought the community, victims and families dishonor. It's all self-centered. ... I would call myself a sexual predator. Today is the day of judgment for me.”
