The smiling young man in this photo grew up to be one of America’s most evil men
Police surrounded the suspect’s vehicle in February 2005, during one of his lunch breaks. When officers approached, he didn’t resist. He looked calm. Almost relieved.
During the very first interrogations, he realized it was over. The police had overwhelming evidence linking him to BTK. He confessed almost immediately.
For over 30 years, he had lived among the very people he terrorized.
The truth comes out
During his confession, Rader described each of his ten murders in chilling, step-by-step detail.
He explained how he stalked his victims, broke into their homes, and bound them with ropes or tape. He talked about his fantasies, what he called his “Factor X”, and how he believed it drove him to kill. He described it as a supernatural element that also motivated Jack the Ripper, the Son of Sam and the Hillside Strangler.
In court, he showed no emotion, calmly and matter-of-factly describing the murders — which he chillingly referred to as his “projects.”
At Rader’s sentencing, victims’ families made statements, after which Rader apologized in a rambling 30-minute monologue.
Justice and legacy
He was sentenced to ten consecutive life sentences, one for each victim. He remains behind bars in Kansas, where he will spend the rest of his life.Continue reading…
