CSAC 316 - DIGITAL FORENSICS 1

CASE STUDY

(THE BTK KILLER)

a. Background of the case: The BTK Killer, a.k.a. Dennis Rader, was an infamous serial
killer who terrorized the community of Wichita, Kansas, in the United States, from the
1970s to the early 2000s. BTK stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill," which reflected Rader's
sadistic modus operandi. He primarily targeted and murdered ten victims, including
men, women, and children. Rader taunted the police and the public throughout his
killing spree through letters and messages, often boasting about his crimes and seeking
attention for his heinous acts.

b. Evidence taken: Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement collected
substantial evidence in their pursuit of the BTK Killer. This evidence included crime
scene photos, forensic analysis of physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, and hair
samples, as well as victim testimonies and accounts from witnesses who observed
suspicious activities or encounters during the timeframe of the murders. The police also
analyzed the numerous letters and messages sent by the killer, hoping to glean any
clues that could lead to his identification.

c. Investigation: The investigation into the BTK Killer's crimes lasted for several decades
before ultimately resulting in his capture. Law enforcement agencies, including the
Wichita Police Department and the FBI, collaborated extensively during this period. The
investigation involved tirelessly combing through evidence, conducting interviews, and
seeking input from forensic experts to build a comprehensive profile of the killer. Due to
the long span of his crimes, the case became a prominent cold case, attracting media
attention and public fascination. Throughout the years, the killer's communications with
the police and media outlets helped keep the case active, serving as potential leads for
investigators. However, despite numerous false leads, dead ends, and setbacks, the
determination of the investigators remained steadfast.

d. Conclusion: After a long and arduous investigation that spanned over three decades,
the BTK Killer was finally apprehended in 2005. However, it was not due to technological
advancements or the investigation team's efforts but rather due to Rader's own
mistake. Rader had not communicated with the police for several years, but in 2004, he
started sending letters again, leading the authorities to an untraceable computer disk he
sent claiming

Name: Jomar P. Damot Year & Section: BSCS - 3B