Dennis Rader (BTK) | Obsessive-Compulsive Killer | Mental Health & Personality

This video answers the questions: Can I analyze the Dennis Rader case (aka BTK)? What are the mental health and personality factors at work in this case?
Dennis Rader was a serial killer who was active from 1974 to 1991 in and around Wichita Kansas. Support Dr. Grande on Patreon: / drgrande
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
Williams, D. J. (2017). Mephitic projects: a forensic leisure science analysis of the BTK serial murders. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 28(1), 24-37.
Lynes, A., & Wilson, D. (2015). Driving, Pseudo-reality and the BTK: A Case Study. Journal of Investigative Psychology & Offender Profiling, 12(3), 267-284.
Bartels, R., & Parsons, C. (2009). The Social Construction of a Serial Killer. Feminism & Psychology, 19(2), 267-280. doi:10.1177/0959353509102224
Simons, E. B. (2005). Forensic Computer Investigation Brings Notorious Serial Killer BTK to Justice. Forensic Examiner, 14(4), 55-57
www.psychologytoday.com/us/bl...
www.kansas.com/news/special-r...
www.wibw.com/home/headlines/7...
maamodt.asp.radford.edu/Psyc%2...

[@circleinfinite]

I thought the title was going to be "how to deal with an evil doppelganger"

[@quintincole1357]

Lol.

[@dom-ru5cc]

Lol.

[@Packers786]

Lol.

[@jeremymiller4280]

Or "Here's why I hate my dad"

[@Packers786]

@Mei Wong he looks more like gary ridgway

[@twodumbcats390]

The thumbnail is like the "How I started 2020" vs "How I'm ending 2020" meme.

[@hotf1ght3r93]

😂

[@shhmypupissleepin3015]

Omg noooo 😁

[@Somegirl811]

😩😂

[@rickysmom809]

Don't insult the doctor like that 😂

[@lanamontana1669]

Lmfaooo

[@deniseyeaisaidit]

This thumbnail is hilarious. I think dr. Grande has a wicked sense of humor under all that stoic knowledge.

[@texaho]

All men secretly worship rapists who torture and murder women and little girls. Why wouldn’t you laugh?

[@christianq1526]

@@texaho wtf is wrong with you jesus christ

[@cdf360]

@@texaho yeah seriously wtf are you on about

[@beinghuman8726]

@@texaho Are you a man?

[@Frau.Kanzlerin]

He makes sly jokes all the time. 😂 It's always a treat when you're listening to him and realize he just threw shade at someone without changing his tone.

[@zachmcnamara4376]

BTK - “Hey police, can I use this easily traceable thing to taunt you?” Police - “Yeah sure no problem bro, we can’t trace it. Even if we could, do you really think the police would lie to a serial killer just to catch him?

[@countrylivin8634]

Old folks don't know Jack about technology and what it can do

[@joebeast15]

@@countrylivin8634 when I was in college in a forensics crime scene investigation class we had an FBI computer forensics guy come in and talk to us about this. He was the brother of our teacher, whom was a CSI investigator for Baltimore city and county for ten years. He more or less said that’s what happened too. Just a guy whom couldn’t keep up with the times. If he would have kept his mouth shut, he would still be out there

[@lindaarrington9397]

Lol

[@lindaarrington9397]

@@countrylivin8634 ....WHAT...

[@countrylivin8634]

@@lindaarrington9397 was there something confusing about the 12 words I wrote??

[@irisgreene4175]

I love you Dr Grande, but I laughed when I saw the thumbnail The pic of BTK looks like a flash forward of your pic 15 yrs later after having had a spontaneous psychotic break. It’s just the pics, merely hoping you get a laugh too....

[@darganx]

I hope he takes it lightly too.. for all our sakes 😧

[@KingofHearts]

Lol, Dr. Grande subtly frowning in the thumbnail did him no favours here. (Im a subscriber. Huge fan. I have the utmost respect for Dr. G)

[@jchis9852]

Yeah, they certainly looked liked they were related now, didn't they.

[@monicapyle]

Haha it does! That would make a great movie. KZbin psychologist who discuses killers turns out to be a killer. Guess that was sort of already done with Silence Of The Lambs or Dexter

[@wendylfong]

I thought the exact same thing! 😊

[@sound7846]

"hey can you guys trace this" "nah bro send er over" lmao

[@carmialeroux7923]

Luckily he was useless at technology, I laughed when I first found out how he was caught.

[@tasmaniandevil6750]

Nelson Robert Willis I agree. It seems like there was a part of him that was dissatisfied with not receiving “credit” for his crimes.

[@anonymousperson3023]

@Nelson Robert Willis that's what a lot of narrasicist people tend to do and guess what? BTK was narrasicist. But in all honestly, he was just a boomer. No idea how technology worked and probably just got really complacent.

[@KH-cm1yg]

sound 😂😂

[@pirateradio00]

Anonymous Person I think it was because he was teetering on the border of delusion. Ted Bundy mentions this in one of his interviews. He said “When you kill someone, a lot of people lose it, or begin to lose it. But, I was able to keep It together.” Not understanding technology definitely played a part. But the fact he was corresponding with departments attempting to catch him over this lengthy period of time , asking them questions, and literally expecting them to reply with his best interest, shows an emergence of a lack of awareness. Either was already there and technology exposed it, or, it was manifesting due to the extreme nature of the acts he was and had been committing.

[@marybethgibson4022]

I lived in Wichita as a student attending Wichita State during this time. I walked to night classes often. This case remains chilling to me. The amount of fear on campus, especially learning he had been in our library just days before, was palpable. We followed the case obsessively and were hugely relieved when it was resolved.

[@matty4natty]

So creepy so scary. I can’t imagine how the students were feeling.

[@professorwiggins3290]

I went to Wichita State from 85 - 89. So, I was there for some of it. My uncle worked for the Eagle, the paper that Rader contacted. I remember seeing it on the news, hearing about "BTK," but I never thought once to worry about it.

[@JAMAICADOCK]

It appears lack of attention in childhood can be as destructive as abuse. Many serial killers weren't abused, they were just neglected. Left to their own devices. Lack of love seems as bad as abuse. After all, if one doesn't receive empathy - how does one learn to be empathetic?.

[@abdullahanalyzes2854]

The most appropriate name for him is: The Floppy Disk Failure

[@mitraskolander9085]

Floppy D! 😎

[@djcastano1180]

Abdullah Analyzes I’ve always wondered if he wanted to be caught bc he wanted the infamy and this “slip up” was his way of doing that.

[@greenspark101]

Perfection 😁

[@nancyayers6355]

He was STUPID, nothing less! Ugh!

[@mariebernier3076]

That's just hilarious. By any chance can you come up with a clever line for the side-by-side of Dr. G and BTK? I know, it's bratty....

[@tenardr396]

When you and your friend choose the same character in a fighting game.

[@Siansonea]

I chortled.

[@anthonystromeyer1399]

Hahahaha, I know. Hard to trust the Doc after that bungle.

[@HumanimalChannel]

Yep

[@rishaa682]

who let the nerds in

[@amiracleone2803]

Because the Dr looks like BTK killer?

[@junoknobloch3830]

It's incredible and kind of terrifying how many serial killers would get away with it if their egos didn't force them to return to crime scenes, keep "trophies" or taught the police with clues.

[@AntimatterBeam8954]

Especially towards the end of their killing period, their egos get stronger and less accurate in their goals to not get caught. The more they kill, the more they feed their egos.

[@princessazulaofthefirenati5870]

*Taunt

[@rutgerhauerfan]

I'll never get over the floppy-disc thing, I s2g. Just- going from having his community crippled with fear, being proud about it no doubt, to being caught in the silliest way imaginable. Bravo, Rader.

[@peterlightning9235]

If Dennis Rader never communicated with the police, I don't think he would have been caught.

[@ethanpoole3443]

Janie Tyrell I agree, though I have very mixed feelings about the use of such genealogical DNA databases as there are so many instances in which DNA evidence is elevated as an irrefutable proof of guilt - in a great many cases it is, but there have also been many examples (and even more where such is suspected) in which it has lead to very accurately convicting precisely the wrong party whose DNA was either incidentally present or legitimately present but police over relied on the DNA result and never bothered to properly investigate exculpatory evidence leading to an innocent person being convicted while the guilty party remains free and unless that innocent convicted party happens to be either independently wealthy or the case attracts the attention of a high powered attorney looking to make a name for themselves then that conviction is likely to remain in force for the rest of their natural life all the way through to their eventual death in prison for a crime they never convicted because few will bother to further investigate a case where a perfect DNA match exists and a conviction has already been secured due to the time and money involved in such investigations and trying to overturn such convictions. Historically, at least, the DNA databases only contained those who had been previously suspected or convicted of felony acts and this helped to limit wrongful convictions to a significant degree, but now that genealogical DNA can be found for so many individuals and/or their extended family the likelihood of misuse, abuse, and mistakes increases considerably if we do not establish controls to reign in such miscarriages or justice and potential abuses. To be clear, I have no issue whatsoever with genuinely guilty parties being convicted by such means, I’m just concerned with the reality that we already have found many wrongful convictions based upon DNA evidence because investigators fixated on the conviction rather than taking the added time to evaluate the likelihood that the DNA sample was or was not, clearly associated with the person who perpetrated the crime and the degree to which such genealogical databases stand to potentially expand such miscarriages of justice as the convictions are often near impossible to overturn after the fact due to the public’s (and even Court’s) belief in DNA’s infallibility and our misunderstandings of the limitations of such evidence as we too often view DNA presence as proof of guilt. It is a classic double-edged sword if we are not careful in how we go about using such data as now the DNA for nearly every person on Earth or their immediate/near family can be found in such databases - for example, you will not find my DNA in such a database, but because both of my parents have submitted DNA samples for the genealogical data my DNA effectively exists despite my never having consented to such (and if I had children, the same for them...and also the same for my sister as well as my Aunts and Uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc.).

[@lauriewahl10]

Thank goodness he was narcissistic

[@ErebuBat]

Ethan Poole it is important to note that in the case of GSK: 1) the same was submitted willingly by the person who it belonged to; 2) was used to point them in the correct direction where they then obtained OTHER evidence which lead the o an arrest record.

[@anonymousperson3023]

@@lauriewahl10 thank goodness? He hasnt killed for 15 years when he was caught. He just stopped

[@lauriewahl10]

@@anonymousperson3023 I mean eventually his narcissism led to him wanting people to know he was still around. Thank God he was stupid too.

[@baseemabaseema1415]

He is the most “serial killer” looking serial killer I’ve ever seen. Chilling

[@ilikeyoutube836]

I've always thought that about Richard Ramirez

[@magicpelo9258]

@@ilikeyoutube836 Yeah me too !

[@billscannell93]

Whatever that means.

[@gigib8849]

And our host looks so much like him I have a physical reaction. It’s not his fault, but this man creeps me the F out!

[@skylieechase2115]

And he worked at a church..before he got caught...he looks creeoy..i wouldnt get near him...

[@shadrach6299]

When he confessed before the court, he was getting off on the telling of it. Sickening. How those women suffered.

[@jospeaches8533]

a very young victum was kept alive and had an torturous ending...smh..

[@beebela13sh]

Yes, he was so proud of his disgusting, heinous acts. He loved describing every sick detail to the court (and the television audience).

[@Not-the-usual-BS]

Ted bundy behaved in the same manner when he represented himself in court he kept asking the detective to describe the crime scene in detail

[@birdlover6842]

@@beebela13sh he was a Monster.

[@bigdogpete43]

This guy was brutal. God bless his victims. They did not deserve their fate.

[@adamfreeman2348]

dont worry he is well cared for by the criminal justice system now and thoroughly protected from other nasty inmates. i hope the guards are proud of themselves.

[@curiousworld7912]

His daughter has spoken out about her father and the effect all this had on his family. So many people have said that there's no way his wife or other family members couldn't have known what Rader was, but I think we can hide aspects of our characters from even those closest to us. I feel horrible for the families and friends of the victims, but I also feel like his own family members were victims, too.

[@christinepedersen5511]

Yes

[@audreydaleski1067]

They cripple the emotions of wife and child so they don't question.

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

The family is groomed to accept questionable behavior as terminally unique.

[@Gunshinzero]

​@@audreydaleski1067You act like he was killing people every night. You know how easy it would be for someone around you to kill without you knowing?

[@pageribe2399]

Some people are masters of compartmentalization.

[@elisamastromarino7123]

When he was allowed to speak in court before sentencing, he spoke a long time and like he was winning an academy award. Also I saw a video where they first took him in and he was smiling when he said, ""yep! I'm BTK. 100%. That's me." It was like he was proud of himself and they should feel fortunate. The narcissism oozes off this creep. Possessed by a demon, Factor X; sometimes a scapegoat is a necessity because there's no other way to explain this type of deviant. Thank you, Dr Grande.👍🌹 I'm really loving these serial killer analyses. 🤗

[@carolv8450]

Look up Scott Nelson trial. He killed a woman and he took the stand in court. Another vile person.

[@elisamastromarino7123]

@@carolv8450 Thanks!

[@elisamastromarino7123]

@bad1dobby Demons and devils are the oldest scapegoats known to us. The only thing fantastical about them as how often they're used as an excuse, I apologise that you didn't understand.

[@christiand.j.1054]

I dont believe this. He is acctually describing a buildup and comedown period to the murders. I really believe that the murders is a way to handle extreme stress/emotionell stress. Rader was never sociolized to have normal strategies and was a sexual sadist and narcsisist and in this light its not so remarkeble.

[@Ken-iu2zp]

You're pretty asf

[@robynmaharaj1535]

I was curious to learn that you didn’t believe Dennis Radar could be described as arrogant. I always thought that was one of his personality traits. Interesting!

[@heatherlinakridge]

I appreciate the logical, unemotional, and nonjudgemental way you approach your analysis of such emotionally triggering situations. It's very helpful. Also, I like that you are willing to question and think through findings from people in your own field. I think this leads to a more valuable and insightful idea of the challenges for law enforcement, mental health professionals, perpetrators, and victims. I know it probably is not popular to think of perpetrator's challenges (they did commit awful crimes); the reason I think of that is that I believe that the challenges of perpetrators may one day lead to a way to stop these crimes and protect victims. Anyway, I think you analysis is valuable and I appreciate you sharing you thoughts. 🙂

[@bleedingberryjuice]

There can never be any justice in the BTK case. Radar got to live a full length life with a family. He got to have a wife and children and live the type of normal life he took from his victims.

[@teresahowick5197]

Berry Tears and trick his wife and kids.

[@Siansonea]

Justice is always an approximation under the best of circumstances. At least he's off the streets.

[@qiuwbr091]

I didn’t cry over Jeffrey Dahmer end game.

[@ethanpoole3443]

I have to confess a certain jealousy with that aspect, though not the BTK portion which I find utterly repulsive. As a childhood abuse survivor, none of those are opportunities I have ever had the opportunity to experience between the C-PTSD and very strong Avoidant traits. I desire those things terribly, but I don’t know that I will ever achieve any of them before I die (it’s already too late for children, though I had always wanted most to be a father). The one time I tried a relationship 26 years ago in my early 20s it only lasted a few months and resulted in even more abuse and unfathomable violence that destroyed the last of my ability to trust or attach to others. There is no fairness or justice in the fact that abusers often get rewarded in life while victims often have their lives reduced to mere existence and survival and thus never have the chance to live anything even remotely close to a normal or healthy life (my physical health totally collapsed at age 18 leaving me permanently disabled with multiple chronic illnesses and severe chronic pain). We really need to better recognize abuse for the crime it is and get both the abuser and victim into therapy immediately to mitigate the consequences (though such was not an option 30+ years ago as back then nobody treated childhood trauma as children were believed to be infinitely resilient, rather professionals simply blamed us for the effects of our trauma and admonished us to “just get over it, you’re an adult now!” and that was the extent of the help received...it then took another 30 years for me to return to therapy after that abuse of trust by two psychiatrists while I was at university).

[@bleedingberryjuice]

@@ethanpoole3443 if it helps I suffer from many of the same thoughts although my situation probably isn't as physically extreme as yours and you have my condolences. I think that using religion to cope is bullshit but spiritually it helps me to think that after this life I'll get another life and another shot. That I can be someone else, unaware of the turmoils of this lifetime, and live a normal happy life with parents who love me in a middle class neighborhood. It helps.

[@gabboagonistes]

Rader was disgusting even for a serial killer.

[@franmellor9843]

Did you see at the end in court him thanking everybody he came across for catching him like he had received an OSCAR ...i expected him thanking the victims without them it would never have been possible SPEACH...BIZARRE!

[@carolv8450]

fran mellor def a weirdo! Keep your doors locked.

[@Siansonea]

I mean, they're all pretty despicable.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@franmellor9843 Not only that, but his entire demeanour and the way he answered questions in court. If you didn't know any better and just tunef in, it was as if he were talking about a tax audit.

[@franmellor9843]

@@carolv8450 it's like fort Knox...plus a moat!

[@gyver8448]

Rader trusted the Police because he had this weird delusion that they were playing a game of back and forth with each other and that they weren't seriously trying to catch him.

[@jonelleshadowens401]

Thank you so much for taking the time to record this important work.

[@PowerMatrixAnime]

The floppy disk was a huge mistake. If it was a movie script, it would have been disappointing.

[@t5396]

😂😂😂

[@Dessan01]

I think he subconsciously got careless because he wanted to get caught for the notoriety, he was old and could really murder anymore, so I think he wanted people to know what he had done, even though it would mean prison.

[@knurdyob]

personally I kind of find it even more cinematic when the guy gets caught for something really stupid. like that book in breaking bad. or what happened in the true story In cold blood, with them getting caught because of their shoes. the devil is in the details. there's also this other true story that has to be one of the best stories I've ever heard, fiction or not, about this guy called jimmy keene, which also had a really sad ending because of something stupid, but somehow it was like the perfect way to end it if it was a fictional story, look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's worth it

[@cloisterene]

The same demons that made him a monster also destroyed him.

[@LaMaestra2102]

@@Dessan01 I agree. He couldn't stand not being noticed for so long.

[@einefreunde]

Another video that puts me on my path to a degree from the University of Grande.

[@lauriewahl10]

I have my MSN in education and his videos inspire me to go through the NP track of mental health. There- is such a huge need.

[@lindaarrington9397]

Good uck

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Flash forward ten years: Your biggest achievement is winning KZbin viewer of the month. :)

[@lindamarietorres1355]

I love your channel. I’ve been binging on so many of your videos for 3 days now. Absolutely awesome work, and your sense of humor is definitely my cup of tea! 😂 Thank you again for sharing your knowledge on these topics; I’ve always found so interesting.

[@pathetictroll7557]

Doctor Grande, You always appear so vary emotionally relaxed , mentally focused and well organised. Is the personality that we see in your videos the same personality that you have in your personal life? Have you ever flipped out and raised your voice to anyone? Do you personally ever experience angry hateful thoughts about other people? When did you first realize that you have a fascination with deranged killers?

[@GavinsMarineMom]

Dr Grande, I read a book, Confessions of a Serial Killer by Dr Kathleen Ramsland. She interviewed Radar during jail visits, telephone calls, and written communication. She was able to persuade him to reveal many dark components to his childhood and upbringing, especially in regards to his relationship with his mother. It's a very interesting, compelling, and sometimes, difficult read. I highly recommend it.

[@emiliadavis8247]

Melanie G I bought the book recently, and plan to start it in a few days!!

[@RR-bd4jp]

Interesting

[@carlykimberly7942]

Such a good book!

[@m.e.d.7997]

What was with the mother? How did she treat him?

[@GavinsMarineMom]

@@m.e.d.7997 may I suggest you read the book I mentioned above.

[@kittysteffan3684]

And today on...Todd Grande Looks Like That Serial Killer He Does An Episode About

[@fines158]

Kitty Steffan yup

[@georgegreig8054]

Dr Odd Grande!

[@Plastpackad]

He is also close in looks to the Green river killer. Plus he has a big interest in crime and serial killers...

[@jonnythescrub7413]

I died laughing at the thumbnail.

[@theoretic7856]

I'm so confused so many people were always like "he seemed so normal.." and im like LOOK AT HIS EYEBROWS THAT DONT LOOK NORMAL BTK looks exactly like the type person you and some friends would be like that dude looks like a serial killer if you seen him in public..

[@richardsmith9509]

Dr Grande: the corner pic of Rader is hilarious...Looks like you might after a really rough weekend...I don't think I am alone!!!

[@peterjongsma5540]

Your backgrounding is excellent. Sheds a whole new light. And you do it verbally. Clarifying.

[@the_real_saulgoodman]

Yes! Been waiting for your analysis of BTK! His courtroom confessions, in particular, are so interesting to me. How he memorized every single one of his crimes in so much detail, even remembering the addresses of his victims. How he calmly and callously spoke about it all, even correcting the judge a few times so matter of factly. He sure loved the spotlight. Dennis Rader was a cold, mean son of a gun, yet would give one of his victims a glass of water and allow another to smoke a cigarette to calm herself down before the vicious events. Such a bizarre case.

[@johnnyhaynes7583]

Interesting !

[@danielleelizabeth9417]

I think he did something kind for the victims because it would ultimately help his killings go smoother. When the families feel like they aren’t going to be killed they are more cooperative

[@grahamwatts8836]

In the court room he acted proud of being a serial killer a bit like a candidate for serial killer of the year? Very strange, horrible criminal.

[@shiny2423]

Am I the only one that sees the age progression resemblance of Dr. Grande to BTK? (Lol. Sorry, Dr. Grande. I'm a huge fan and subscriber of yours.)

[@ayyubabdullah9289]

John Kevin exactly what I was thinking 🤔

[@usa5439]

Plot twist: he is the REAL BTK killer lol

[@TheOlFlat5]

@John Kevingod damn you're right. Those lips are all Ridgeway

[@wilmadickfit612]

Yep

[@UnwrittenSpade]

I thought it was him when i saw the vid pop up as i have never seen this creator yet

[@catherineketchum4232]

I just found this channel and LOVE it. I was diagnosed with bi-polar, ptsd, and borderline personality disorder. The more i learn about killers with the same diagnosis, the more worried I get. Thanks for helping me learn so much more. Maybe some time you could explain the guys method of killing his victims, what he did, and why he committed such horrible acts.

[@robotaholic]

I love when you look at potential alignment with personality disorders. Thank you Doctor Grande.

[@cloisterene]

I'm not suggesting that everyone with a history of head injury is capable of criminality, but head injury is significant trauma affecting the brain and should never be dismissed or taken lightly. This is why it is so important to protect ourselves and our children (and others) from head injuries in particular (let alone every other kind of injury). And I see a correlation between OCD and addictions, including sexual addiction, particularly when it includes rigid fixations on specific fantasies and fetishes. I don't see him being very agreeable except superficially, because he is hell-bent on having his way regardless.

[@nancyayers6355]

He is a SICK MAN!!!

[@katemaloney4296]

I have suffered some traumatic head injuries in my lifetime, and never once did I ever think about murdering, torturing, robbing, raping, or maiming someone. Yes, there might be a link in SOME cases, but it is becoming a catch all for people not accepting personal responsibility.

[@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan]

@@katemaloney4296 I think it has more to do with those who fantasized about murder and such. If they're a decent person who simply have thoughts of something evil, they probably won't commit. But if they have an injury like this, it could trigger their end of decency.

[@silentwitness536]

@@katemaloney4296 links vs causational links.

[@Jesterjones9073]

cloisterene head injury alone is not going to be a lead in for psychopathy or sociopathy and therefore murder and serial murder. There are several factors that come together to create the perfect storm that is the serial killer. Childhood trauma and genetics (psychopathy) play major roles and also damage to the frontal cortex is often another factor, but head injury by itself would be highly unusual. In most instances, head injuries could lead to other long term issues for the average person, difficulties such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, possible seizures, irritability and memory problems, so you have a fair point about protecting the head. As a former RN I have seen a slew of complications arising from head injuries.

[@testboga5991]

How do you manage to make so many videos? Impressive!

[@marywolfington2616]

That was my first thought

[@BbyDAp]

minimal editing, near unlimited free time

[@MasterMalrubius]

Enjoyment in his area of expertise. A logical pattern of development and production. Minimal need for editing and obviously a dedicated fan base he does not want to disappoint.

[@testboga5991]

@@BbyDAp but he puts in so much research. It's not just talking into the camera.

[@Spyglass2024]

Always an informative focused analysis that delivers uncommon logic with reliable precision - Thank you !

[@blackjohnny9570]

The video of him in court talking about his "projects" was some crazy stuff for sure. I know the family of the victims wanted to strangle him on the spot, he was talking as if he was running down house plans for his boss in some office or something 😓 we will never understand people even though we are human as well 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@jodyglover7429]

I like how Dr Grande gives such a specific history of each subject. This is very important for the study and sometimes he even cracks a little sarcasm.

[@kellyfinleybrown9313]

Your vids are so enjoyable. You let the facts lead your analysis which is refreshing. Thanks so much for the hard work you do.

[@Giantshredder]

Rader wanted to get caught. He just wanted tons of attention for his crimes, and never got it. He's kind of joke and in the serial killer handbook. I've found him the most uninteresting and boring one out there. He think he's a murderous genius.

[@TubeScavenger]

I've always thought he was more on the boring side, too, but that was before I watched his courtroom confession to all of his crimes and the award acceptance speech he gave at the end.

[@qiuwbr091]

Trendkiller - strangulation is boring to you?

[@ybrueckner5589]

Trendkiller Yes he couldn’t wait for notoriety so he gave himself his own nickname. Whata.maroon. Go ahead Trendkiller. I hate TRENDY as much as chopsticks like music played by charlatans after your money on commercials for more crap to buy

[@ActuallyJustB]

Trendkiller but don’t they all think tht? That murderous genius

[@overimagination2812]

His fetish and photo-taking was exactly like Colonel Whateverhisnameisagain from Canada...Williams.

[@burghdewd]

Although Rader indeed was a murderer, I believe he was a "wanna-be" serial killer. He wanted the notoriety of being part of that group. The length of time he was "active", the long time in-between murders, the notes and ciphers to the police, a la Zodiak, the frustration with not being recognized as a serial killer, and he even gave his first initial and last name to the police as well as his house number. He wanted to be caught to finally get the serial killer moniker he desired so badly. He sent a photocopy of the cover of a novel about a serial killer, indicating did his "homework" on how to be a serial killer. He's the B Movie of serial killers at best.

[@HappyRoach1]

I remember hearing about BTK before he was caught. He didn't stand out like Richard Ramirez, Son of Sam, or Zodiac, because the media never heavily acknowledged his crimes. I only noticed BTK back then because he wasn't caught at the time. When they did catch him, I was like "Holy Shit!!, thought this guy died off years ago."

[@trishcooley5810]

Rader was top 5 most heinous serial killers of all time. What he did to that poor family... I grew up with Bundy & Green River Gary Ridgeway. They had “types” & picked up women. Rader was a home invader & torturer. And I don’t believe he ever stopped. So glad he was so far away. Bundy was literally in my neighborhood yet this BTK guy was way, way scarier! DNA man. DNA❤️

[@MrBoothyboy1988]

Reader wiped out an entire family in one sitting dude… guys a beast

[@dabtican4953]

I disagree tbh he was quite heinous

[@nutyyyy]

He killed 10 people. I think that more than qualifies as a serial killer. He just took a lot of time between killing. Thankfully he fucked up and got caught.

[@geomaxhank5992]

Excellent, thorough job Dr. Grande !

[@kennethkunz2449]

A fascinating, brilliant, and riveting analysis. Todd is working a magic formula to dissect the horror found on the underside of humankind. I find myself waking up every day wondering what the next analysis will be about! Thanks, Todd!

[@qiuwbr091]

Kenneth Kunz - Me too. My next question is why do people choose to strangle instead of other methods. So many serial killers strangle. Whitey Bulger strangled, etc... I don’t believe it is to keep the victim silent. There are Australian serial killers who took their victims way out where no one could hear and strangled them. However, it’s my understanding the Japanese have more Karate counter moves to control stranglers than frontal positions. They teach it to their girls- that’s why they grow their finger nails long.

[@kennethkunz2449]

@@qiuwbr091 Yeah, why strangling? But I'll tell you what I think. To strangle someone requires a phenomenal amount of energy and involves a violent struggle. Imagine how frantically the victim would fight. The killer would be exhausted afterward. So I think it has to do with power, rage, and the sadistic lust to vanquish ---- why else expend the energy? You could simply shoot someone and have done with it. But that would be too "impersonal". Strangling is personal.

[@marienne114]

@@qiuwbr091 because it’s part of the sexual gratification. BTK was into bondage and restraints, it’s no wonder he used these techniques on his victims. he had a fetish for asphyxiation, i assume.

[@jannettevergara8942]

same here!!

[@samthunders3611]

That sounds like a Critics review of a Broadway play sir

[@BR1GHTP1NK]

Thanks for the continued quality content, Dr. Grande! I'd love to hear your thoughts on "The Golden State Killer" / "East Area Rapist" / "Original Night Stalker" case.

[@nancyorkeithm1518]

A Is For Apple oooooh yes! Great idea!

[@MarysMaamCave]

So glad I found this! I had messaged you on Patreon asking you to do a BTK profile,: I’m new to your channel and I thought I had looked thoroughly in your video archive but I didn’t catch that you had already done one! It chills me to think my best friend could have been one of his victims. So let’s call my BF “Ann”. She lived in the Valley Center area in the country and Rader stalked her when he was an animal control officer. He knew when the kids went to school, when Ann left for and came home from work, and what days her husband (a firefighter and SWAT medic) was at work and everything; would come out to Her house in the country and as an animal control officer, would find excuses to come out, claiming he was going to put her in jail unless she killed her Dogs, being really creepy and verbally abusive, making all kinds of wild claims about his absolute power over her dogs, and then saying HE was going to kill her Saint Bernards. She’d be crying by the end of these visits, which he seemed to enjoy but he never issued any citations, which makes me think he didn’t want a paper trail leading to him in case Ann was his next victim. So her husband took a day off work, put on his uniform with badge, and hid in the barn with his shotgun. Like clockwork, along came Rader to harass Ann. when Rader (later revelaed as the BTK killer) came out as the animal control officer to harass and threaten Ann again, here comes Hubby storming out of the barn with a shotgun and told Rader if he ever came on the property again, Hubby would shoot him in the head. That must have scared Rader off and thank God. And Rader never reported Ann’s husband for the threat - again, now we know why.

[@ajhproductions2347]

Wow Todd, it's crazy to wake up to so many great videos. Rader was one of the most selfish and depraved narcissistic killers ive come across. His inflated ego got him caught, and he probably wanted it that way so he could brag about what he did. Great comprehensive video. Cheers!

[@peggypeggy4137]

To me, he was the most despicable serial killer of all time. A complete asshole. It doesn't surprise me that he was a dog catcher.

[@brucehoward4501]

I watched his confession about a year ago, search for "BTK confession" on this site. During it the only time he showed any concern was because one of his victims had freed themselves and there was a struggle before he subdued them again, he put this down to having used their equipment, a curtain sash I think it was, rather than his own rope and said to the judge: "I'm not bragging, this is matter of fact!". As if he thought the court and the public's criticism would be focused on his faulty knot tieing and associated excuses rather than the trail of corpses. That was really interesting, thankyou.

[@LizbetPCB]

His confession in the courtroom sounded boastful. It, literally, was chilling. It brought up the hairs on my shoulders and back.

[@trailwindz7833]

He pled; "Guilty with an explanation."

[@donkeywacker4888]

how about the weepy voiced killer? Id like to hear your analysis of him

[@novelist99]

I find it amazing too that he appeared to have close relationships with his wife and daughter. His daughter said in an interview that he was "somebody I loved very much."

[@misanthropic985]

What is most terrifying is how normal and nice he looked and acted.

[@a_lucientes]

ugh, this case. This was one of the first true crime cases I analyzed in detail and it traumatized me in a way I can still feel the echo of all these years later.

[@trishcooley5810]

Yeah, this is a bad one. I feel the same. Ugh!

[@RR-bd4jp]

Same, soon as I first learned of it. He was one sick monster.

[@olgatrilogymartin3143]

Chilling !!

[@skateata1]

I appreciate you being very clinical about this and being clear when you're not sure about something as opposed to pretending you know everything

[@christiand.j.1054]

Your videos really expand my understanding of inner strategies. Thank you.

[@Rakshasa1986]

BTK: Do you promise you won't track me using the floppy disk? Cops: We promise... BTK: Okay, here you go. Cops: lel

[@CorporateComedy]

this ^ ^

[@jerseymusicman3332]

Amazingly stupid for a man who evaded police for decades. So dumb.

[@laurenk8436]

He thought that cop, kenny landwaeur, was his friend! He even thought the cops would stop by the jail and have coffee with him after his arrest. He wanted to be a cop and admired them

[@vault1230]

btk killer was as smart as a BLT sandwich

[@vault1230]

I think so he did it on purpose the guy no way could keep his identity secret for 30+ years and then fuck it up I think he got bored

[@nwk-wt3ty]

Thank you for your continued great work during these difficult times Dr Grande.

[@JiiWoon]

I really appreciate videos like this , i love learning about the psychiatry field even tho am not a dr myself. Thank you sir 🏃🏽‍♂️

[@Spinal5678]

And today, kids, we’re going to analyze my dad. 😂 Great channel, doc. I’m on a binge.

[@dansaintamour6923]

I was honestly waiting for this one! Since reading John Douglass "Mind Hunter" I have been suspect of authoritarian types, thier motivation and detriment. This guy was living in a world of contrasts. Thanks again for the awesome content but ' gotta lay off "the Grande" for a while, I just did a 5 factor on my dog.

[@MsChappy77]

That's a good book!

[@MonibooFinebean]

dont tell, im applying the 5 factors to all in my family

[@marciasloan534]

HOW did your DOGGO stack up?

[@bthomson]

One of the characters in Dr. Grande's book "Harm Reduction" is named Jenny Ocean!

[@serendipitous_synchronicity]

Still watching video but I must say, imo he has such a ruthless look in his eyes.. I wonder if he growled when frustrated! Thanks for great content as usual Dr Grande!!

[@legzfalloffgirl5148]

I wonder what it was like growing up with this man as your husband and father...

[@debrajones7344]

@@legzfalloffgirl5148 Do not know about his spouse, but they have been fooled before. His children didn't know anything different, I think his daughter finally opened up about her childhood.

[@marmadukescarlet7791]

LegzFallOffGirl I think all his impulses towards violence and control were worked out in the murders and in his job. He was known for being a great stickler for rules and would fine people if their lawns were too long, even by a few inches.

[@emiliadavis8247]

@@legzfalloffgirl5148 You've got to read the book his daughter wrote!! It's awesome and you won't want to put it down. Her name is Kerri Rawson. The only thing I'll say, is there were a few red flags, but not ones that would have made the family think he was even likely to possibly be who they found out he was!!

[@emiliadavis8247]

@@debrajones7344 Do read the book his daughter wrote!! It's really good!!

[@stevienguyen2047]

Stellar analysis doc. An important aspect of this case I feel you kinda left out is the paraphilia sexual gratification aspect. Rader admitted to pleasuring himself to the sight of the corpses. I think this was a huge mitigating factor as well.

[@TheBethadoneClinic]

this is an amzing case. i recall an interview with his daughter and she was completely unaware about his crimes until arrest. hard to imagine being SO good at being sneaky.

[@cindyrhodes]

The 70s and 80s were tough times and saw some horrific events and people. BTK was one of the most horrible people on this planet. Thank you for this insight. ...Maybe his defense attorneys didn't do much because they were tired of him, too.

[@RB01.10]

Especially when forensics and DNA wasn’t as big yet.

[@CosmicFox808]

Another great video, Dr. Grande :) Thank you! I've heard bits and pieces of this case so it was interesting to hear the whole story. The floppy disc thing is unreal...it really seems like he wanted to get caught. What a terrible person. I feel so bad for his victims and their families :(

[@annharris8550]

Love you, Dr Grande! I’ll always remember the way Rader got up in court and lectured every body on the way he did his thing-I know you said arrogance wasn’t part of his personality, but that’s how he seemed to me/ incredibly arrogant. He said he “put them down” downplaying the tortuous slaughter. . I also think he didn’t really believe he was demon possessed-just a kind of excuse not wanting to admit that he himself-for whatever reason, is the demon- no outside entity necessary. You read what happened to that first family, and you can’t fathom the horror.

[@saltyshieldmaiden]

The human behavior Psychology is so fascinating to me.. wish can go deeper in this topic but thank you for what you gave us.

[@lorenfulghum2393]

Good choice, Dr Grande. I always enjoy your takes on true crime cases, since you are generally able to analyze the criminals on a level that many true crime channels or shows cannot. I also agree that the fact Rader trusted the police about the disc to be one of the most striking facts in the whole case. It really gives a view into the way he views the world in relation to himself.

[@inuchan74]

Thank you so much for this video! Rader fascinates me mostly because his courtroom confession was so weird. Talked about his crimes like he was explaining a job everyone else would find boring. Very detailed but flat, matter of fact and with no emotion.

[@watchdog304]

I think that part of his ego wanted to get caught. The floppy disk question is ridiculous. He was also very willing to explain every single detail of each case. He was proud of it.

[@pricklykitty939]

Very interesting as always.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Dr. Grande, you are really spoiling us with your daily videos. Admirable work!👌🏼

[@DrGrande]

So nice of you

[@acitizen9824]

Thank you Dr. Grande for another excellent video!

[@Paarthurnaxdova]

It’s weird how some serial killers want to be caught deep inside.

[@NewDawnFadesX]

They tend to be narcissistic.

[@TallSilentGuy]

"A child who feels unloved by his village may burn it down to feel its warmth".

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

@@NewDawnFadesX Agreed. They have an irresistible urge to tell the world how smart and accomplished they are.

[@NewDawnFadesX]

@@afroliciouspresents3603 Exactly.

[@dabtican4953]

Rader didn't wanna be caught

[@betsylee1235]

Dr. Grande did you happen to watch the documentary where his daughter told her story? I found myself emotional night along with her. I can’t even imagine what that day was like for her to be told that her Dad was BTK. Another great video!

[@emiliadavis8247]

Betsylee 123 You've got to read his daughter's book!! It's excellent!! Her name is Kerri Rawson

[@garethdyos8018]

Possibly the best channel on KZbin. Thanks for another great insight Dr Grande.

[@DrGrande]

Wow, thank you!

[@Doofster]

I was waiting for this.

[@simibignall5688]

Excellent analysis. Thank you.

[@roadrunner9622]

About the woman who complained to the police: As a compliance officer, Rader had been singling her out, and even got caught peeping in her windows. When she called the police -- repeatedly -- they immediately dismissed her as a "hysterical female", and said, "Let Dennis do his job." I know it's easy to backtest the needle in the haystack, hindsight is 20/20 vision, etc. But these stories often have a failure of the police to listen and take people seriously.

[@jassett132]

Wow Doc, Your thumbnail picture of Dennis Radar looks a lot like you.. no joke!! Interesting videos. You make me aware of my neighbors 👍 I think, from your video, we will soon seeing more serial killers due to the “ Stay at Home “ thing. They have more time to plot there vicious fantasies

[@amiracleone2803]

Haha that's what I said the pic looked like Dr Grande's Dad.

[@nickyjersey8895]

I JUST posted that!!! Hahahaha I'm glad I'm not the only one who seen that!

[@TheBaronVSP]

I thought it was a before and after ad for Bosley hair replacement surgery.

[@amiracleone2803]

@@TheBaronVSP Good one

[@amiracleone2803]

Btk killer- Dr Grande I am your father. Dr Grande- Nooooooooo!

[@YourPartnerInCrime]

I’m loving these serial killer videos!

[@Thechangelingpnw]

“Were you dropped on your head as a kid?” “Why, yes! Yes, I was.”

[@rachaelb.]

Thanks for this. I wasn't aware of some of the evidence they later discovered that was overlooked.

[@FastEddieee]

Thank you so much much for bestowing bits of your valuable (and presumably) expensive education to all of us. Many do not have access to reliable sources of information-- and you are providing the world with a great service. Well done!

[@davealaya]

John Frantz is the funniest! I was just on my way to the beach!!

[@dawnelizabeth1828]

Aww, I love the education and encouragement.Take care, love you, thanks again and you're welcome.

[@quantummath]

great analysis doc

[@thechri5357]

Dr. Todd looks like a young version of Dennis Rader 😂

[@sbj97]

@Alpha Omega 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@roosterthembones4475]

Nice one Dr.G, I'm watching season two of Mindhunter at the moment and it's all about the BTK murders.

[@dianamarie5663]

My stomach clenched when I saw this topic. After my morning coffee I watched it, and it is in Dr. Grande's calm, clinical style without gruesome details or dramatics, thank goodness. And no, I don't think Rader resembles Dr. Grande in any way, inside or out.

[@JohnMassari]

This case fascinates me. His level of confidence in trusting the authorities with providing aid is extraordinary.

[@autumnedwards4448]

Watching him in court recounting his crimes in detail was down right chilling. He described them so matter-of-fact and with no emotion. It's crazy!

[@ZombieMiezz]

Another interesting and informative video. Thank you Dr. Grande!

[@vonclod123]

Oh my, the thumbnail..lmao Keep up the good work, interesting channel.

[@YANDEX30V]

Just today I discovered Raiders court case. He spoke in court like an actor; playing a part . There was no deviation. No embarrassment. His personnality type is why I remain in solitude. Ty

[@SusanHL]

I was excited to see this one - I'm a native Wichitan and have lived here for most of my life. BTK got started when I was in kindergarten, and it's only been recently that I've stopped checking every closet / room in my house whenever I get home (he hid in one of his victim's closets and waited for her - she was home for hours before he decided to make his presence known). The guy definitely had an impact on our community. I have two suggested topics: will you please do an examination of Derrick Todd Lee (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), and then Ronald and Reginald Carr (Wichita, Kansas) - I believe the latter two are categorized as "spree killers" rather than serial killers, but it would still be highly interesting. Thank you for your content!

[@luanawilchek644]

The Carr brothers would be interesting so would Justin Thurber.

[@patriciawright4122]

So interesting! Your channel randomly popped up in my feed at a time when I've been exploring more about psychology. Subscribed before the video even ended :) Awesome job with explanation and insight.

[@DrGrande]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@chanceDdog2009]

@@DrGrande will you be doing WACO? Or the Dynamics of reclusive religious groups. And what went wrong in law enforcements aproch ... Or just your take on the event...

[@alastairwest5200]

I think BTK wanted to be caught - anyone knows that everything is traceable on computers. Serial killers want to be recognized for their status, and this normally means being caught so that no one else takes the credit for their work...

[@FLAVCO]

Another great video by a great KZbinr :)

[@MiuMiu-dq6xt]

I love your Serial killer reviews!!! TY

[@kathrinjohnson2582]

Very interesting. I wonder why so many of them join the military. It would be nice if they could screen for this some how. Maybe they could give a heads up to the law enforcement.

[@lynningram4218]

I think part of it is because it was expected for men at the time. Not to mention its easy to do. You dont need money or a certain GPA. Its a solid job you can do out of high school.

[@ericabluth4244]

they should have serial killers in the front lines of the military. u wana kill for sport boy ? cool , here’s a one way ticket to iraq, an anti isis T shirt, and a bebe gun. have fun boo 🥹😉😙😂