With Old Evidence, Forensic Science Breaks BTK Killer Mystery

by Alex Russel

With new forensic techniques that brought a fresh look to thirty-year-old evidence, police investigators cracked the long unsolvable BTK serial killer case.

The crimes were thirty years old, so the evidence was too, but for decades the serial killer from Wichita known as the BTK killer had disappeared. No one had revisited the cold case... until this year.

New Forensic Science on an Old Case
Unfortunately for the BTK killer, forensic science had come a long way since the 1970's, so when investigators brushed off the old file and took another look at the evidence, they did so with a new set of eyes. Before long, the BTK killer was apprehended.

Before arresting churchgoing cub-scout leader Dennis Rader, investigators had to double check the old evidence and match it with new information and technology. In one instance, forensic scientists took a blood sample from Rader's niece and matched it back to an old BTK crime scene.

Using Cyber Forensic Evidence against the BTK Killer
Rader had used a diskette on a church computer to print out a document. Unfortunately for Rader, he sent the same diskette to a newspaper with a message from the BTK killer. Forensic scientists found a digital print from the church computer undeniably linking Rader to that diskette.

Forensic Psychology Success, With Little Evidence
Forensic psychologists, many who had very limited access to police-held evidence, did a pretty good job of predicting what type of man the BTK killer would be.

Going against conventional wisdom, profilers had successfully pegged the killer as a man well integrated into the Wichita community - not the loner usually expected of serial killers.

Based on evidence, forensic profilers also claimed the man was a train aficionado. They were wrong there. His brother was.

They Got Their Man
All in all, a man seemingly responsible for at least ten murders in the Wichita area has been put behind bars. Based on the latest forensic science breakthroughs, police investigators are convinced they have their man.

Each one of the methods used to break the case - whether it was forensic science, cyber crime, or old school detective work - is a course or program available at colleges nationwide. Check it out.

About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.