Why Did BTK Keep Photographic Evidence of His Crimes?

Murder Files Unsealed

Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, was a highly organized serial murderer who meticulously documented his crimes, including taking photographs and collecting victim's belongings. His actions, which spanned nearly two decades, demonstrated a complex psychological profile marked by a desire for control and a unique blend of sadistic and masochistic tendencies. Despite his careful planning and evasion, Rader's own self-incriminating evidence, combined with a renewed communication with law enforcement, ultimately led to his capture. Experts, like Park Dietz, suggest that such evidence preservation is more common than one might think among serial offenders, often serving as a means of possessing the victim's fear and suffering. Rader's case highlights the disturbing nature of serial offending and the multifaceted psychology behind such crimes.