The dark shadow cast by the BTK serial killer, Dennis Rader, may be even longer than previously thought. Although Rader is currently serving 10 consecutive life terms for the murder of 10 people between 1974 and 1991, there are still unsolved missing persons and murder cases possibly attributed to him. His daughter, Kerri Rawson, stated on record that there are currently five unsolved cases that investigators believe could be linked to her father, a man she describes as a pathological liar, narcissist, sexual sadistic psychopath, and a predator.

 

 The first of these cases involves Cynthia Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who went missing in 1976 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The case, referred to as 'PJ Bad Wash Day' in Rader's journals, is one of several that investigators are re-examining based on the collection of writings and other materials seized after Rader's arrest in 2005. The Osage County Sheriff's Office, which has been conducting a thorough search of properties linked to Rader, recently found potential evidence, including possible restraints, a "pantyhose ligature," and what could be considered "trophies" that might help identify another victim.

 

 Another case is the unsolved murder of 22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber in McDonald County, Missouri, in 1990, referred to as 'PJ Mossy Lake' in Rader's journals. Garber's assault exhibited the BTK signature – she was raped, restrained with different types of bindings, and then strangled. Her remains, found severely decomposed near an abandoned house in southwest Missouri, were identified through genetic genealogy in 2021.

 

 In addition to these two cases, there is another missing woman from Hays, Kansas, in 1983, referred to as 'PJ Prairie,' an unsolved murder in Kansas referred to as 'Project Bell,' and another unsolved violent crime in Oklahoma, known as 'Oklahoma case #2,' which is not a murder or missing person case.

 

 These investigations are part of a broader effort to solve cold cases that may be linked to Rader. After his arrest, authorities uncovered a trove of writings, including journals, notebooks, and an unpublished book manuscript, which Rader used to document his crimes and fantasies. These writings have provided a treasure trove of clues for investigators trying to solve cold cases.

 

 Rawson, who has been assisting the investigators, revealed in an interview that she had made a surprise visit to her father in prison to confront him about his potential involvement in the unsolved cases. Despite having a no-contact order against him due to his cyberstalking, she volunteered to speak with him in person. She described her father's deteriorating health but noted that he is mentally sharp and still enjoys playing mind games.

 

 The BTK killer's reign of terror lasted for decades, during which he taunted the police and media with cryptic letters. His modus operandi involved stalking his victims, breaking into their homes, and then binding, torturing, and killing them, hence the moniker BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill). He would often take "tokens" from the crime scenes, such as jewelry, identification cards, and lingerie.

 

 Despite his current incarceration, the possibility that Rader may be linked to more unsolved cases underscores the importance of continued investigation and the use of modern forensics to bring closure to the families of the victims. As Rawson stated, "Let’s keep working together to solve these cases for these families. They deserve all that we can give them."

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