The name Brian Rader has recently surfaced in various discussions about infamous serial killers because he is the son of Dennis Rader, better known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer. Dennis Rader terrorized Wichita, Kansas, for decades, and the shadow cast by his horrifying crimes inevitably fell on his family, especially his children. Brian, unlike his sister Kerri, has chosen to remain out of the spotlight, quietly navigating the complex emotions and challenges that come with being related to one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
Who Was Dennis Rader — The BTK Killer?
Dennis Lynn Rader was born in 1945 in Pittsburg, Kansas, but spent most of his life in Wichita. He led what appeared to be a normal life — he married Paula Dietz in 1971, raised two children, and held various jobs, including one in the meat department of a supermarket and later at ADT Security Services, where he installed home security systems. He was also involved with his church and even held a position as a church council president.
But beneath this seemingly normal facade was a deeply disturbed man who led a double life. Between 1974 and 1991, Dennis Rader committed a series of brutal murders, employing a consistent modus operandi — binding, torturing, and killing his victims. Over the years, he murdered at least 10 people, all within the Wichita area. He also sent taunting letters and clues to the police and media, seeking attention and control.
Rader’s crimes stopped abruptly in 1991, allowing his family to live without suspicion for over a decade. However, in 2004, he resumed communication with authorities, which ultimately led to his arrest in 2005. He pled guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The Family Left Behind
Dennis Rader’s crimes shocked not only the victims and their families but also his own. His wife, Paula Dietz, and their children—Brian and Kerri—were completely unaware of his secret life. Following his arrest, Paula was granted an emergency divorce, and it was made clear through investigations that she and the children had no knowledge of Dennis’s actions.
Paula later wrote a letter to Dennis in prison, urging him to confess and plead guilty so that the victims and the Wichita community could be spared the trauma of a long, drawn-out trial. Dennis complied, which gave some semblance of closure to those affected.
Brian Rader – Growing Up in the Shadow of BTK
Brian Rader was born in 1975, making him the elder of Dennis and Paula’s two children. Very little is publicly known about Brian, primarily because he has deliberately stayed out of the public eye. Unlike his sister Kerri, who chose to speak openly about their family’s experience, Brian has remained private, avoiding interviews and public commentary about his father’s crimes.
According to Kerri Rawson, Brian was bright and intelligent during his youth and even achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a notable accomplishment that reflects dedication and character. When Dennis Rader was arrested in 2005, Brian was serving in the U.S. Navy aboard submarines, stationed away from home, specifically at a naval sub-base in Connecticut. His service in the military, during such a difficult personal time, likely offered him some form of escape or structure.
After completing his military service, Brian went on to pursue higher education. However, beyond these few details, he has kept his personal life very private. Kerri has revealed that Brian has not married and does not have children, unlike her, who has built a family and established a public life. This choice may reflect the emotional and psychological struggles Brian has faced in reconciling his family history.
The Impact of Dennis Rader’s Crimes on His Children
The family of Dennis Rader, particularly Brian and Kerri, were undoubtedly victims of their father’s secret life. They grew up in what appeared to be a normal household, with no inkling of the horrors their father was capable of behind closed doors.
When the truth came out, it was an earth-shattering revelation for them. Kerri Rawson has been vocal about her experience, describing the shock and trauma of learning about her father’s double life. She chose to write about it in her New York Times bestselling book, A Serial Killer’s Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming, and a subsequent 2023 book titled Breaking Free: Overcoming the Trauma of My Serial Killer Father. Through these works, Kerri has shared her journey of healing, faith, and breaking the chains of her father’s legacy.
Brian, on the other hand, appears to have handled the situation differently — by retreating from public scrutiny and keeping his life as private as possible. His choice to remain silent may indicate a personal coping mechanism, reflecting how differently individuals process trauma and family legacy.
Kerri Rawson – The Voice of the Family
Kerri Rawson has become the public voice representing the family’s experience with Dennis Rader’s crimes. Unlike Brian, she has been open about the pain and stigma they endured. Kerri has repeatedly emphasized that their mother, Paula, was an innocent party and had no idea about Dennis’s crimes. She expressed anger at the notoriety her father receives and the attention that perpetuates his dark legacy, stating he is unworthy of the infamy.
Kerri has also been clear that she has never visited her father in prison, nor has she ever sent him pictures of her children. Her public stance reflects a firm boundary between her and the man who destroyed many lives, including the lives of his own family.
