Monster: BTK – 50 Years of BTK with Larry Hatteberg [Bonus Episode]

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Introduction

In this special bonus episode of "Monster: BTK," Susan Peters engages in a heartfelt sit-down interview with her former colleague from CAKE TV, Larry Hatteberg. Released on February 10, 2025, this episode commemorates 50 years since the infamous BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) serial killer terrorized Wichita, Kansas. Larry and Susan reflect on their decades-long involvement in covering the BTK story, offering deep insights into their professional experiences, personal challenges, and the enduring impact of BTK's crimes on their lives and the community.

The Role in BTK Coverage

Susan and Larry discuss their pivotal roles in the media coverage that sought to aid in capturing BTK. They emphasize the delicate balance they maintained between informing the public and engaging BTK through media interactions.

Susan Peters [02:15]:

"We felt like we needed to be part of the process of catching him."

Larry Hatteberg [03:24]:

"I decided that we should communicate with him because my feeling was if he's communicating with us, he's not killing."

Their strategy involved using television broadcasts to encourage BTK to continue his communications, hoping this engagement would lead to further clues. This approach positioned them as integral players in the investigation, inadvertently making them part of the story they were reporting on.

Interaction with Law Enforcement

Larry elaborates on the complexities of working alongside the police. While both media and law enforcement aimed to capture BTK, their methods sometimes clashed, leading to tensions.

Larry Hatteberg [05:33]:

"The very difficult part for me was working with the police department. They did a great job over the 30 years... often the police department, I think, sometimes resented us because we were part of the story."

A notable incident involved Larry visiting a Home Depot location to inquire about a package, leading to a tense meeting with the district attorney who accused him of interfering with a federal investigation. This rare conflict highlighted the challenges journalists face when their duties overlap with active investigations.

Personal Experiences and Fears

Susan and Larry share their personal fears and experiences of being stalked by BTK, illustrating the constant threat he posed even after his capture.

Susan Peters [13:46]:

"I was glad you were with me. I had tremendous fear."

They recount instances where they were followed or targeted, reinforcing the pervasive fear that BTK instilled not just in the public but also in those closest to the investigation.

BTK's Capture and Its Impact

The successful apprehension of Dennis Rader, known as BTK, marked a significant turning point. Susan vividly describes the emotional relief felt upon his incarceration.

Susan Peters [22:23]:

"I remember watching the car pulling up to the El Dorado Prison doors... I started crying, thinking to myself, the nightmare is over."

Larry contrasts this by focusing on the procedural aspects of capturing BTK, recalling the day's media frenzy and the logistical efforts to bring him to prison.

Larry Hatteberg [25:21]:

"I remember the week before they finally took him to prison... I went inside his cell where he would be kept. When the door slams on that cell, that scared me more than anything."

Reflections on BTK's Trial and Imprisonment

During BTK's trial, both Susan and Larry were profoundly affected by his demeanor and lack of remorse. Larry reflects on BTK's pride in his crimes and the chilling composure he exhibited in court.

Larry Hatteberg [27:42]:

"He was proud of it... He was his moment in the sun."

Susan expresses frustration with BTK's behavior during the trial, wishing the judge would expedite his guilty plea to spare the families further pain.

Susan Peters [29:53]:

"I kept wanting to tell the judge, quit asking him details of every single murder. He's on stage. He's delighted."

Ongoing Communication with BTK

Even after his imprisonment, Larry continues to seek understanding of BTK's motives by maintaining communication. He hopes that further dialogue might reveal more about what drove BTK to commit his heinous crimes.

Larry Hatteberg [37:02]:

"The reason I write to him is that I want to know... how we identify these children who are going to grow up and be one horrible human being."

Susan concurs, emphasizing that BTK's death would not provide closure as he never expressed genuine remorse.

Susan Peters [34:20]:

"I don't think his death will do any good for closure for the families."

Emotional Aftermath and Closure

Susan and Larry discuss the profound emotional toll the BTK case took on them personally. They reveal that their professional relationship evolved into a deep friendship, built on mutual support and understanding amidst the constant fear and stress.

Larry Hatteberg [14:18]:

"We really care about each other... we saved each other that way."

Despite their outward professionalism, both reveal the intense fear and emotional strain they endured, highlighting the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of justice.

Conclusion: Legacy and Continuing Relevance

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring lessons from the BTK case. Larry underscores the importance of understanding the psychological factors that lead to such crimes to prevent future atrocities.

Larry Hatteberg [37:02]:

"We still don't have those answers. And that's why I stay involved in it, because I want to know... for future generations."

Susan echoes this sentiment, stressing that true closure lies not in BTK's demise but in comprehending the roots of his malevolence to safeguard the community.

Susan Peters [35:34]:

"He knows he's a crazy person in his world. I don't think his death will do any good."

Their candid discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by those who report on and seek to understand the darkest aspects of human behavior.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Peters [02:15]:

  "We felt like we needed to be part of the process of catching him."

• Larry Hatteberg [03:24]:

  "I decided that we should communicate with him because my feeling was if he's communicating with us, he's not killing."

• Susan Peters [22:23]:

  "I started crying, thinking to myself, the nightmare is over."

• Larry Hatteberg [25:21]:

  "When the door slams on that cell, that scared me more than anything."

• Larry Hatteberg [27:42]:

  "He was his moment in the sun."

• Susan Peters [29:53]:

  "I kept wanting to tell the judge, quit asking him."

• Larry Hatteberg [37:02]:

  "We still don't have those answers."

This comprehensive reflection by Susan Peters and Larry Hatteberg not only chronicles the relentless pursuit of justice against BTK but also delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by those on the frontlines of true crime journalism. Their insights offer valuable perspectives on the intersection of media, law enforcement, and the human psyche in the face of unimaginable evil.