Monster: BTK – Episode: Shirley Locks [4] Summary

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this gripping installment of the "Monster: BTK" series, hosted by Susan Peters, listeners delve deep into the harrowing true story of Dennis Raider, infamously known as BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill), the serial killer who terrorized Wichita, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991. This episode focuses on one of his most tragic and unintended victims, Shirley Vianne Relford, and explores the profound impact of her murder on her family and the community.

2. The Murder of Shirley Vianne Relford

The episode begins with Steve Relford recounting the night his mother, Shirley Vianne, was brutally murdered by BTK. On March 17, 1977, St. Patrick's Day, Dennis Raider targeted the Relford family home under the guise of a private detective.

Steve Relford [03:13]: "He forced his way through, turned off the TV. I kept telling my mom, said, 'Shell, what the hell's going on here?'"

Raider methodically tied up Shirley and her children, subjecting them to unimaginable terror. Despite their pleas and attempts to escape, Raider ultimately strangled Shirley until she succumbed to her injuries.

3. BTK's Modus Operandi

BTK's approach was chillingly systematic. He meticulously stalked his victims, often selecting households with vulnerable individuals. His preferred method involved gaining entry under false pretenses, binding his victims, and inflicting prolonged suffering before ending their lives.

Steve Relford [13:51]: "The room became more chaotic when suddenly the phone rang. It startled Raider, and the kids started to scream and bang on the door."

BTK's psychological manipulation was a hallmark of his crimes, aiming to control and dominate his victims completely.

4. Impact on the Relford Family

Shirley Vianne's murder left Steve and his siblings in profound trauma. The episode poignantly captures Steve's struggle with grief and his subsequent descent into rebellious behavior.

Steve Relford [17:52]: "After that, we went to foster home and my grandparents, they had to sell a bunch of stuff. But they came got us from Oklahoma. And that's when my fucking troubles really started."

Despite facing immense hardships, Steve's journey toward healing highlights the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

5. Subsequent BTK Murders and Police Response

Shirley Vianne was not BTK's last victim. Shortly after her murder, Nancy Fox became another target, further cementing BTK's reign of terror in Wichita. The police, led by former Chief Richard Lamunion, began recognizing patterns that linked these heinous acts to a serial killer.

Chief Richard Lamunion [16:47]: "Law enforcement was hesitant to officially connect the crimes initially, fearing public panic and giving BTK additional motivation."

It wasn't until consistent patterns emerged that the police began to consider the possibility of a serial killer operating within the community.

6. BTK's Communication with Media and Public

BTK reveled in the attention his crimes garnered. He sent taunting letters and even poetry to local media outlets, such as KAKE Channel 10, further intimidating the community and law enforcement.

Dennis Raider (BTK) [32:31]: "Shirley locks. Shirley locks. Will thou be mine... Seven down and many more to go."

These communications were not only a means of asserting control but also a twisted attempt to engage with the public and the police, showcasing his desire for recognition.

7. The Involvement of the Media in the Investigation

The Wichita media played a pivotal role in the investigation, cooperating closely with law enforcement to track BTK's activities. Television stations like CAKE TV became conduits for public alerts and subliminal messages aimed at prompting BTK to communicate.

Steve Relford [41:07]: "As a journalist, it's a tricky balance when working with the police. On one hand, we have to be purely objective... On the other hand, when police need your help to track down a killer, you feel a certain responsibility to help them."

This collaboration between media and police underscored the community's united front against BTK, striving to prevent further atrocities.

8. Personal Reflections and Future Implications

The episode concludes with reflections from Dennis Raider's daughter, Carrie Raider, who grapples with her father's dark legacy. Her account provides a nuanced perspective on living with the knowledge of her father's actions and the lasting scars it has left on her family.

Carrie Raider [47:25]: "With my father, I have to put dad in BTK. I'm living my life as a mom and writer... My dad's my dad. He could be mean and mad, but most of the time, 95% of the time, he was like my best friend."

The episode emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of BTK's crimes, not only on his victims but also on their families and the broader community.

Conclusion

"Monster: BTK – Shirley Locks [4]" masterfully intertwines personal testimony with investigative detail, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of BTK's heinous acts and their profound impact. Through firsthand accounts and expert analysis, the episode sheds light on the complexities of tracking a serial killer and the enduring quest for justice and healing in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.

For more episodes of "Monster: BTK," subscribe to iHeartPodcasts and Tenderfoot TV on your preferred podcast platform.