Raw Audio: DA Questions If BTK Was Involved In Cynthia Kinney's Murder

In recent developments, the alleged connection between the notorious BTK serial killer, Dennis Rader, and an Oklahoma cold case has been put under scrutiny. District Attorney Mike Fisher stated on Monday that there is insufficient information to press charges against Rader in connection with the disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney from Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
 
 A month ago, it was disclosed by Osage County authorities that Dennis Rader, the man behind the horrifying BTK killings in Wichita, Kansas, was a prime suspect in some unsolved disappearances, including Kinney's case. The Undersheriff of Osage County, Oklahoma, recently revealed that they have at least four "pretty strong connections" to cold case investigations potentially linked to Rader, implying they might be strong enough to lead to trials. However, Fisher's recent statement contradicts this position.
 
 In a press conference, Fisher explained, “As of this date, the information that has been shared is insufficient to file criminal charges against Dennis Rader.” Notably, the continuous updates and speculations about the case have warranted an elevated interest, prompting Fisher to request the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to commence a formal probe into Kinney's mysterious disappearance.
 
 Fisher further elucidated that he would proceed with charges if any substantial evidence emerged. Shedding light on his involvement, he added that he was present during a law enforcement interview concerning Rader approximately three months ago. The interview saw participation from investigators spanning Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, with Fisher and his investigator in attendance.
 
 The crux of the matter, however, is the Osage County Sheriff's failure to share any tangible evidence with the District Attorney's office. Addressing this, Fisher stated, “The information that we have received to this point, there are – I’ll call them rumors because they’ve not been substantiated yet – rumors as to potential other evidence that I have been made aware of. None of that at this point arises to the level of even reasonable suspicion.”
 
 Highlighting the necessity for a methodical and appropriate investigation, Fisher expressed concerns about how the inquiry was being managed, citing instances like the Osage County Sheriff's visit to Rader's residence with a search warrant and the subsequent dig that took place. Fisher's reservation stemmed from his belief that such crucial tasks "would probably be better left to investigators."
 
 While the legalities and intricacies of the case continue to unfold, Fisher emphasized his growing concern for the parents of Cynthia Dawn Kinney. The elderly couple, both in their 80s, have borne the heavy weight of their daughter's mysterious disappearance for 47 long years. Fisher remarked, “Cynthia went missing 47 years ago. They’ve got no answers.” He further noted that while there's a possibility that Kinney's disappearance was a result of a homicide, nothing can be stated with absolute certainty. The continuous media speculation and coverage have taken a toll on Kinney's parents, who have been grappling with scenarios of what could have befallen their daughter. Such stress has had noticeable physical repercussions on them, leading Fisher to urge the public to respect their privacy.
 
 Dennis Rader, now 78, infamously known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, has been serving his sentence at the El Dorado Correctional Facility since 2005.
 
With this case's developments reigniting public and media interest, it remains to be seen how the investigation will progress and whether the family of Cynthia Dawn Kinney will finally get the answers they have been seeking for nearly half a century.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: