Paula Dietz is a renowned American former bookkeeper best-known as the ex-wife of the infamous serial killer Dennis Lynn Rader. The killer was commonly known as BTK, with the initials alluding to his modus operandi, bind, torture, and kill. Dietz's husband was arrested and sentenced in 2005 after being charged with multiple counts of homicide, having killed at least 10 people in Wichita, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991. Since BTK's imprisonment, Paula has maintained a low profile, barely appearing in public.
Paula's seemingly peaceful life took an unexpected turn when her husband was arrested and charged with multiple murders. Who is Dennis Rader's ex-wife? Here is a quick look into her details.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Paula Dietz |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1948 |
| Age | 73 years (as of 2022) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Place of Birth | Park City, Kansas, USA |
| Current Residence | Park City, Kansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5'5" |
| Weight | 143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 36-28-42 inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Dennis Rader |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Bookkeeper |
| Alma Mater | National American University of Wichita |
Exploring Paula Dietz's Biography
Paula was born on May 5, 1948, in Park City, Kansas, USA. Her mother was a librarian, and her father was an automotive engineer. Paula later attended the National American University of Wichita, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.
Marriage to Dennis Rader
Paula married Dennis Rader in 1971 when she was 23 years old, and he was 26. During their wedding, Dennis worked as an assembler at a motor company and was also the president of their branch of the Christ Lutheran Church. Little did she know that her life would be drastically altered by the man she married.
Who is Dennis ‘BTK’ Rader?
Dennis Lynn Rader, known as the BTK Killer, was born on March 9, 1945, in Pittsburg, Kansas. He went on to kill at least ten people over nearly 20 years. The initials BTK signify his method of operation: bind, torture, and kill.
A government worker and family man by day, Rader managed to evade detection for his heinous crimes. He enjoyed the media attention generated by his murders and took pleasure in sending taunting messages to both the media and the police. Remarkably, he sometimes restrained his killing urges to mislead detectives.
Key Events in Rader's Killing Career
Here are some significant milestones from Dennis Rader's criminal history:
- January 15, 1974: BTK murders four members of the Otero family, including two young children.
- April 4, 1974: BTK kills Kathryn Bright and fatally injures her brother, Kelvin.
- March 17, 1977: Rader kills a mother of three after entering her home.
- December 8, 1977: BTK strangles 25-year-old Nancy Fox and reports the murder to 911.
- September 16, 1986: Rader kills a woman and frames her husband for the crime.
- January 19, 1991: Rader's last victim, Dolores Davis, is killed and left on a bridge.
BTK's Arrest
On February 25, 2005, Rader was arrested while heading home for lunch with Paula. His capture came after police tracked him down using evidence found in a floppy disk he had sent them. This marked the end of his notorious killing spree.
Where is Dennis Rader Now?
Rader was charged with ten counts of first-degree murder and received ten consecutive life sentences, totaling 175 years in prison. He is currently incarcerated at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas, where he is kept in solitary confinement with limited access to media.
Paula Dietz's Response to the Arrest
After Rader's arrest, authorities contacted Paula and their two children, who were shocked to learn of his crimes. None had any prior knowledge of his dark side. The children even wrote letters to their father, seeking explanations about the man they once knew.
The Aftermath: Paula's Divorce
Following Rader's arrest, Paula swiftly filed for an emergency divorce, which was granted the same day. She left Kansas City to escape the media frenzy surrounding her ex-husband’s crimes.
Where is Paula Dietz Today?
Since her ex-husband's crimes and their subsequent divorce, Paula has largely faded from public view. Information about her life after Rader's sentencing is scarce, and rumors suggest she may have returned to Kansas, though this has not been confirmed.
Reflections on Paula's Life
While there were whispers about Paula's death, none of these rumors have been substantiated. She continues to live a life out of the spotlight, dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience.
The Children of Dennis and Paula Rader
Paula and Dennis had two children during their marriage. Their lives were irrevocably altered by their father's actions.
Kerri Rawson
Kerri, born in 1978, is now 44 years old and is a former elementary school teacher. Unlike her brother, she has openly addressed her father's crimes and even wrote a book titled A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming. In it, she shares her struggles with her father's legacy and has become a voice for those affected by trauma.
Brian Rader
Brian, born in 1973, is now 49 years old and maintains a low profile, rarely discussing his father or their family history. He served in the U.S. Navy between 2004 and 2009, focusing on his personal life away from the media's eye.
Paula Dietz: A Life Transformed
Paula Dietz's life changed drastically due to her ex-husband's actions. While she is known for all the wrong reasons, she has chosen to remain out of the limelight since then, illustrating the profound effects of crime on families.
In the end, Paula's story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding relationships and the unforeseen impacts of one's choices. Her journey through distress and her decision to prioritize her family’s well-being over public attention is truly remarkable.
Source: Legit.ng
