Catching Killers Season 2 Episode 1 Bind. Torture. Kill: BTK

In season two, episode one of Catching Killers, titled Bind. Torture. Kill: BTK, viewers are taken on a chilling journey through the case of one of America's most notorious serial killers. BTK, an acronym for the killer's preferred method of binding, torturing, and killing his victims, terrorized the city of Wichita, Kansas for over 30 years until his capture in 2005.

The episode opens with an overview of BTK's crimes and his signature methods of taunting police and media through letters and other forms of communication. The audience is introduced to the investigators who worked on the case, including lead detective Lt. Ken Landwehr, who spent over three decades trying to catch the elusive killer.

As the episode progresses, viewers are given a detailed account of each of BTK's heinous crimes, including the murder of four members of the Otero family in 1974, the killing of young mother Shirley Vian in 1977, and the slaying of Marine Hedge in 1985. The interviews with investigators, family members, and survivors of BTK's attacks provide a haunting glimpse into the mind of a killer who took pleasure in inflicting unspeakable pain and terror on his victims.

One of the most chilling aspects of the episode is the examination of BTK's methods of taunting the police and media. Through letters, phone calls, and other forms of communication, BTK was able to stay one step ahead of investigators for years, constantly changing his methods and keeping them on edge. The episode takes a close look at some of these communications, including a package sent to a Wichita television station that included several items belonging to one of BTK's victims.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement, BTK was able to evade capture for decades. The episode details several close calls, including a traffic stop in 2004 where police had BTK in their sights but let him go because his car didn't match their suspect vehicle. The frustration and heartbreak of the investigators is palpable as they recount these missed opportunities to apprehend a killer who was responsible for so much pain and suffering.

The turning point in the case comes in 2004, when BTK begins communicating with police again after a long period of silence. Investigators are able to use new technology to trace the communication back to a computer belonging to a man named Dennis Rader. The episode details the investigation that ultimately led to Rader's arrest and confession, as well as the impact it had on the victims' families and the Wichita community as a whole.

Overall, Bind. Torture. Kill: BTK is a chilling and sobering look at one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. The episode does not shy away from the gruesome details of BTK's crimes, but instead presents them in a manner that is respectful to the victims and their families. The interviews with investigators, family members, and survivors provide a humanizing element to the story, showing the real-life impact of BTK's reign of terror. Catching Killers season two is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime and the men and women who dedicate their lives to bringing killers to justice.