On December 8, 1978, Dennis Rader, known infamously as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer, murdered Nancy Jo Fox and left behind a chilling clue: a drawing of spectacles and the message, “Now call the Chief.” Recent analysis by Clive and Lally has uncovered startling connections between Rader’s cryptic message and historical events, suggesting a deeper, more sinister meaning behind his choice of symbols and dates.
The Symbolic Significance of the Spectacles
The drawing of the spectacles has been linked to Robert Speck, a notorious criminal who brutally killed eight nursing students in 1966. Clive and Lally propose that Rader’s reference to “spec” glasses is a dark nod to Speck’s horrific crime, hinting at a shared legacy of terror and violence. This connection underscores Rader’s fascination with infamous figures and his desire to align himself with them, cementing his place in the annals of notorious serial killers.
The Date: A Dark Historical Echo
Rader’s choice of December 8 for the murder of Nancy Jo Fox is not coincidental. This date is the day after the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, a catastrophic event in American history.
The Victim’s Name: A Twisted Homage
Nancy Jo Fox’s name bears an eerie resemblance to Chief Nurse Annie Fox, a decorated Army nurse who was awarded for her bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack. Clive and Lally suggest that Rader’s selection of Nancy Jo Fox as a victim could be a macabre tribute to Annie Fox, reflecting his dark sense of irony and his obsession with historical figures connected to calamity and heroism. This connection highlights Rader’s methodical approach to choosing his victims, embedding his crimes with symbolic references.