Some people believe numbers can be used to determine your path in life, where you're headed and who you really are. Everyday in online chat rooms people grasp for clues to help identify BTK by searching through his use of poetry, limericks, and puzzles. Some theorize BTK is a student of numerology, the study of numbers, and may have used it as a way of planning his crimes.

In a letter BTK sent to KAKE in May he writes “The BTK Story” followed by thirteen numbered chapters. BTK has included word puzzles in several of his letters. The latest one to KAKE has columns of letters and numbers and spells out "wrong address" backwards.

Former BTK lead detective Bernie Drowatsky says there has been a lot of speculation about numbers because the number three was in either the address number or street name of every house BTK struck. Basic numerology theory assumes the numerical value of your birth name determines the type of person you are. If you apply that to BTK, you'll find one of the names the killer indicates BTK stands for, Bill Thomas Killman, equals the number five. To a numerologist, the number five symbolizes the principal of multiplicity progression and passion. If five is used in a negative way, numerologists say it could be used to pull something to a negative side.

Some experts don’t buy into the theory that BTK's method of murder is based on numerology. Former Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon says some people believe BTK picks his victims with numbers, but he feels the victims are chosen randomly.

When police first started investigating BTK, they looked into possible numerical patterns but say they found none. Wichita State Criminal Justice professor Dr. Brian Winthrow questions whether serial killers like BTK are smart enough to understand numerology, let alone use it. Winthrow says some people assume serial killers like BTK are highly intelligent and use their genius to communicate with police through a secret code. He says in reality, serial killers are usually not that bright.

If BTK did use a gimmick like numerology, the investigation would be more of a Hollywood type mystery. Experts say that's not how cases like this are usually solved. One expert says an investigation is based on forensic evidence, and it will be solved using old fashioned police work. So if you're one of the many amateur detectives out there hoping to help catch BTK, experts encourage you to keep looking but don’t get too wrapped up in a game of numbers.

KAKE News contacted the Wichita Police Department to see if they are currently looking into the theory of BTK and numerology. They could not comment on the investigation.