Will Rader Ever Go To Trial?

April 21 - In its upcoming issue, the National Enquirer is set to report that BTK suspect Dennis Rader has colon cancer. At least one person who knows Rader well says he doesn't believe it's true.

The possibility that Rader could have a terminal disease is just one of many details that may mean a trial in the BTK case will never happen. Even if it does, it could still be years away.

It's been nearly two months since Dennis Rader's arrest. After he waived his right to a preliminary hearing this week, Wichitans are anticipating the day this case goes to trial. It's also possible that it won't happen at all.

If Rader pleads guilty the public may never get the information it's after. Rader could even die while in custody.

The National Enquirer is about to release an article that claims Rader is dying of colon cancer. They quote a person they call "an unnamed high ranking Wichita city official." The source reportedly claimed that, "Rader told him almost matter of factly, 'I've decided not to have treatment.'"

Rader's pastor Michael Clark says if that were true he'd know it. Sources close to the case say Rader will plead not guilty, so it's likely that this case will go to trial.

Rader's attorneys may file multiple motions in the coming weeks, months, and maybe even years. Setbacks could occur, for example, if a number of psychological evaluations are made or if there's a change of venue. Jury selection could clearly take a considerable amount of time. Also, if Rader is unhappy with his attorneys he could fire them and start the process all over.

In the state of Kansas a speedy trial is guaranteed within 90 days of the arraignment, which is set to happen on May 3. If Rader waives his right to a speedy trial it could take years for the court case to get underway.

Serial killer cases in the past have taken right around two years to complete, but not all have taken so long. John Robinson killed eight women near Kansas City. He was arrested in 2000 and the trial started less than a year later. Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in 1991. His trial began six months later. In the case of Ted Kazinski, also known as the Unibomber, it took two years for his trial to start.

Closer to home, it took a little over two years for Terry Nichols' trial to begin. In the Carr brothers' murder case the period of time between their arrests and the trial date was just under two years.

Some are predicting that after Rader's May appearance it could be three years or more before the he is back in court. Only time will tell.