Charlie Otero: Life After Death

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Posted: 10:00 PM Feb 21, 2008
Last Updated: 2:56 PM Feb 22, 2008
Email Address: susan.peters@kake.com

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This coming Monday, February 25 marks the 3rd anniversary of the arrest of Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer. But it also marks a new beginning for one of those most affected by BTK's crimes.

Charlie Otero will spend the anniversary night watching a documentary about what he and others went through.

When we first met Otero, he was in a New Mexico prison. An angry and bitter man, he had just heard that BTK, the man who brutally murdered half his family, had reappeared and was taunting Wichita once again. Rader killed Joseph Otero, Julie Otero, Josophine Otero, and young Joseph Otero II in January, 1974.

Otero says his life has since been renewed. He credits the reappearance of BTK.

Otero would meet the woman who would become his wife. Linda Evans was one of the first to start a BTK victims fund to house victims' families in hotels during the Dennis Rader hearings. They've been together ever since.

Charlie Otero also has his immediate family back. After several years of estrangement, he reunited with his brother Danny and sister Carmen during Rader's court appearances. They now get together often to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.

Because Charlie Otero was the family spokesperson on national TV at the time, the mother of his only son finally found Charlie. After almost a decade of estrangement, Charlie Otero has also reunited with his two daughters.

Lastly, BTK's re-emergence has given Charlie Otero his faith back in people and God.

Otero will be at the Orpheum on Monday for the premiere of "Feast of the Assumption: The Otero Family Murders", along with his brother, sister and his two daughters. All the proceeds from the showing go the the BTK victims family fund.

Call (316) 755-SEAT for tickets or go to the Orpheum's website for more information.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Elizabeth Location: San Diego,California on Oct 18, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I Want To Know Does Charlie Otero Set Up a website!

Posted by: JULIA OTERO Location: TEXAS on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:32 AM
EVERYONE ALWAYS SEES THE GOOD SIDE OF PEOLPE THAT WERE HURT PLEASE DONT MENTION ME IN ANOTHER ONE OF CHARLIES DOCUMENTS. JUST AS SOON AS HE REUNITED WITH ME HE ONCE AGAIN LEFT. HAVENT HEARD FROM HIM SINCE. SO PLEASE DONT MAKE IT SEEM LIKE HES A LONG LOST FATHER FINALLY FOUND. BECAUSE TO ME HE HAS BEEN PERMENATELY LOST

Posted by: Mary Location: Alabama on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:22 PM
It is so good to hear of the turn around in Charlie Otero's life. When I saw him on TV, and especially when I heard that his dear mother asked that God would have mercy on the soul of her murderer and the murderer of her husband and children, I felt called to pray for him. What she said had to come from a life time of kindness, goodness and grace. I knew that evil would not triumph in the family of such a woman. Now I have learned from the comments below about Steve Relford and can pray for him by name. So, thanks for your posting. It's done some good.

Posted by: Annonymous Location: kingman on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:48 PM
To Kelli--why is it so important to you that everyone realizes that it was you that started the fund. Charity is supposed to be about helping people in their time of need, not the recognition you get from it. Not to mention--the article above states that Linda Evans was ONE OF THE FIRST to start a fund not that she alone was the one to do it. Why would you make such and issue out of a beautiful story. It is absolutely great that that Charlie found purpose, religion, and hopefully a soul mate out of this tragic crime. No one deserves the life he has indured. He did not ask for all the sadness and hatefullness he has been through. Can't we just be happy to hear such great things have come out of this, and let credit lie, besides it will look better when you get to the pearly gates that you did something good to do something good and not for the credit. Not saying you only did it for the credit, but that is the way it appears in your statement. God Bless all the victims!

Posted by: SARAH Location: WICHITA on Feb 24, 2008 at 10:42 PM
WHY ARE YOU GETTING ON HERE AND TRYING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN 1974?!?!? YOU CANT BE SERIOUS! THERE IS JUST NO PLEASING SOME PEOPLE! THERE ALWAYS HAS TO BE SOMEONE TO RAIN ON A PARADE.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:41 PM
God is good in ways we don't understand!

Posted by: Deb Location: Emporia on Feb 22, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Susan, thank you so much for the heartwarming story about Charlie Otero! We wish the best for all the victims' family members. I worry most about Steve Relford because he was so young when he lost his mother and he felt responsible for opening the door. Please tell all the victims' families that we have them in our prayers. God bless them all. Thank you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Kelli- I'm talking about when their parents and siblings were murdered. Where was the support and counseling then? Who saw to it they had the help they so deserved in 1974?

Posted by: Michael K. Location: Wichita, KS on Feb 22, 2008 at 01:43 PM
What a great story!!! Thanks KAKE!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I am so glad this family is finally getting some closure. I applaud them and pray for their continued healing. SOMEONE should have stepped in at the time of this horrible time in their lives and offered to provide them with counseling and a loving shoulder.

Posted by: Kelli Location: Wichita on Feb 22, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Since I a lone started the Victims Family Member Fund for all of the family memebers associated with the horrific crimes of Dennis Rader, I find it interesting that you would report something different. I worked very hard and closely with the Wichita Municipal Federal Credit Union, the District Attorneys office and Parents of Murdered Children. Charlie and all the other family members who we were able to assist through this difficult time, I'm sure remember the efforts of those of us behind the scenes, and all of those that donated money, meals, hotel rooms etc. through the duration of the sentencing hearing. To all those who donated, and sent loving, supportive letters and notes to the family members, I would like to offer my utmost appreciation and thanks. As I am sure the family members would agree, every tiny bit of support was accepted with warm hearts and appreciation. The notes and letters provided with the donations were shared with the families.

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