3/22/07 - The journey to justice for families of Dennis Rader's victims ended on Thursday. A civil lawsuit filed against the serial killer has finally been settled. It's a story that broke first on KAKE News at Five.

The settlement effectively ends all of the wrongful death litigation filed by the families of Rader's victims. According to the paperwork, each is entitled to a substantial amount of money. Attorney's say that's not what the fight was about.

Attorney James Thompson filed the settlement for the victims' families. Thompson says the case wasn't about money. Instead, he says it was about the families gaining back control of their lives. Thursday's judgment entitles the thirteen relatives to nearly $10 million and the media rights to Rader's life story.

Steve Relford watched as Rader killed his mother 30 years ago. In addition to money, all evidence taken from his mother's home after the crime must be returned. Relford says he wants his mother's belongings and the toys he lost when he was a child.

The victim's belongings may be the only thing they'll ever see returned to them. Rader doesn't have the money he owes each family. The only person using his media rights at this time is Kristin Casarona. The author is writing a book on Rader's life. Once Casarona's expenses are paid she will give the families 75 percent of any profits she makes.

Casarona is said to have gladly agreed to give the money to the families. Rader signed the rights to his story over to Casarona for the purposes of her book. He will never be able to profit from his crimes.