BTK serial killer earns privileges

WICHITA, Kan., April 24 (UPI) -- Convicted BTK serial killer Dennis Rader's good behavior in a Kansas prison has earned him privileges including TV viewing and magazines.

The prisoner, who used what he described as a "bind, torture and kill" method against his victims, also would be allowed to listen to radio in his cell and write or draw on paper with pencil or pen, reports The Wichita Eagle.

A corrections department spokesman said Rader had progressed two levels in his behavior since entering the prison last summer. He would not specify which items had been included in Rader's privileges but noted sexually explicit materials wouldn't be allowed.

The new status, however, raised concerns among some, including a prosecutor and a woman whose daughter was one of Rader's 10 victims. They said Rader's privileges could rekindle his violent sexual fantasies that led him on the killing spree from 1974 to 1991. He used to draw pictures of women tied up and in terror.

"I think the general public is going to have a hard time understanding why he's being treated in this manner," said Kevin O'Connor, a county prosecutor.