In 1974, January 15th, 15-year-old Charlie Otero came home from school to find both his parents and two of his younger siblings murdered in their own home. The Oteros were the first victims of the serial killer who came to call himself B.T.K. (Bind. Torture. Kill). Told through the eyes of the oldest, surviving son of B.T.K.’s first victims, this is a unique, and at some parts horrific, take on the notorious murderer’s mystery.
The documentary picks up 27 years after Charlie Otero lost his family, with him newly freed from jail. The film follows Charlie as he tries to deal with the atrocities he saw so many years ago and react to the revelation that after 27 years the killer BTK has finally been found and arrested.
This true-life exposé documentary about Charlie and his lifelong search for justice is a harrowing portrayal of the devastating effects of one man’s murderous actions. BTK terrorized Wichita, Kansas in the 70’s and 80’s, killing mostly women and taunting the police through the media. It took over thirty years for the police department to catch him and put an end to 10 unsolved murders. As you watch, you can feel Charlie’s anger, and by the end of the film, you realise he’s made remarkable progress trying to rebuild his life.
Be warned though, there are a number of gruesome crime scene photographs shown of each murdered family member, including photos of the two children (both less than 10 years old). These photos are not for the squeamish or faint of heart, however, they do serve their purpose as shock value, and they certainly go a long way to create sympathy for Charlie.
OVERALL SUMMARY
As a documentary it feels quite amateur, but as an exploration into the results of a serial killer, it makes for interesting viewing. There is some shock imagery scattered throughout, and the confessions from victims, especially Charlie, feel all too real and emotional.
