Tatum Hayes, a senior sociology major, had her Honors Thesis published in the Journal of Student Research. Hayes’ article is titled “Dennis Rader’s Dormancy Period: The Truth or a Coverup?” The article examines the crimes and victims of Dennis Rader, known primarily as the BTK Strangler. More specifically, the article examines Rader’s dormancy period prior to his capture. Rader’s dormancy period has been the subject of speculation by police, public officials, and criminologists—all trying to determine if he was truly dormant or if Rader found a new way to kill. The article examines the so-called “truck stop killings” that occurred during Rader’s dormancy period. The “truck stop killings” have uncanny similarities in the methods and signatures of Rader’s 10 known murders. Professor John Carl was the advisor for the thesis project.
Tatum Hayes is a senior sociology major with minors in criminal justice and psychology from Southlake, Texas. She will graduate in Spring 2024. After graduation, she will attend law school. She intends to practice law focusing on wrongful conviction cases and criminal defense cases for those who cannot afford legal representation.
