“Chapter 8” Cipher Decoded as Cold Case Review Expands BTK Victim Analysis
Alternative Eye is reporting significant developments following the decoding of Dennis Rader’s 2004 “Chapter 8” cipher, a puzzle submitted to a Kansas news station shortly before his arrest in 2005. Rader remains one of the most studied American serial killers in modern true crime history.
Photo of Dennis Rader during his trial in 2005
The cipher has been decoded by Melissa Phelan, a 15-year forensic profiler and crime analyst, whose work focuses on long-form cold case analysis involving serial offenders. Melissa has been actively decoding “Chapter 8” since February 22, 2025, applying behavioral analysis, pattern recognition, and investigative context.
Copy of Dennis Rader’s “CHAPTER 8” sent to a Wichita news station in 2004
According to Alternative Eye, this decoding supports investigative efforts initiated in 2023 by an Osage County Sheriff, as part of a renewed BTK review examining potential previously unknown victims- a common issue in cases involving serial killers. FULL INTERVIEW: Osage Co. says BTK shared ‘fantasy’ of kidnapping girl from laundromat
Through this analysis, Melissa has identified 15 or more alleged unknown victims, with eight being publicly revealed as of October 2025 onward, including last known locations and contextual details referenced in the cipher. In addition, decoding indicates references to the alleged burial locations of three missing teenagers or children, whom Rader claims responsibility for murdering.
Suspected “Chapter 8” Listed Victims Publicly Revealed
Cynthia Dawn Kinney- PAWHUSKA, OK 1976- STILL MISSING
The Fager Family- Phillip, Sherri, Kelli Fager- WICHITA, KS 1987- UNSOLVED
Melissa Witt- FORT SMITH, AR 1994- UNSOLVED
Amber Rene Barker- OKC, OK 1997- STILL MISSING
Daniel John Smith- DEL CITY, OK 1997- SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
Amy Armenta Anderson- PINAL COUNTY, AZ 1998- UNSOLVED
In addition, Melissa’s decoding indicates references to the burial locations of three missing teenagers or children, whom Rader claims responsibility for killing. According to the analysis presented on Alternative Eye, these alleged burial sites are described with sufficient specificity that locations have been narrowed down to individual addresses, encompassing both public and private properties.
Cynthia Kinney (left) and Amber Barker
The ongoing “Chapter 8” decodings have allegedly listed names of Cynthia Kinney (left) and Amber Barker (both pictured above) and another unnamed missing child that has yet to be revealed to the public.
All findings have been presented as investigative analysis and interpretation, demonstrated live on the show, allowing viewers to observe the decoding methodology rather than relying on unsupported conclusions. Alternative Eye emphasizes that these revelations are not legal determinations, but rather analytical findings intended to support transparency, awareness, and responsible inquiry.
Melissa and the Alternative Eye team- including both public-facing and silent partners across criminal justice, investigative, and analytical fields- state that their work is focused on amplifying the voices of victims, particularly those who may have been overlooked or excluded from official narratives.
These findings were presented live on Alternative Eye: Beyond the File, allowing audiences of this true crime podcast to observe the analytical process rather than being presented with conclusions alone. The work reflects responsible engagement with cold cases and does not encourage public interference or site visits.
Alternative Eye further emphasizes that it does not encourage public interference, site visits, or independent investigations by viewers. Any information shared is handled within strict ethical guidelines and is intended to support awareness and responsible engagement, not vigilantism.
As investigations continue and additional analysis unfolds, Alternative Eye will provide further updates consistent with its ethics, audience conduct, and investigative standards.
REFERENCES:
FULL INTERVIEW: Osage Co. says BTK shared ‘fantasy’ of kidnapping girl from laundromat
Serial killer's word puzzle solved after years revealing missing Oklahoma teen's name
BTK puzzle may reveal identity, tactics
Old word puzzle by convicted serial killer spells missing Oklahoma teen’s name, other clues
