Wichita Police identify 1979 poem as BTK’s work

Investigators want to talk to anyone familiar with writing

Wichita ? Investigators in the BTK serial killings said Thursday that a 1979 poem appeared to be an original writing from the killer and asked the public’s help in tracking it down.

The poem, titled “Oh, Anna, Why Didn’t You Appear,” was sent to KAKE-TV in June 1979 and appears related to a burglary that occurred on April 28, 1979, at a Wichita home. The woman who lived at the home had come home later than usual on the day of the burglary.

Lt. Ken Landwehr told reporters Thursday that an extensive search by the department did not discover any published work similar to the poem.

“We want to talk to anyone who may have seen the original poem, or has any other knowledge of that poem,” Landwehr said.

Landwehr, who took no questions from reporters, did not say why investigators waited until now to release the poem.

In a series of letters signed BTK — which stands for “bind, torture, kill” — the killer claimed responsibility for eight deaths in Wichita between 1974 and 1986. The communications had stopped for more than two decades before resuming this year.

Last week, investigators released another BTK poem, “Oh! Death to Nancy.” One of the BTK’s victims was Nancy Fox.

When releasing the poem last week, police said it had striking similarities to the lyrics of an old folk song, “Oh Death.” Police also said evidence from BTK’s writings indicate the killer was familiar with a Wichita State University professor who had discussed “Oh Death” in class.

If you have information about the poem, call (316) 268-4174 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Landwehr asked the public last week for help identifying anyone who had contact with professor P.J. Wyatt, who died in 1991, or knew someone familiar with “Oh Death.” That brought in 100 new tips.

Attention has refocused on BTK since March, when The Wichita Eagle received a letter with information on an unsolved 1986 killing. The letter contained a copy of the victim’s driver’s license and photos of her taken after she was slain.

It was the first communication from the BTK Strangler since the late 1970s.

T’ was perfect plan of deviant pleasure so bold on that Spring nite My inner felling hot with propension of a new awakening seasonWarn, wet with inner fear and rapture, my pleasure of entanglement, like new vines at nightOh, Anna, Why Didn’t You Appear Drop of fear fresh Spring rain would roll down from your nakedness to scent to lofty fever that burns within,In that small world of longing, fear, rapture, and desparation, the game we play, fall on devil ears Fantasy spring forth, mounts, to storm fury, then winter clam at the end.Oh, Anna Why Didn’t You Appear Alone, now in another time span I lay with sweet enrapture garments across most private thoughtBed of Spring moist grass, clean before the sun, enslaved with control, warm wind scenting the air, sun light sparkle tears in eyes so deep and clear.Alone again I trod in pass memory of mirrors, and ponder why for number eight was not.Oh, Anna Why Didn’t You Appear– BTK(an original 1979 poem recently released by Wichita crime investigators)