On February 10, 1978, BTK sent a letter claiming responsibility for the murders of Shirley Vian, Nancy Fox and another unknown victim. Enclosed with the letter was a poem titled Oh! Death to Nancy. This poem was an adaptation of an old folklore song titled Oh Death. There are strong similarities between BTK’s poem and the lyrics to the folklore song Oh Death.
On May 5, 2004, BTK sent another letter, which contained an enclosure titled the BTK Story that included a chapter titled PJs. Investigation has determined that the folklore song Oh Death had been used in an English literature class at Wichita State University during the 1970s, which was taught by Dr. P.J. Wyatt.
"We are looking for the public’s help on identifying anyone who had used this obscure folk song and had contact with Dr. P.J. Wyatt. Dr. Wyatt died in 1991," said Lt. Ken Landwehr, Commander of the Wichita Police Department’s Homicide Section.
"The FBI profilers have confirmed our belief that there is a definite connection in the reference to PJ in the letter we received last May and the folklore song Oh Death," Lt. Landwehr said.
Lt. Landwehr reports that since BTK resurfaced last March, the Wichita Police Department has received more than 4,000 tips from the public.
"We appreciate all the tips we have received thus far, and we are now asking anyone who has information on Dr. P.J. Wyatt and the Oh Death song to please contact us," said Lt. Landwehr.
Citizens with information can call 268-4174 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call CrimeStoppers after hours at 267-2111. They can also e-mail information to coldcase@wichita.gov or mail information to Cold Case, P.O. Box 9202, Wichita, KS 67277-0202.
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