What happened to Ruth Finley? 'The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story' shines light on 'The Poet' stalker
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story' is a gripping Lifetime movie that delves into the chilling true events surrounding Ruth Finley's transformation from a seemingly ordinary woman to a notorious killer.
Directed with intensity and depth, the film portrays Ruth's descent into darkness, exploring the psychological complexities that led her down a path of violence. Portrayed with haunting authenticity, Ruth Finley's character unfolds as she grapples with inner turmoil and hidden demons, ultimately succumbing to the urge to commit murder.
Her story is a tragic reminder of how ordinary lives can conceal extraordinary darkness. Set against the backdrop of a suburban community, the movie unravels Ruth's unraveling psyche and the shocking crimes that shocked the community.
Who was Ruth Finley?
Between 1978 and 1981, Ruth Finley, a quiet housewife from Wichita, Kansas, found herself caught in a terrifying ordeal that would shake her peaceful life to its core. Working in the security department of a phone company, the 48-year-old Ruth lived with her accountant husband, Ed, in a tranquil neighborhood where they had raised their two grown sons.
Their unassuming existence gave no hint of the darkness that was about to unfold. It all began with harassing phone calls and menacing letters addressed to Ruth, which the couple reported to the police on November 6, 1978.
The letters, notable for their rhyming patterns, earned the perpetrator the moniker 'The Poet'. This harassment escalated quickly, plunging Ruth into fear and confusion as the sinister messages continued to arrive.
Amidst this turmoil, the shadow of the notorious BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) serial killer loomed over Wichita, adding an extra layer of dread to Ruth’s predicament. The police suspected a potential link between the two cases, given the similarity in the methodical harassment and the city’s heightened state of vigilance due to BTK’s reign of terror.
Investigation of the mystery of Ruth Finley's abduction
On November 21, 1978, the unsettling case of Ruth Finley took a disturbing turn when her husband reported her missing. Hours later, Ruth returned visibly shaken, recounting a harrowing abduction by two men while she was shopping in downtown Wichita.
She described being driven around for four terrifying hours before managing to escape. However, she was unable to provide detailed descriptions of her abductors, complicating the police investigation.
The incident intensified fears that the notorious BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) killer might be involved in Ruth's harassment and abduction. Yet, critical differences in modus operandi emerged: BTK was known for home invasions and murdering his victims, whereas Ruth's abduction was a departure from his established pattern.
As the police increased surveillance on the Finleys to protect Ruth, the letters from the Poet continued unabated, growing increasingly menacing. Despite initial suspicions, investigators ultimately concluded that BTK and the Poet were distinct perpetrators, each with their own motives and methods, adding layers of complexity to an already perplexing case.
Cops started a desperate search for answers in Ruth Finely's case
For five weeks, the Wichita Police kept Ruth Finley under close surveillance, hoping to catch any sign of her mysterious tormentor. During this period, no incidents occurred, and the operation was eventually called off. However, the unsettling letters from the Poet continued unabated, maintaining a menacing presence in Ruth's life.
Then, in a dramatic turn of events on August 31, 1979, Ruth was admitted to St. Joseph Medical Center after sustaining three knife wounds, one of which critically punctured her kidney. Her account to the police detailed an attack by a man in a local mall parking lot, adding a chilling dimension to the ongoing harassment.
The severity of the attack prompted an escalated investigation, with Ed Finley's employer offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of Ruth's assailant. Simultaneously, the police sought expert analysis, sending copies of the Poet's letters to Dr. Murray Miron, a renowned psycho-linguistics consultant noted for his work on high-profile cases like the Son of Sam.
Dr. Miron's assessment painted a disturbing portrait of the Poet as severely psychotic, schizophrenic, paranoid, and deeply isolated a revelation that intensified the urgency to solve Ruth Finley's case.
Investigation revealed a startling truth about Ruth Finley
On September 17, under covert surveillance, the Wichita Police observed Ed Finley driving Ruth to a mailbox where she mailed five letters. Upon retrieval, it was discovered that two of these letters matched the distinct handwriting of the Poet.
Further investigation revealed that the stamps used came from a book located in the Finley home, linking Ruth directly to the correspondence. Following this discovery, on October 1, Ed Finley underwent questioning at Police headquarters and voluntarily took a polygraph test, which he passed, clearing him of any involvement in the Poet's letters.
Ruth Finley was also interrogated the same day, confronted with the evidence found in her workplace office and the letters she had mailed. The mounting evidence painted a troubling picture, raising serious questions about Ruth's role in the ongoing harassment and assaults attributed to the Poet.
After a thorough investigation costing possibly thousands over three years, authorities opted not to press charges against Ruth, contingent upon her seeking psychiatric help at St. Joseph Medical Centre. Under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Pickens, Ruth struggled initially to articulate her feelings but began expressing herself through poetry.
This creative outlet unlocked insights into her behavior and the persona of the Poet. Dr. Pickens attributed this manifestation to Ruth's suppressed emotions triggered by Ed's hospitalization in 1978 and the looming threat of the BTK Strangler. He posited that the Poet served as a subconscious defense mechanism, providing Ruth with a sense of protection.
Through therapy spanning more than five years, Ruth confronted her past traumas and found support from her loved ones and colleagues, ultimately achieving personal reconciliation.
How to stream 'The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story'
Catch 'The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story' airing June 29, 2024, on Lifetime. You can stream Lifetime movies for free with Philo, Sling, or DIRECTV.
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'The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story' trailer
At present, a trailer for the movie is not accessible. However, please stay tuned for additional updates.