Weather
APD: Body Believed to be Koenig's; Says Killer Behind BarsRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - A forensic dive team tentatively identified the body of 18-year-old Samantha Koenig in Matanuska Lake Monday, and Anchorage police said they believe her killer acted alone. Surveillance video footage shows Koenig was taken from the Midtown espresso stand where she worked on February 1. Anchorage Police Department Chief Mark Mew said he believes she died within hours of her abduction. Israel Keyes was arrested in Lufkin, TX on access device fraud charges in connection with the case, and police said they believe he was directly involved Koenig's kidnapping. When law enforcement officers took him into custody March 13, they found a stolen VISA debit card and rolls of cash, and said the 34-year-old contractor was unable to explain why he was driving through East Texas. Keyes remains in federal custody in Anchorage and was the only person arrested in connection with Koenig's case. While Mew never mentioned him by name, he said his department believe Koenig's killer is behind bars. But FBI and Anchorage police said there are still many unsolved questions. Mary Rook, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Anchorage Division, said the fact they were unable to find any connection between Koenig and Keyes remains one of the major mysteries of the case. Mew said his department is working with the U.S Attorney's Office to bring further charges against Keyes. An autopsy is scheduled to confirm the body's identity. "On behalf of the men and women of the Anchorage Police Department, I offer my sincere condolences to James Koenig and his family," Mew said.
|
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
BobD said on Monday, Apr 2 at 11:56 PM
" Killer behind bars " ? Did he confess ? Did I miss that ? Gone to court yet ? As much as it gags me ,( thinking I'm sure he's guilty )the man hasn't had due process at this time. So the headline is not truthful, yet.
86292894who knows right now said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 12:29 AM
all we know is he had something to do with her bank card, no one is saying he is the only one involved for sure or if he is being charged with her murder, i dont think we are getting the full story, did he tell them where she was?
86293424Alaska Dude said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 6:41 AM
He must have told them where to look. The lake is covered with snow, and she was under 3 or 4 feet of Ice. I don't think anybody could have noticed her under the Ice.
86315036Anonymous said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 7:50 AM
its called the revolving door of criminal justice... now they got a patsy to pin it on...circumstantial... will not hold water in a federal court...if it does? Well some things never change...in Alaska...
86322083juzy said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 8:04 AM
Whatever evidence they found in the shed that they took off his property last week is probably the catalyst for him talking. No one would know where to look for her. He HAD to have told them where she was because they had evidence that proved beyond a doubt he was guilty. He may very well have confessed, but legalities being what they are today, the FBI and APD aren't taking any chances with screwing up their judicial case and therefore are withholding much information from the media and public. He is behind bars for another charge, but now that they have this information it is likely he has been charged with murder and we will get further details as the FBI/APD decide it's okay to give them. But they are going to continue to play everything close to the vest so as to not jeapordize the investigation and court case.
86323474rj said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 8:31 AM
I'm just curious to who this person A is and how he new his pin number when he stole it from the car?
86326206LinLew said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 8:55 AM
They either found evidence in the shed to lead the police to the whereabouts of Samantha or Keyes confessed.I hope he has confessed.
86329046donna ewan said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 9:21 AM
My condolences to the family, I pray they find Peace and comfort. I am glad they found her body, that helps give us closure. I can't believe a person could take this beautiful young girls life, she was so kind to everyone and always had that smile. I hope the person who did this does Life.
86331936Samantha said on Tuesday, Apr 3 at 6:25 PM
The story will unfold very careful to the Alaska public. Investigative teams are a bit tight lipped right now but do wait because the story will unfold slowly.....
86376024sonofliberty said on Wednesday, Apr 4 at 4:29 PM
well I am sure most of us knew how this would turn out. Kidnappings by predators always always always results in murder. The key is to treat this killer like a killer and not a celebrity like OJ or Casey Anthony. I hope they prove his guilt. Personally, I would like to pull the switch and send Keyes straight to Hell.
86468163Add a comment
Most Popular