Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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Facebook Page Looks for Those Who've Met Accused Barista Killer Israel Keyes
Also notes other unsolved murders in vicinity of Keyes's locations
By Katie Groller


ANCHORAGE - Family and friends of murdered teenager Samantha Koenig are turning to the internet to link the man police say killed her – Israel Keyes – to other crimes around the country.

But law enforcement fears a new Facebook page maybe doing more harm than good.

This Facebook page was set up late last month asking, “Have you ever met Israel Keyes?”

On it you'll find pictures – some released by police, some never seen before publicly – of the man police say kidnapped and killed Samantha Koenig on February first of this year.

And while the site does not accuse Keyes outright of other murders, it lists unsolved cases around the country, and puts Keyes’s whereabouts close to the scene of the crime.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said they are aware of the site. They wouldn't comment on camera, but did warn the group to be careful before accusing Keyes of crimes they have no evidence he committed.

Those behind the site also refused to go on camera, but told CBS 11 News they hope to help solve more murders around the country by reaching out with social media.

James Koenig, Samantha’s father, sent KTVA this statement:

"We are wanting to help any and all families that are still looking for their loved ones, or that need closure on knowing who the monster was that tore their families hearts out."

Whether or not that man is Keyes is still in question. The attorney general's office says the site may have a different impact – giving families false hope around the country.

Keyes has been linked by law enforcement sources in Vermont to the murder of a couple there a year earlier, but he has not yet been charged in that case.