Friday, May 24, 2013

Home
Israel Keyes' Trial Timeline
Prosecutors and defense attempt to set trial date
By Megan Edge


ANCHORAGE - Almost four months after barista Samantha Koenig went missing, the United States District Court is requesting a hearing to set the trial date for her alleged murderer, Israel Keyes.

Keyes is facing charges of kidnapping resulting in death, receipt and possession of ransom money, and access device fraud. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty for each crime – which could result in the death penalty.

In a federal courtroom last April, Keyes pled not guilty to all charges.

According to court records, after a May 18 phone conference both parties agreed the case was “complex.”

The defense and prosecution have been battling for an approximate trial date. The prosecution is seeking a timely trial within the next 10 months. According to court records, the United States is “mindful of the impact of a lengthy delay on the family members of the victim.”

Keyes’ defense is hoping for a trial date two years from now because the prosecution may pursue the death penalty.