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Police Explain Why They Won’t Release Video of Koenig AbductionCould be used as evidence in trial; release could taint juryRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - It’s day seven and there’s still no sign of Samantha Koenig. Anchorage police say the 18-year-old barista was kidnapped from Common Grounds Espresso stand in Midtown on February 1. Investigators say they have proof she was abducted, but they refuse to release the surveillance footage and many people are wondering why. Anchorage police say showing the video now would be purely for entertainment, because besides containing evidence that could be used in a courtroom, they say the video shows nothing that would help them solve the crime. It’s surveillance footage everyone wants to see. “Our detectives have gone over those videos frame by frame, slow motion, fast motion, normal speed, everything they could possibly do to make that determination as to who that is,” said Anchorage police spokesperson Lieutenant Dave Parker. But APD is not sharing what it says is proof Samantha Koenig was kidnapped – not even with her family. “We have not seen any surveillance,” said Samantha’s mom Darlene Christiansen. Police say it will not help them solve the crime. “There is an evidentiary nature to those videos that were taken in by these security cameras and they can be used later on in court,” said Parker. “But if we are to present them now it would have the effect of tainting the jury.” While Samantha's family members understand, they still wonder why any image can't be released to prompt someone to step forward to talk. “We just want to see the tape, whatever it is that they are holding back and they feel will taint the jury whatever, fine, hold that back, let us see it, let the public see it,” said Samantha’s aunt. The owners of Common Grounds have seen the footage. It's what prompted them to call for help, and while they say the footage is disturbing, it doesn't show much. “The glimpse that we got from viewing over the internet was enough for us to realize that something happened,” said co-owner Tyler Duncan. “Whoever this is took very obvious and deliberate measures to avoid being captured on video, I can absolutely confirm that, and I do not believe the police have anything hugely substantial to go on.” “Obviously the face of the suspect is not that discernable in those videos and that would be a wonderful thing if we had a photograph of the suspect but we obviously don't have that at this time,” said Parker. Family members say they have no choice but to trust the police to do their job. “I want her home, its just unbelievable, you watch it on TV, you never think it happens to your own child,” said Christiansen. They're also relying on the public's help even if there's no photo or footage to go by. “If anybody has seen anything let APD know as soon as possible,” said Christiansen. Parker says they are trying to keep the family informed, but they have to be careful because if any info went to the wrong person it could blow the whole investigation. As of right now there are dozens of detectives and officers as well as the FBI working the case to find Samantha Koenig and they are following every lead coming their way. They are asking anyone who was on Tudor road that night or in nearby areas who may have seen anything suspicious to call 786-2460. In the meantime there will be a candlelight vigil held for Samantha, Saturday, February 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Delaney Park strip downtown. |
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Erroll Booth said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 10:50 AM
you said it right their, who ever is the person took deliberate measures to avoid being on video, so who ever this person might be must have knowledge of this establishments surveillance. no way of knowing if you're in a blind spot on a camera unless you have seen it and know about its location. isn't their camera's on the surrounding areas to check out or even traffic cams on the intersections. come on and think out side the box and view all angles and start deducing. We all know criminals make criminal thinking errors.
81062329cooljulie said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 11:12 AM
If it was my kid, I'd be WAY less worried about tainting a jury and far more interested in finding my child. Cops are putting procedure ahead of common sense. I'd be willing to bet that given the choice, the parents would far rather have their daughter back alive and well, even if the abductor goes free, than no daughter and a nice neat trial. Somebody, somewhere, knows who this guy is. He already knows he got video taped so what's the difference if he knows it's being shown to the world? If the right person saw the tape, they could identify him.
81063778Don said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 11:53 AM
Just a couple of seconds could help.Maybe someone will see how the perp holds themselves,how they move or turn.I always thought the people came first the perp second.18 year old girl bad guy for a week now,you do the math.
81066357BillyH said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 11:54 AM
I whole heartedly agree with cooljulie. My kid back alive at any cost is better than the trial. Show the tape or give a picture. The police are a limited resource. Use the community that has more eyes and knowledge of the people in the town. I would be furious if I were the parents and tempted to sue.
81066394Donna said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 12:04 PM
That is crazy...What if someone notices something familiar...They are wrong not to release. Is this a cover up?
81067017Grammaof11 said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 1:07 PM
When are they going to involve the FBI in this kidnapping????
81070774erikaak said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 2:12 PM
I think that is crazy ak troopers had video of the guy who broke into the store my daughter and I worked at and us looking at that video helped find who it was just by the way the guy walked and acted. we trained him, saw him move those moves many times, even tho he was covered from viewing his face! it can help! they never even put the pictures or video in the paper or anything so we got hit again in less then a week! this was in august and still never released a pic or video! this guys just keeps hitting places out here and still no pic posted in paper or anything! crazy how they go buy the book for a case not safety. this happened both times 15 minutes before we came in and unlocked!!!!
81074542Concerned Citizen said on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 4:41 PM
It might be a long shot, but don't we have a lot of military satellites that orbit constantly... Maybe the FBI could talk to the CIA/NSA/whatever and see about finding out if there was a satellite over that area at that time...
81082287Becki said on Thursday, Feb 9 at 8:18 AM
If they don't let someone see it, who says it will EVER EVEN GO TO TRAIL!!! There is more information collectivly than any one (or a few) individuals can posess!!!
81110947Disgusted customer said on Thursday, Feb 9 at 6:11 PM
Lets get some lights and security cameras at the fuschia colored coffee shops on the east end of town!!
81143662Cheryl said on Thursday, Feb 9 at 7:15 PM
I feel for the parents about not knowing where their child is. I sure hope the reason the cops aren't showing the footage is because she was not kidnapped and took the money and ran away with her boyfriend. I don't think those coffee houses make that much to run away with. I hope she gets home soon, and safely.
81146637RonAK said on Friday, Feb 10 at 2:24 PM
APD has no clue...release the video for public view...someone may be able to identify the individual where you have failed, it has been a over a week now
81194307coverup? said on Friday, Feb 10 at 6:24 PM
You have to wonder if the Police might be doing a coverup by not releasing the video. Remember the Anchorage Police Department rapists? Maybe they developed a taste for baristas. Otherwise it makes no sense. I often recognize people just by the way they move, even far enough away that I don't see them clearly. APD may not want this guy identified.
81203143lawrence said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 11:32 PM
APD,remeber that fella that was charged with rape the APD cop he said other cops had done it so why is only he being fingered,I bet its a cop rapist who abuded the young lady. they should replace the whole APD force from the Captain on down to the street walker.
81250419AL said on Saturday, Feb 18 at 10:44 AM
I hope she is found,This family needs an attorney to force the police to show the video, to at least the family so they can decide how to handle the veiwing, if the police fail in safteft and neglagence i feel is happening they should be accountable and sued.
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