Sunday, May 19, 2013

News
APD: Body Believed to be Koenig's; Says Killer Behind Bars
By Kirsten Swann


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.