Israel Keyes: The Monster Who Moved to Anchorage

“I’ll tell you everything you want to know. I’ll give it blow by blow if you want. I have lots more stories to tell.”

A monster moved to Anchorage in 2007. Israel Keyes didn’t look evil; he appeared normal. To those who crossed his path, he seemed like a dedicated businessman, a doting father, and a loving boyfriend. No one could see the darkness lurking inside him, but by the time he moved to Alaska, Israel Keyes was already a thief, an arsonist, a rapist, and a serial killer. He did not give up these hobbies when he arrived in Anchorage.

With 2.8 specialty coffee shops per 10,000 people, Anchorage, Alaska has more coffee shops per capita than anywhere else in the U.S., including Seattle. Some of these shops are walk-in establishments, but many are small drive-through shops. The Common Grounds Espresso stand located at 630 East Tudor Road in Anchorage is a small, drive-through shop, measuring eight feet in length and a little more than that in width. Normally, only one employee at a time works at the coffee stand, and customers either drive or walk up to the window to place their orders.

Eighteen-year-old Samantha Koenig was thrilled when she landed a job as a barista at the Common Grounds Espresso coffee stand. It was the perfect job for a friendly, young woman who loved being around people. Her father, however, did not share her enthusiasm. He wasn’t pleased to learn his daughter would be working alone at night, but Samantha pleaded and assured him the stand was equipped…