Prayers and condolences to the family. This is a tragic loss for them.

Here's hoping they strap Mr. Keyes up to ole' smokey and "rehabilitate" him.

If this guy is guilty I hope they execute him. If we started executing all murders who are convicted based on physical evidence maybe these scum would think twice before killing someone. The reason I draw the distinction that the conviction be based on physical evidence is that there have been too many cases where convictions based solely on circumstantial evidence have been overturned. The way the law is today, the average convicted murderer spends less than 20 years in prison. Under a sentence of 25 years to life, which is fairly typical in murder cases, the person is eligible for parole after no more than 18 years and most seem to get parole. This is hardly a fitting punishment when there victims do not get to come back from being dead in 20 years. If you murder someone you should never again get to walk free.

My condolences go out to this poor girls family and friends, may she rest in peace.

I'm with JS. They may not think twice but they won't do it again if they are executed.

If the victim were my family member I'd hope he would get paroled earlier. Can't say why but.....

Sorry, but evidence consistently shows that capital punishment is not a significant deterrent for future criminals. It is inherent in the human psyche to think (if these people stop to think at all) that they will be the one to get away with it. Many just act out of so-called passion, heat of the moment, and don't even stop to think that far into it. If you want to argue for the execution of criminals, that is entirely your right, but do not delude yourself that it is for any greater cause than vengeance. Not saying vengeance may not be enough of a reason for some, but it is vengeance for crimes already committed and will do nothing to stop others in the future.

Saddened, I mostly agree with you. I wouldn't entirely discount the deterrence effect though as there must certainly be among the tens of thousands of murderers some who would, had they not thought otherwise, been more restrained and not committed the murder. It is far more expensive to convict and execute in capital cases too, but I'm not in favor of using cost as a reason to oppose the death penalty (as is the case here in California now).

Some people by their actions have commited acts which are so heinous that a just society can, and should I think, seek measured vengeance in the way of capital punishment for the victims of those crimes. Once executed that person will never harm another person again. And there are many cases of just that happening, where someone convicted of murder has gone on to kill again, or do great harm to other people if not kill them.

Put a lil Crisco on his temple's and hook him up to the ole fry daddy. Cook for 3 minutes.

Saddened -

Vengeance? Maybe. Justice? Maybe. I personally have never bought into the "deterrent" argument - I agree with you that the death penalty is not a deterrent. Dependent upon the crime, however, I argue that it can be appropriate. There are just some things that, in my opinion, rise to that level.

You call it vengeance, I call it justice.

Having said that - the way it is administered is ridiculous and often arbitrary - which is why I actually come down on imposing a moratorium on death penalty cases until the system is repaired.

I agree about your comments concerning those who have not committed murder yet, however capital punishment is 100% effective at ensuring that those who have already done the deed do not get a chance to be paroled and repeat the crime. A person like this is broken, he may eventually be able to learn how to fool a parole board or behavioral health people but he will never be right. The sooner he is removed from the land of the living the better

Capital punishment is not just for vengeance. It is a prevention method. The criminal in question won't ever commit that crime again. Otherwise, what is to stop them from getting back into the "heat of the moment" again?

So let's say it's a fact that capital punishment will not or never will be a deterrent and will only ever be considered as vengeance. If the accused is found guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt and IS executed, the sob will not ever stand the chance of being released from prison to have the opportunity to yet again take another innocent life. IMO that's all the reason in the world we need for using capital punishment. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. You take an innocent life, you forfeit your's.

Well, saddened, we learned that in grade school back in the 50s...at the same time that we learned about recidivism rates! The point of executing them is so they don't repeat. The reason for the justice system is mostly to keep society at large safe and removing obvious threats seems to be the most effective method.

Alaska does not have the Death penalty. He should get life without parole though. Or better yet, Hard labor for life.

I'm pretty sure he will be incarcerated in Washington or Oregon State. In the past Alaska didn't have a state correctional facility. Don't think they have one now.

I have two beautiful daughters,21 and 27. as a father i cry for your child, beautiful one of a kind,and why?

will never no!

Now again as a father this dirt bag sets there,HE MITE BE THERE FOR YEARS!

death to easy.we need a new type of prison ? build the big walls,set up the guards out side the wall!!!

job:don't let anyone out, now throw this sick murderer in.

If they can prove and know for sure, they should fly low over the northern territory and drop him off to a few polar Bears. that would only be fair.

Capital punishment may not be a deterent for future murderers but it sure does prevent anymore any more by the executed killer.

Some very good comments on here. Yes it can be hard to choose what is really best and there are many arguments both ways but when we are sure this is the piece of scum that did the crime then I agree at least we know he won't do it again once he is executed. In the same breath I also agree our system is broken and does need repaired, not just death row but the penal system as a whole (that extends beyond this discussion to include those who are there for reasons they shouldn't be: ie possession of weed). I also think hard labor would be good too when deemed that the inmate can do the work without being a threat to others. No more loitering around the "yard" or lifting weights all the time, make them work while they are there. The for profit system has to go and the cost argument for a death row inmate, clearly there is an issue there as well if it is costing more to execute than to keep in the system for life.

At any rate this is just one more problem and issue that needs to be addressed that the a$$ clowns in DC ignore.

As for this piece of scum, first reaction is find an iced over lake somewhere, cut a hole and throw him in it, but that's not fair to the lake and wouldn't be right since that would take us down to his level. So do the reasonable thing, bullet, gun, done. No eye for eye type deal or making it gruesome or in humane (yes I know about the victim's side and all not trying to overlook that), just kill him and be done with it.

May this poor girl rest in peace now. I hope that her family can now find some closure. You have my deepest sympathies and my condolences.

It is time

Eric, smarts or lack thereof has nothing to do with the enormous amount of predatory crime against females of all ages in the U.S.

At these levels, it's difficult to imagine how U.S. parents today cannot look down at their newborn son and wonder if he will harm others, as so many parents of newborn girls hope to god their daughter will never be a victim of him or so many of those like him.

I feel terrible for the Koenig family, the loss of a child is the worst. My prayers go out to them that they make find some solace in this tragedy/heinous act

The only time I agree with the death penalty being used is if it is obvious the murderer actually did the crime, whether it be from confession, credible witness, video tape, camera, so on... I do think that there should be less then a slap on the hand when you commit a crime, especially in killing someone else, if you don't give them the choice, you shouldn't have the choice either.

For this woman, I feel horrible for her and her family, my prayers and condolences go to them, I hope in getting her body back they can being the long process of healing. It's horrible losing a friend or family member, it's even worse never knowing what happened or having a way for closure. I'm so sorry for their loss.

Didn't he get arrested in Texas for using someone else's bank card? They should try him there. Texas has death penalty (DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!); it will take care of the scumbag for good.

DelFairChild - We do have a State Correctional facility in Alaska, it's in the city of Seward. If you've heard of Robert Hansen, the serial killer that flew prostitutes in his plane to the knik River to release them only to hunt them down and kill them, he was convicted and is serving a life + sentance there. It's unfortunate (in my opinion) that we don't have the death penalty here.

My position on the death penalty for crimes like this, with undisputable evidence? My name says it all.

Good looking girl ....

+

Few would disagree that the people who do these killings should be disassembled almost as quickly as they are found to be guilty. Free, they represent an enormous danger to our citizens as individuals, and to our society as a whole..

Along with such people we should consider what must be done with those who inflame others to kill wantonly in response to uncontrollable rage stirred up -- in sick minds -- by those same professional rabble rousers and merchants of hate.

You would think that the P.O.S. Keyes would tell them what he did with her.

How soon can we put the needle in this guy?

.

I do not see someone committing murder wavering on the issue of "What if I get caught?"

I don't think many murderers calculate getting caught into their moment of violence. For that reason I do not think the difference between a prison sentence of 10 years and execution would enter their mind. To you and I sitting in front of our computers, feeling guilty about not getting the grass mowed or the laundry done, it may be a big difference, but in most cases, not to someone who is in the act of taking another life.

In a population in which the reaching of a destination is more highly valued than the journey, violence is just an optional route, which may be riskier, but still an option. Consider bonuses for intentionally injuring football opponents. Were you supportive of all the public outrage, the headlines, the public pilloring? Do you even know the team involved, the coaches and players, the outcome? Do you even know what to what I'm referring?

Who cares if capital punishment is a deterrent. Life in prison is a waste of money on worthless murderers and rapists. We could be spending this money a lot wiser (not that we will of course, because we entrust a crooked government to do this for us).

"Capitol Punishment" is CERTAINLY a deterrent!!! It ensures that at least ONE homicidal lunatic will be 'deterred' from further acts of homicide...

GreenTimer says: ""Do you even know what to what I'm referring?""

Actually, GreenTimer, I'm afraid that I, along with many others, simply have a difficult time understanding you at all... "What to what" ARE you referring???

The death penalty has no place in a civilized society. Sentences need to be much harsher (and not just for murder), without recurring to the death sentence. There are other sentences that are quite appropriate for certain crimes: a life term without possibility of parole. The inmate has to work to provide for his room and board. If the inmate does not want to work, he/she does not get to eat. Or you may want to parole certain inmates, but not before they have spent 40-50 years in jail and they are in their seventies.

The inmate population would swell, which would require the construction of new jails. So what? Let's put contruction people to work. After the jails are built, let's hire plenty of security personnel. I'm sure there are plenty of army-trained soldiers coming back from Afghanistan who can handle the task. Who's going to pay for all this? The inmates themselves will help defray the cost, by working and selling what they produce.

Angelo, it seems as if even senior citizens released on parole can go out and commit more crimes; I say NO PAROLE and in this man's case dig a prison cell in ice and let hime spend the rest of his life there. NO HEAT allowed, of course.

The death penalty is too good for people like this. Let them rot in jail the rest of their lives with absolutely no hope of ever getting out. There was a dietitian at one prison who came up with a recipe that included all the nutrition a human needs but would gag anybody. That should be all a person like this gets. And no TV, radio, or other entertainment. Just books that describe how vile it is to take a life. There is no point in spending millions and making a celebrity out of someone like this. Make the penalty as abhorrent as possible. The court should choose between rehabilitation and punishment and keep the vile criminals in animal cages that could be washed down with a fire hose with them in it. They should never see the light of day again, or be let out of the cage. That way, giving a person the millions that would have been spent on trying execute them, if they are found innocent, would be no big expense. And they would still be alive. There should be frequent reviews of the cases where people are assigned as animals in case a mistake was made.

Dont screw around in Texas to bad we couldnt hold the trial their then later the immunization..

I think our criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul. First, we need to use jails for those who can be rehabilitated, not waste our hard-earned money on keeping murders alive. Second, jail should consist of 3 items: hard labor, exercise, education. Hard labor to earn their keep and pay restitution, exercise to stay healthy and education so they won't have to return to a life of crime.

Murderers should be kept in separate, smaller prisons. Once tried and convicted of first degree murder, death penalty to be carried out within 90 days. All appeals must be exhausted in that time-frame. Convicted killer can elect to forego the 90 days and be immediately put to death. Caveat: DNA evidence must support that the person on trial is the murderer.

The above systems should reduce our prison populations substantially. No more money wasted on life-long sentences or people returning to prison because they have no skills to get a job. This solution is not perfect, but it is a start to get people talking.

Let criminals who are being rehabilitated man the fire hoses and let them experience the stench of animal living in a cage, with no clothes, toilet, or shower, with only straw bedding and see if they offend again. Rehabilitation should be thorough, with no excuse for a return visit. The money saved abolishing capital punishment and keeping animals that stay forever in their cages, would easily pay to help keep people out of the human zoo.

I think what Green Timer is referring to is the total degeneration of our society as a whole. His reference to the recent scandalous and outrageous bounty system that certain NFL teams had in place in recent years is just an example he is using to point this out. Do you think the founders of football as a sport would have ever endorsed such a barbaric idea? No way ever. They had better respect for them selves and also as much for their opponent knowing how a game they loved their whole life and worked hard endlessly to play at a professional level meant as much to them as well as to the guys across the line. Wealth, power, greed, and the need to win or succeed at any cost has crept into every aspect of our daily lives. Money has corrupted morals and turned us into a nation of greed. What Green Timer is saying is senseless violence has just become another every day occurrence accepted in so many aspects of our daily lives. If I paid someone to injure somebody for me I would expect there to be repercussions yet look at all the posts about these teams that were doing exactly that and see the number of the comments from people that do not see a problem with it. There was a time when most players that injured others had a really hard time dealing with the fact they hurt another player yet today we pay them bonuses for it? Football is violent yes and most players are out to hit each other as hard as they can every play accepted. That is what makes it a cool sport to watch. Do we need to bring money into every corner of our life?

.

@Angelo

The death penalty has no place in a civilized society.

Take a look around.....we are FAR from a 'civilized society'.

This guy has demonstrated that he lacks human dignity and respect, if he is guilty. So why give it to him?

Yes, I know it is a bit extreme, but killing someone shows even less respect for human life.

Place him in the same cell that the one guy that beat a drug dealer to death with a baseball bat for 3 days. He is incarcerated in Alaska for killing his girlfriends drug dealer and killing a black guy for bragging about how the black guy killed his mother. The dude told his cellmate to shut up about killing his mom and he wouldn't so he broke his neck. He says he hate criminals and will keep killing them if he has a chance. Put this guy in the same cell.

Sick Sick man. I hope Samantha did not suffer like Debrah Rehor who was killed by Paul T. Stavenjord in/near Chulitna, Alaska. If quilty I hope this animal gets 198 years just like Stavenjord for the murders of Deborah Rehor and Carl Beery

Stavenjord used to like to play the flute. I hope he and this killer play the skin flute in prison for a long time

Pray...

are you saying it would be less tragic if she were overweight and unattractive? What does her looks have to do with it? Oh yeah, I know. It's men who control the media, and its men who care only about beautiful girls. What kind of woman hater are you, marinemom? I assume you are a marine, and that mom stands for "Me Only.care.about.hot.woMen" Ugggh. yucko.

Hey Stoopid - get a grip. Reread marinemom's post without your tainted hate-glasses on and see that the comments were purely innocent. Let's play nice, shall we?

I'm with you Jennifer - nicely done

Stoopid - living up to your name, I see. Marinemom's first two statements are stand alone truths and are not dependent on each other. The leap of logic you make in your post is, well... stoopid.

I think every girl is beautiful some more then others and what marinemom said I couldn't have said it any better, to see such a beautiful girl with so much promise a head of her be taken by such a piece of defication is something I have a hard time handling but what marinemom said was very respectful and in no way shape or form deserve a comment like yours stupid (stoopid). If you want to defend all the over weight girls of this world then lets start off by being fair and say in most cases not all over weight is totally controllable and what makes it impossible is lack of control and lazyness so stoopid I am right there with you on defending those that are over weight as long as their over weight has nothing to do with them being lazy and not able to control their food intake but I don't think any girl is ugly I love them all just that this girl was very much better looking then most.

I have two beautiful daughters,21 and 27. as a father i cry for your child, beautiful one of a kind,and why?

will never no!

Now again as a father this dirt bag sets there,HE MITE BE THERE FOR YEARS!

death to easy.we need a new type of prison ? build the big walls,set up the guards out side the wall!!!

job:don't let anyone out, now throw this sick murderer in.

Poor stoopid, been smoking to much (weed). Bless this family Lord and take care of of them. Let justice be done.

I come back here, eyes diverted to the ground. I am quite embarrassed at the thoughtless words I have uttered. All of your teaching comments are well received. I promise to become a better newsviner, and better person. Thank you all for the interest you have taken in me, to help raise me up from my childish behavior. I owe each of you a debt I cannot repay. I am currently writing a ballad to express my feelings in art; though you won't likely hear it, I hope some of you can be proud of me. I am looking into adopting an orphan child, and am drawing up plans to create a trust fund to provide educational opportunities for others. Thank you once more.

I agree. if she was ugly, i wouldn't care.

Drugs have nothing to do with this. Hes a criminal and a psycho.

Some criminals and murderers drink booze, you going to rail on booze because of it? And blame their crime on booze?

Booze is not as bad as meth.

I second that...most of the population can handle alcohol, and don't commit crimes to feed their habit.

A meth addict?? YOU must be on crack to come up with that!

First impressions are often misconstrued, and you're first impression is completly biased and slanted toward what YOU WANT TO HEAR..

Listen to the facts, hear the story.. Sociopaths are crazy and independent.. Sometimes drugs, sometimes other things.. This guy was merely a sick individual with no feelings for anybody.

not saying he isn't a crack addict, but why do you say this? We can't see his teeth and he doesn't have sores on his face like normal crack addicts do...(I use to work in the system) he looks clean and well kept.

Hey Wm. Sanders you sure don't much about alcohol. You must be an alky in denial. The volume of destructive alkys for excedes methheads in physical injuries, health problems, murder by auto. This is because of the incredible number of drunks who think can handle it is in the 10s of millions. Your statement about alcohol is ignorance to it's highest degree.

I agree meth is as bad as it can get in the drug, ruins many lives in the USA, but the damage caused by alcohol to the USA far exceeds that of meth.

That is in poor taste

Hey Wm. Sanders you sure don't much about alcohol. You must be an alky in denial.

And you know this...how? (FYI, I hardly drink).

There are examples of people who have too much to drink. But by and large, the majority of the population drinks in moderation, and don't turn their homes into toxic waste sites for some of the "hair of the dog", or rob people for their next fix.

Oh, and please be considerate about who you call ignorant...there is that CoH thing. Other people are a lot less forgiving.

** **** Bristol, that was just unnecessary race baiting. Why go there? Why rile people up for no good reason whatsoever? When you are the first person to bring race into the discussion, chances are you are the one a little too preoccupied with it. There are cases where race is clearly an issue (Trayvon Martin) and there are cases where it is not (the case at hand). When it is an issue, you have every right to raise your voice and shout to the mountains and I'll be right there with you. When it is not an issue, you're just a troll to try to make it one. What exactly was your point?

Saddened, Bristol is a well-known troll. Ignore him.

Simmer down a bit, people, and do not use your own petty differences and idiosyncrasies to push your personal agendas on this blog, when an innocent person was murdered by a psycho and a family is grieving. Open you own site, or get a life.

So Wm Sanders

If alcohol is not very harmful then was is it illegal in about half or more of Alaska'a communities. Thousands are killed in Alaska everyyear due to alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, taking a depressant in that envirorment is extremely dangerous. It is a fact that many suicides and death to loved ones occur often in Alaska and elsewhere due to alcohol. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs along with about the only one that can kill you from detox

Saddened when or why is race an issue? Is it an issue just because you say it is? Everyone has a right to comment just like your ignorance claiming race was an or the issue in the Martin case. It is not an issue just because you say it is, some would say you are the racist for even bringing it up(Martin). Unlike you have posted many times, Zimmerman was not told Not to follow him, he did not say "effing coon"(it was punk) and it may have been Zimmerman calling out for help. The so called voice experts are no experts, one use a voice to text program(Easy Voice) and the other listened to it(human analysis) By the way Bristol is a troll and I don't agree with it(he/she)

This white on white crime must stop at once!

@ Bristol, yes, as soon Sharpton and Jackson start condemning black on black murders instead of picking and choosing their racist rants and rallies. BTW, you look like you'd bang anything that's dead or alive..

Human Beings require sunlight. It signals the release of chemicals that regulate mood, sleep, metabolisim and other vital mechainsms. The use of alcohol is a method of self medication. It is critically important that people living in these climates are aware of the damaging effects of the long periods of darkness. There is a reason for the rates of alcoholism and depression. I am very sorry for this young woman and her family. The murderer deserves punishment to the fullest extent allowed, however, simply doing this does nothing to prevent further tragedies. Underlying causes need to be addressed.

So who condemns white on white murders? Rush Limbaugh? Glenn Beck? David Duke? Sharpton and Jackson condemns black on black crime all the time (just because you don't know how to Google their past accomplishments doesn't mean they haven't done exactly as you claimed they havent), but where's the white outcry for all the crimes endemic of your own community?

Yeah, another case of Missing White Girl syndrome, and it is sad how someone so young, pretty, and staggeringly white can be taken from us so soon. Its just so unfair that Samantha is gone when her life held so much promise. There's nothing to find in her background that could ever possibly excuse such a terrible crime committed against her.

Trayvon, on the other hand, probably deserved everything he got because you know how "those people" are. Afterall, he did pose for a camera once like a gangsta, which means he was probably the biggest drug dealer since Johnny Depp in that one movie ("Blow")... did I say Johnny Depp? I meant Denzel Washington (come on, its not like white people do drugs statistically on average at the same rates as everyone else). For all we know it wasn't even Zimmerman's gun; it was probably Martin's gun to begin with and he only planted it on Zimmerman to make people think black people are never the victims of crime.

But I digress, poor missing white girl...

(P.S. Seriously, this Samantha Koenig murder IS sad, and she does deserve some peace and justice. But then again so does EVERY victim of violence. Just because one is conditioned to fear and despise whole groups of people for 19th Century race-blending myths and customs doesn't mean those people are fair game to ridicule or deserving of apathy when they become victims too. Either we're all the same, or you're just a jackass for picking and choosing who is worthy to mourn.)

1. lol, Bristol's comment was funny. Why is everyone so uptight?

2. How did that guy lure that girl anywhere with him? He even looks terrifying!

3. What is that on her bandana? Pot leaves? lol.

Mule's Brother - I am right there with you. As a victim of domestic violence, brought on by alcohol, I know only too well the effects that alcohol can have on someone. Anyone that says alcohol is not as "bad" or as addictive as meth, or crack, has absolutely no idea what they are talking about. It is more widely acceptable to drink, but that doesn't make it any less addictive or dangerous.

I'm here commenting just like everone else. Some of you morons get mad and say I'm a troll. If I troll then we all troll. Get a life!

If he's guilty he deserves to be hanged in public with those in juvenile detention forced to watch what they are headed for unless they change

Not solitary - put him in general population and let him get ripped apart by the other animals in there.

Zeke, what would qualify this murderer for solitary confinement? Why is he different than any other convict? (We are assuming he is guilty, although it doesn't look good for him).

Solitary confinement, bread and water and castration so he can't enjoy himself and just leave a nice rusty dull blade in his cell. Hell with being humane. Lethal injection is too easy.

Agreed! I've always said murderers should die the same way they murdered....and at the hands of the closest family member!

Law-abiding American taxpayers can't afford the two million men in prison now. Yet, our culture and society keep cranking out guys like this off a broken assembly line. The U.S. better finally implement some early childhood psych intervention or these vermin will wipe out all the decent folk. So many lives are destroyed by these men, families forever broken, parents despondent over the death of their child. No other developed nation has these levels of male violence and predation. They are a killing machine, nothing more.

After he got caught using the credit cards, he may have told where he dumped the body. He was stupid enough to get tracked using them, so he probably wanted the "fame" of the murder.

There's so much talk about death penalty not working. The thing is, 25 years on death row is not a deterrant. Give them the trial, with all evidence making it clear that "that person is the perpetrator", and when the death penalty is given, take them right out on the courthouse steps and hang them. The only way the death penalty is so much more expensive than life in prison is that it takes that 25 years to get er done!

Patricia,

The problem with your solution is that you would be killing dozens if not hundreds of innocent people. Over 130 people have been taken off death row since 1976. What if it was your son who was falsely accused by eye witnesses? Wouldn't you be grateful for having DNA evidence a chance to prove it wasn't him?

Hence why now would be a good starting time to implement those actions.....if we have DNA evidence to proove such actions why not stop adding to the over crouded situation in the prison system and get rid of the murderers and child molesters/rapists as they get brought in and PROOVED (by DNA evidence) and found guily by the court.

Yes, I didn't think they'd find her alive, but at least the family knows now. That must be the worst, not knowing.

I agree - I didn't expect to hear a happy ending to this one, but for the family I sure was hoping for a miracle. Heartbreaking. And tho it may not ease their grief now, they have closure. Not knowing must be terrible...

Let alone how badly it can complicate a prosecution. You might remember the Utah guy who just killed his two kids and burned the house down. If they had been able to find his missing wife in the two years since he went "camping" in single digit weather, he would have been arrested and convicted long before he could have slain his children in such horrific fashion.

I can relate. My younger sister disappeared almost 21 years ago and has not been found to date. The primary suspect committed suicide about a week later when the investigation started closing in on him. He didn't provide any information about her whereabouts before his demise. The police told our family that we received the ultimate justice when he took his life. They were wrong. I have told them multiple times over the years my biggest regret is I didn't beat that sob until he surrendered the information. Of course then they would have arrested me! What justice? As far as I am concerned he took the cowards way out. My heart and prayers go out to the Koenig family.

...how to comprehend a murdering person's behaviors when they're even comtemplating doing such a thing to anyone is impossible for me...when one takes that 'thought' and acts on it without any justifiable life-threating provocation, they deserve no understanding; only swift action ending their opportunity to think, act or live at all any longer....

the best self-defense for a a woman is a small caliber "purse pistol"

A missing person is always a terrible trial for friends and family. It is equally horrific for them to now have to deal with being forever separated from her particularly in such a violent way. I am very sorry for their loss and fhe loss of this beautiful young woman. RIP.

It definitely costs more to execute someone than to keep them in prison for life. I'm not opposed to capital punishment, but I also understand the upside and downside. This guy def. deserves the needle for what he did to that poor girl AND her family.

Beware the evil one walks amongst us!!

Your point about human monsters is so right. One of these monsters strangled and beat my sister 14 years ago. Her children awoke to this monster killing their mother. Myself and my family have never fully gotten over this loss. She was my sister and my best friend. Now, this monster should have done life in prison, right? Oh, no, the state attorney here in Iowa decided to allow a plea bargain and the monster managed to get just a 15 year sentence, in which he was done in 7. Now, the only reason this monster still walks among us, is so that the financial restitution to her kids can be paid. He now owns property in Mo. and his neighbors have no idea that this monster killed, murdered my sister! The only justice I can someday count on is from God above. I have trouble getting an attorney help me sue for back child support since I raised the monster's kid!!! There is no justice here, at least not for me and my family. So, now everytime I hear about another young soul taken too early by a monster, I pray for their family and pray that maybe they will get justice!!

KJinttheQC, I sympathize. I do not know what goes through the mind of some law enforcement officials when they allow the accused the plead out to a lesser charge in such a case, which by your description should have been easy enough to prosecute.

Unfortunately, all law enforcement is done through agencies run by humans, and while most of us are not monsters, many fall a couple of yards short of the goal line in terms of competence in their chose professions.

I hope somehow you can find a way to put your pain and anger behind you, but I do not know if I could.

Only if you watch Alaska State Troopers.

Do you keep hitting the arrow up button to like your own post? I only ask because I've done that accidentally on my posts, but in your case, I don't think anyone would like your posts other than you.

Greg,

You have a right to free speech...now why not use it as if you had a brain to go with it.

I agree that Greg's post comes off as tasteless and inappropriate as a comment to this story.

However, my interpretation of his comment is that he is equating the claim of "self defense" by George Zimmerman in the killing of Treyvon Martin. Greg is making a point that the killer of this innocent victim turning around and claiming "self defense" is just as ludicrous as the claim made by Zimmerman.

I, myself, think the connection tenuous at best, but his comment isn't as "stupid" as many posters think.

@LordPyrinc, I do not consider Greg's comment out of line at all. I think his intent is to provoke conversation. He is not demeaning this crime. He is suggesting that the killing in Florida is no more justifiable than this crime in Alaska. Why are we so afraid of ideas different than our own?

We are not discussing the crim in Florida. There's too much notarity in the case of Zimmerman v Martin.

The media has blown that case up beyond belief.

I'm in Ohio, and I have been following the case, too, from the beginning. I know several folks in Alaska, and it's been a terrible winter, weatherwise and otherwise, for them all. The stress of this kidnapping had to play on everyone's nerves. For those who haven't been following this story, you might want to google it, and get more details. Many uninformed posters on this vine should get the information, that was not provided by MSNBC: such as--the lady did fight back when she was kidnapped; there is surveillance tape; the search for her has been steadily ongoing; Anchorage is a very modern city; etc. It's not a bunch of backwoods igloo dwellers.

Local people pulled together in support of the family and searched as best they could. I was very saddened (but not really surprised) by the discovery. Many condolences to the family and friends of Samantha.

As far as the monster who did this to her, I hope the Alaskans get their chance to give him the justice he deserves.

(Lastly, a number of trolls can be found on almost all parts of the vine. To delete or collapse them for violating the Code of Honor (or just being a troll), the little arrow/exclamation box at the bottom of every post is available. Click on the exclamation mark and pull down to the applicable statement. The moderator will handle the problem from there.)

Denny, I know the police need to take care of business and a lot of times it requires that they do not release information but in this case I believe you are right. A little more information to the public would have been helpful.

Maybe they were concerned that if he still had her alive and in custody, the plastering of his face everywhere would entice him to just kill the girl right off in fear....Not a GOOD reason but maybe a reason they police decided to go with nonetheless.... My utter condolences to her family. I really think pepper spray should be given to all employees that have to close up shop. Just saying...

Denny, I think the decision to withhold the video was was sound. The concluded that the harm to the family was not worth the exposure. There was probably little to be gained from seeing the actual crime. We do not always need to see the last minutes of someone's life...

Many of us suggested photographic "stills" from the video be used to help identify the abductor. APD (Anchorage Police Dept.) may still take a lot of heat over their refusal to do so and help identify the abductor. At this point it is not known definitively how long Samantha was alive after she was abducted.

APD's description of the abductor as "armed" and "significantly taller" than Samantha did absolutely nothing in allowing us--the public--to assist in IDing the guy, which is what APD was pleading for. APD was being too cute by half, many of us feel, by refusing to release images (or the video tape) of the guy.

Regardless, a young lady has been murdered. That's the ultimate tragedy.

hmd28:

Hornet or wasp spray is much more affective than pepper spray and it's readily available over the counter. It's a sure shot from about 20-25 feet away and will effectively disable the perp. so no need to be up close as is required with pepper spray. I read about this on the internet. Just thought I'd pass it along.

Careful Bob; Your last sentence could cheat many attorneys out of their fees!!

She was a barista, a coffee brewer/crafter, i.e. the people at Starbucks who make your coffee drinks.

FYI, there is a coffee shack on just about every other block in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Most baristas are young women, and they work singly or in pairs.

These companys should really provide better safety training for their employees. Pepper spray is what...5 bucks? I understand panic buttons being pricey...but at least train employees to recognize potetionally dangerous situations...crisis pervention...Gas stations...convenience stores...these are always the folks that get targeted. I wish we valued people over products these days.

I have a niece here in Anchorage who worked in one of those coffe stands and she dealt with alot of harassment from male customers. And with the amount of darkness here in the winters, it makes that job a dangerous one for a young girl to be doing alone.

Baristas then should not work or travel alone. They should always be in pairs for greater safety. And I agree with the article is that self-defense courses should be manditory for baristas and, for that matter, other women who work in any kind of business.

Rich ha....She was an 18 year old woman..with a job..might have been working her way through school or working while she figured out what she wanted to do. She was an 18 year old woman that was a daughter and/or sister. "Just a server" ? Is she not as important as a stockbroker or Carpenter? I hope you are not implying that.

A ridiculous comment, Bondoo-doo.

You are right about the pot headband, but really, I don't think that liking weed should be punished by death. She didn't deserve to have her life taken. Maybe the perp was looking for money for his habit, if he has one, but I think this was probably a random crime. She may have been targeted because she was working alone, and it was easier for him to commit the crime. It is sad for the family involved and also for the entire community.

So Bondoo... What are you suggesting? That because she wore a headband (and you have no idea of the context in which she's wearing this - not that it matters, anyway) with pot leaves on it she deserved to be abducted and killed?

I think Bondoo was just making a connection with the hoodie Trayvon was wearing. I may be wrong but that is my take on it.

I live in Juneau, Alaska and I, unfortunately, have to agree with you George. The law here tends to "baby" their criminals while making life hell for the victims. They are so busy "protecting" the rights of the bad people, that the good people of Alaska get their rights trampled on. I hope that Samantha's family, friends and co-workers find some peace knowing that she was found. We need to bring back and enforce the death penalty in the State of Alaska!! Samantha was taken in violence, now I pray that she Rests in Peace.

Unfortunately Alaska does not have the death penalty. I agree with you 100% , I would have to lean a little further to the extreme though, I dislike the fact that we have to make treat these guys as humane as we do in putting them to death. I would be curious to know if the death penalty was made to be a lot more painful and was expedited if that would deter more people like Mr Keyes.

He was armed with a gun Rob.

I mean all I have is a picture but i doubt that crazy was professionally trained with that gun. If she was going to end up in the lake anyways, at least she had a better shot disarming him or getting away.

I am a single Mom with 2 young girls...martial arts sound like a good idea for all 3 of us! There are 2 excellent books on the issue of protecting ourselves from these predators..both by Gavin DeBecker. The Gift of Fear........ and for parents....Protecting the Gift. What I took away from these books is that fear IS a gift, and we as woman have been socialized to be nice and ignore our in sense that something is not quite right, to our own detriment. The 2nd point that stuck with me is that it is paramount that you do everything in your power to not give someone who is trying to harm you privacy....never let them take you to another location. If they are trying to grab you and take you somewhere they are going to probably kill you when they are done....so fight for your life right there! There is a chance you might get hurt, but there is also a chance that they might give up, or someone will see you need help. It is tragic and this young woman is not to blame in any way, but I wouldn't want my daughters to work in such a place....too isolated. My condolences to the family their pain is unimaginable.

Sorry to burst your bubble ROB898687, but ju jitsu, muy thai, and most others SPORTS self defense arts are USELESS against a gun, knife, crowbar, insane lunatic. When the rules are thrown out the window your kids will find out they can't defend themselves and you will realize you have instilled a false sense of security for them. Seek NON SPORT COMBAT SCHOOLS that address the real issues.

After posting this senseless message once already, didn't think you would be dumb enough to post the same thing again...I was wrong.

to "Republicans or Just Plain Greedy": How do you know this creep is a meth addict? By what he did or by how he looks?

I agree Stonepipe.

My question is this - was Keyes a regular, or even a semi-regular at her store? If he was, there would have been no cause for her to suspect him untill the gun was pointed at her, then it would have been too late to pull her own. You can't point a gun at everyone who comes into the store - you won't have customers. That is the inherent disadvantage of law abiding citizens.....by the time you know something is wrong, it is usually too late.

Deb-if you have a over the shoulder purse, say "wait, I have money" and you get the purse aimed at him and you shoot through the purse! You can get a new purse, he can't get a new head. Besides, listen to the voice in your head. Few people are really good at masking what they are.