Ep 50. The Keyes To Murder

The Keyes To Murder is the 50th episode in the first season of the true crime series It Takes a Killer. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the twisted mind and crimes of infamous serial killer Israel Keyes.

Israel Keyes was a man who meticulously planned his murders, often traveling across the country and stalking his victims before ultimately killing them. Keyes was able to evade detection for years, taking steps to erase any evidence of his crimes and never sticking to a specific M.O., which made it harder for law enforcement to connect his many murders.

The episode begins by delving into Keyes' early life, including his upbringing and military service. Viewers learn that Keyes had a troubled childhood and that he frequently moved around the country due to his father's work as a pastor. His parents were strict and often punished him physically, which is thought to have contributed to his violent tendencies later in life.

Keyes joined the military in 1998 and was deployed to the Middle East for several years. It was during this time that he reportedly first began to fantasize about committing murder. After leaving the military, Keyes traveled extensively across the country, living in different states and stalking his victims, many of whom he selected at random.

To evade detection, Keyes took extreme precautions. He would bury what he called "murder kits" in different locations across the country, which contained items such as guns, cash, and tools he might need to commit a murder. He also made sure to clean his crime scenes thoroughly, burning or disposing of any evidence.

The episode details several of Keyes' murders, including that of Samantha Koenig, a young barista he kidnapped and brutally killed in Anchorage, Alaska in 2012. Keyes was caught after withdrawing money from Koenig's bank account using her stolen ATM card. During questioning, he confessed to several other murders, including that of 18-year-old Bill and Lorraine Currier, a couple he kidnapped from their home in Vermont in 2011.

Viewers are taken through the investigation and subsequent trial of Keyes, who ultimately committed suicide in his jail cell while awaiting trial. Law enforcement officials are interviewed, giving insight into the difficulties they faced when trying to track down Keyes and connect him to his various murders.

The episode also highlights the impact Keyes' crimes had on the victims' families and communities. Friends and loved ones of the victims speak about their grief and trauma, as well as their desire for justice and closure.

Overall, The Keyes To Murder is a gripping and detailed look at one of the most heinous serial killers in recent history. Viewers are taken through the investigation and given insight into the mind of a killer who was able to evade capture for years. The episode is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the world and the importance of law enforcement and community vigilance in preventing and solving violent crimes.