Podcast Summary: 20/20 - "Wild Crime: Because They're Mine" | Season 4, Episode 3

Episode Overview

In the third installment of ABC News' "20/20" four-part series, "Wild Crime: Because They're Mine," host Deborah Roberts delves deep into the chilling world of serial killer Israel Keys. This episode uncovers Keys' heinous crimes, his psychological makeup, and the extensive investigation that sought to bring him to justice. Through exclusive interviews, investigative reports, and in-depth coverage, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent history.

1. Introduction to the Case

Deborah Roberts sets the stage by introducing Israel Keys and his confessions to multiple murders. She highlights the shock of discovering that Keys targeted a couple, Bill and Lorraine Currier, which expanded the scope of the investigation.

"We were shocked. I think the initial reaction was a shock that it's a couple that's not a single person, but that it's a couple." [02:15]

2. Israel Keys' Confessions

Israel Keys openly admits to his crimes, detailing his motivations and methods. His willingness to discuss his actions provides significant insights into his psyche.

"I knew I was never getting out. I'm not Bubba from the Styx who sat in one town for all my life. I've been lots of places, I've done lots of things and I'd rather go out while I still have some good memories." [05:30]

Keys expresses a desire for the death penalty, indicating a premeditated acceptance of his fate.

"I have a plan to kill them. He [Keys] has a plan to kill them." [15:45]

3. Investigation and Search for Bill and Lorraine Currier

The disappearance of Bill and Lorraine Currier in Essex, Vermont, becomes a focal point of the investigation. Law enforcement's relentless search efforts are portrayed, emphasizing the challenges faced in locating the missing couple.

Lt. George Murray, leading the investigation, describes the discovery of the farmhouse's demolition as a significant setback.

"To find out that the farmhouse had been demolished, that was just another kind of blow to the investigation." [35:20]

Despite extensive efforts, including the use of cadaver dogs and digging through the state’s only landfill in Coventry, no remains of the couple are found.

"11 weeks, 178 agents, folks from the FBI, special search and hazmat teams looking through 10,000 tons of trash. Hundreds of boots, boots, rakes, and a million dollars later, no remains of the couriers." [45:50]

4. Connection to Samantha Koenig and Julie Harris

The episode explores Israel Keys' involvement in other disappearances, notably Samantha Koenig and Julie Harris. Special Agent Ted Hallo discusses Keys' connections and the implications of his serial killings.

Samantha Koenig

Samantha Koenig's case is highlighted as one of Keys' most publicized crimes. Keys' arrest was a significant breakthrough in solving her disappearance.

"When Keys was 20, he joined the United States Army... He was a really good soldier. He was a good marksman." [55:10]

Julie Harris

Julie Harris' disappearance in 1996 is examined, revealing Keys' potential involvement years before his arrest.

"When I first saw a picture of Israel Keys, I got stomach ache. He was the boy at the pool the summer before she went missing." [60:45]

5. Israel Keys' Psychological Profile

Bob Drew, a member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, provides an in-depth analysis of Keys' personality traits and psychological disorders. Keys exhibits a lack of empathy, sadistic tendencies, and meticulous planning in his crimes.

"Israel Keys has sadistic sexual fantasies that involve rape and murder that are very ingrained in him." [12:30]

Keys' methodical approach, such as orchestrating robberies to cover his murders, demonstrates his manipulative and controlling nature.

"Anytime I was in the room, there were never any lights on. Just your headlamp. Right. It's a way to control the victims because you're blinding them." [20:15]

6. Military Background and Its Influence

Keys' time in the United States Army is scrutinized to understand its impact on his criminal behavior. His military training provided him with skills and discipline that he later perverted for his violent acts.

Special Agent Colleen Sanders reflects on Keys' transformation during his service.

"There's just a lot of stuff that happened when I was in the army that changed my perspective on things... If you wanted to kill somebody, yeah. Because all the stuff I had been so concerned about before didn't really matter that much." [65:50]

Keys' interactions with fellow soldiers reveal his underlying violent intentions and the beginnings of his serial killer persona.

"He started talking about kill kits and running around and doing things that I was uncomfortable with talking about." [70:30]

7. Current Legal Proceedings

The episode covers Keys' current status, detailing his incarceration and the legal proceedings leading up to his trial.

Special Agent Ted Hallo describes Keys' demeanor during court hearings, highlighting his lack of remorse and manipulative behavior.

"He did them for myself. So it's better actually for me to keep them to myself. Because they're mine." [80:10]

Keys' behavior in court, such as fixating on individuals present, underscores his dangerous and unpredictable nature.

"He was staring at her. Made me very uncomfortable." [85:25]

8. Investigation into Additional Victims

Given Keys' extensive travel across North America, the investigation expands to identify potential additional victims. Kat Nelson from the FBI compiles a timeline of Keys' movements, cross-referencing it with missing persons reports.

"He's all over the United States. He's all over Canada, Mexico. It's fairly obvious there were other victims." [90:40]

The team employs strategic methods, such as analyzing airline records, hotel stays, and car rentals, to trace Keys' steps and uncover further atrocities.

9. Israel Keys' Upbringing and Early Signs of Psychopathy

The podcast delves into Keys' early life in Colville, Washington, shedding light on his abusive upbringing and isolation. His parents' extreme religious beliefs and lack of social interaction contributed to his disturbed development.

Jeff, a family acquaintance, recounts Keys' childhood behaviors, including animal torture and setting fires, indicating early signs of his psychopathic tendencies.

"He had no emotion on that. Like it was funny to him." [50:05]

Keys' homeschooling and lack of formal education further alienated him from societal norms, fostering his deep-seated misogyny and violent inclinations.

10. Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

As the episode concludes, Deborah Roberts emphasizes the ongoing efforts to bring closure to the families of Keys' victims and the broader implications of his crimes. The relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement underscores the challenges in apprehending and prosecuting such a heinous criminal.

"How do we solve unsolved murders, get closures to families, and find out the breadth of what he's done? This is the area that we need to concentrate on looking for missing people." [100:00]

The investigation continues, with a focus on preventing future tragedies by understanding and countering the motivations of serial killers like Israel Keys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Deborah Roberts: "We were shocked. I think the initial reaction was a shock that it's a couple that's not a single person, but that it's a couple." [02:15]

• Israel Keys: "I knew I was never getting out. I'm not Bubba from the Styx who sat in one town for all my life." [05:30]

• Bob Drew: "Israel Keys has sadistic sexual fantasies that involve rape and murder that are very ingrained in him." [12:30]

• Special Agent Ted Hallo: "He did them for myself. So it's better actually for me to keep them to myself. Because they're mine." [80:10]

Final Thoughts

"Wild Crime: Because They're Mine" offers a harrowing exploration of Israel Keys' life and crimes. Through meticulous reporting and compelling interviews, Deborah Roberts provides listeners with a detailed narrative of a serial killer's rise and the relentless pursuit to stop him. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in criminal investigations and the profound impact on the victims' families.

For those interested in exploring more cases and gaining further insights, all four seasons of "Wild Crime" are available for streaming on Hulu, alongside other episodes of "20/20."