I Wish You Were Here – Episode 19

“He Hunted in Silence: The Story of Israel Keyes”

Host: Michelle Cuervo
Release Date: October 16, 2025

Overview

This episode explores the disturbing and chilling life of Israel Keyes, a methodical and enigmatic American serial killer. Michelle Cuervo walks listeners through Keyes’ background, his calculated crimes, the abduction and murder of Samantha Koenig, and the years Keyes eluded police while living a double life as a family man. The episode delves into what makes Keyes one of the most unsettling murderers in recent American history, highlighting the sheer randomness and meticulous planning behind his crimes, and the deep offense the case causes even seasoned true crime followers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michelle’s Approach and the Tone of the Episode

Michelle sets the stage expressing dread and anger about Keyes:

“There’s not a word in the English language that could amount to the kind of person that this guy is in the most horrible way you can think of.” (00:11)
She recognizes the gruesomeness and psychological horror the case presents, warning listeners of the unsettling content.

2. The Kidnapping of Samantha Koenig

Timestamp: 02:22–11:55

Setting: Anchorage, Alaska, February 1st, 2012.
Samantha, 18, works alone at the Common Grounds coffee kiosk. Keyes attacks just before closing, using a gun to force her compliance.
Chilling Tactics:

“He was wearing a hoodie and he had it up. I think he was wearing a mask as well. And he was now pointing a gun straight at Samantha.” (03:32)
Samantha tries to escape after slipping her zip ties but is caught and recaptured.
Michelle highlights the calculated nature:

“To Israel Keyes, it was never about who. It was always about where.” (08:28)
Keyes had watched the location, targeting a spot where one lone, defenseless employee would be easy to overpower.
Control is his defining psychological trait.

“...control was still the number one thing that gave him the rush of adrenaline that he very much craved.” (10:36)

3. Keyes’ Early Life and Disturbing Beginnings

Timestamp: 11:55–24:35

Grew up in a reclusive, off-grid Mormon family later leaving the church; lived in isolation with little contact outside family.
From young, he was used to hunting and killing:

“He himself actually, in his own words, has described himself as someone who hunted, ‘anything with a heartbeat.’” (15:30)
Early displays of depravity, stealing guns, breaking into houses by age 14.
Realized his disturbing impulses were not normal, so became secretive:

“I’ve known since I was 14 that the things I thought were normal and okay, no one else seemed to think that they were normal and okay. So that’s when I just started being a loner.” (18:05, quoting Keyes)
Left home at 18 after a religious rift, became fascinated by Satanism and ritualistic murder.

4. First Attempt – The Deschutes River Assault

Timestamp: 24:36–29:26

First known violent act: attempted abduction and assault of a teenage girl by the river in Oregon.
The girl survived by talking calmly and appealing to his humanity, causing him to let her go—a failure Keyes swore never to repeat:

“I was too timid. I was not violent enough. I made up my mind I was never going to let that happen again.” (29:05, quoting Keyes)
The assault was never reported to the police.

5. Adult Life and Methodical Evolution

Timestamp: 29:30–42:30

Enlisted in the Army (1998–2001): Showed few signs of deep trouble. Had a girlfriend and a daughter.
After discharge, moved to Washington, then to Alaska later. Lived seemingly normal life—a father and partner—but developed elaborate plans for killing.
Methods: No victim type, killed unpredictably, and in different states to avoid detection.
Created ‘kill kits’, buckets buried years in advance with weapons, tools, cleaning supplies, disguises, and cash—highlighting his meticulous forethought.
Funded this double life through bank robberies.

6. Murders Across the U.S.

Timestamp: 42:31–51:46

First known murder in 2001. Killed alone and couples, often disposing of bodies in lakes, weighed down.
2011: Murder of Bill and Lorraine Currier in Vermont.
Keyes broke into their home, abducted and murdered them, then attempted to erase identifiers using drain cleaner. Bodies left in a farmhouse.
Michelle points out the alarming switch between gruesome acts and returning to domestic normalcy:

“Come back home and tuck his daughter into bed, which is actually insanity.” (49:02)

7. The Final Crime and Downfall

Timestamp: 51:47–1:04:18

In 2012, Keyes breaks his own rules, killing in his hometown Anchorage (Samantha Koenig).
He kidnaps Samantha, then leaves her body in a shed while vacationing with his girlfriend and daughter on a cruise.
Post-crime, Keyes sends staged texts from Samantha’s phone, tries ransom—prompting immediate suspicion among her family.
The “proof of life” photo was fabricated:
- Keyes groomed her corpse, sewed her eyes open with fishing line, used makeup, and posed her with a current newspaper.
  
  “He sewed her eyelids open with fishing line to make it look like she was still alive.” (1:01:47)
While authorities followed his use of Samantha’s ATM card, CCTV captured not only his disguised face but also his unique white Ford Focus, leading to his capture in Texas.

8. Arrest, Interrogation, and Confession

Timestamp: 1:04:20–1:15:22

Arrested in Texas after being tailed and pulled over for a minor traffic infraction.
During interrogation, he toys with police, exchanging facts for small rewards (coffee, snacks, cigars).

“For every piece of information that he gave, he wanted them to give him something in return.” (1:07:55)
Confesses to Samantha’s murder; graphically describes sewing her eyes open and post-mortem dismemberment.
Nonchalantly fished in the lake immediately after discarding her remains.

“Immediately after dumping human remains... he went fishing. Like, I’m talking immediately after.” (1:11:24)
Bargained for his name to be kept out of the press to protect his daughter from learning of his crimes—a condition police could not uphold.
After his name was revealed, he ceased cooperation.

9. Death and Lingering Mysteries

Timestamp: 1:15:23–end

On December 2, 2012, Keyes died by suicide in his cell, leaving a cryptic note with 11 blood-drawn skulls.

“He wrote it with his own blood. It was 11 skulls drawn with his own blood labeled ‘We Are One.’” (1:16:20)
Some investigators believe his true victim count is likely higher, but the actual number is uncertain.
“We won’t ever really know for sure how many victims he had.” (1:17:10)

Notable Quotes

On Keyes’ mindset:

“To Israel Keyes, it was never about who. It was always about where.” (08:28)
Chilling self-description:

“I’ve known since I was 14 that the things I thought were normal and okay, no one else seemed to think that they were normal and okay.” (18:05, quoting Keyes)
After his first failed attack:

“I made up my mind I was never going to let that happen again.” (29:05, quoting Keyes)
On his calculated crimes:

“He created these kill kits. There were buckets filled with anything he could possibly need...” (40:10)
Samantha’s staged photo:

“He sewed her eyelids open with fishing line to make it look like she was still alive.” (1:01:47)
Michelle on Keyes’ dual life:

“It does not. It never fails to blow my mind how people like him can basically turn a switch on and off – serial killer mode and then normal family guy mode. It’s sickening.” (58:16)

Most Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Michelle’s visceral response to Keyes’ evil: (00:11)
Description of the Common Grounds abduction and Samantha’s escape attempt: (04:55–06:55)
Keyes as a methodical planner and the introduction of “kill kits”: (39:48)
Vivid narration of the staged photo and its effect on Samantha’s loved ones: (59:46–1:02:47)
ATMs and car surveillance leading to Keyes’ capture: (1:03:25–1:05:10)
Chilling description of post-murder meal with his family: (1:11:24)
Israel’s cryptic suicide note and the enduring uncertainty about his crimes: (1:16:20–1:17:10)

Final Thoughts

Michelle ends in her signature empathetic, conversational tone, reflecting on the horror for the victims and their families, the frustration for investigators, and the enduring sense of the unanswered. She invites discussion and expresses her own lingering discomfort:

“It’s so vile. For days throughout this questioning... Israel played games with the police. He was trying to bargain with them to tell his many stories of his many victims on his terms.” (1:12:25)

For Listeners: Why This Case Still Haunts

Israel Keyes’ unprecedented planning, lack of motive, and methodical randomness set him apart in the annals of crime.
His ability to hide behind a mundane life while orchestrating horror remains chilling.
The suffering of his victims’ families is compounded by the enduring uncertainty he left behind.

Episode Navigation & Important Timestamps

Host Intro & Keyes’ Dreadful Persona: 00:00–02:22
Koenig Case Walkthrough: 02:22–11:55
Keyes’ Upbringing & Early Crimes: 11:55–24:35
First Known Attempted Murder: 24:36–29:26
Evolution into Serial Killer: 29:30–51:46
Samantha Koenig and Downfall: 51:47–1:04:18
Arrest & Interrogation: 1:04:20–1:15:22
Death & Aftermath: 1:15:23–end

Note: The episode omits speculation and focuses intensively on Keyes’ psychology, methodology, and the deep sense of loss and perplexity left for all touched by his crimes.
Michelle’s conversational, raw delivery draws attention to the emotional toll, while also doing justice to the detail and complexities of the case.

I Wish You Were Here – Episode 19

“He Hunted in Silence: The Story of Israel Keyes”

Host: Michelle Cuervo
Release Date: October 16, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michelle’s Approach and the Tone of the Episode

Michelle sets the stage expressing dread and anger about Keyes:

“There’s not a word in the English language that could amount to the kind of person that this guy is in the most horrible way you can think of.” (00:11)
She recognizes the gruesomeness and psychological horror the case presents, warning listeners of the unsettling content.

2. The Kidnapping of Samantha Koenig

Timestamp: 02:22–11:55

Setting: Anchorage, Alaska, February 1st, 2012.
Samantha, 18, works alone at the Common Grounds coffee kiosk. Keyes attacks just before closing, using a gun to force her compliance.
Chilling Tactics:

“He was wearing a hoodie and he had it up. I think he was wearing a mask as well. And he was now pointing a gun straight at Samantha.” (03:32)
Samantha tries to escape after slipping her zip ties but is caught and recaptured.
Michelle highlights the calculated nature:

“To Israel Keyes, it was never about who. It was always about where.” (08:28)
Keyes had watched the location, targeting a spot where one lone, defenseless employee would be easy to overpower.
Control is his defining psychological trait.

“...control was still the number one thing that gave him the rush of adrenaline that he very much craved.” (10:36)

3. Keyes’ Early Life and Disturbing Beginnings

Timestamp: 11:55–24:35

Grew up in a reclusive, off-grid Mormon family later leaving the church; lived in isolation with little contact outside family.
From young, he was used to hunting and killing:

“He himself actually, in his own words, has described himself as someone who hunted, ‘anything with a heartbeat.’” (15:30)
Early displays of depravity, stealing guns, breaking into houses by age 14.
Realized his disturbing impulses were not normal, so became secretive:

“I’ve known since I was 14 that the things I thought were normal and okay, no one else seemed to think that they were normal and okay. So that’s when I just started being a loner.” (18:05, quoting Keyes)
Left home at 18 after a religious rift, became fascinated by Satanism and ritualistic murder.

4. First Attempt – The Deschutes River Assault

Timestamp: 24:36–29:26

First known violent act: attempted abduction and assault of a teenage girl by the river in Oregon.
The girl survived by talking calmly and appealing to his humanity, causing him to let her go—a failure Keyes swore never to repeat:

“I was too timid. I was not violent enough. I made up my mind I was never going to let that happen again.” (29:05, quoting Keyes)
The assault was never reported to the police.

5. Adult Life and Methodical Evolution

Timestamp: 29:30–42:30

Enlisted in the Army (1998–2001): Showed few signs of deep trouble. Had a girlfriend and a daughter.
After discharge, moved to Washington, then to Alaska later. Lived seemingly normal life—a father and partner—but developed elaborate plans for killing.
Methods: No victim type, killed unpredictably, and in different states to avoid detection.
Created ‘kill kits’, buckets buried years in advance with weapons, tools, cleaning supplies, disguises, and cash—highlighting his meticulous forethought.
Funded this double life through bank robberies.

6. Murders Across the U.S.

Timestamp: 42:31–51:46

First known murder in 2001. Killed alone and couples, often disposing of bodies in lakes, weighed down.
2011: Murder of Bill and Lorraine Currier in Vermont.
Keyes broke into their home, abducted and murdered them, then attempted to erase identifiers using drain cleaner. Bodies left in a farmhouse.
Michelle points out the alarming switch between gruesome acts and returning to domestic normalcy:

“Come back home and tuck his daughter into bed, which is actually insanity.” (49:02)

7. The Final Crime and Downfall

Timestamp: 51:47–1:04:18

In 2012, Keyes breaks his own rules, killing in his hometown Anchorage (Samantha Koenig).
He kidnaps Samantha, then leaves her body in a shed while vacationing with his girlfriend and daughter on a cruise.
Post-crime, Keyes sends staged texts from Samantha’s phone, tries ransom—prompting immediate suspicion among her family.
The “proof of life” photo was fabricated:
- Keyes groomed her corpse, sewed her eyes open with fishing line, used makeup, and posed her with a current newspaper.
  
  “He sewed her eyelids open with fishing line to make it look like she was still alive.” (1:01:47)
While authorities followed his use of Samantha’s ATM card, CCTV captured not only his disguised face but also his unique white Ford Focus, leading to his capture in Texas.

8. Arrest, Interrogation, and Confession

Timestamp: 1:04:20–1:15:22

Arrested in Texas after being tailed and pulled over for a minor traffic infraction.
During interrogation, he toys with police, exchanging facts for small rewards (coffee, snacks, cigars).

“For every piece of information that he gave, he wanted them to give him something in return.” (1:07:55)
Confesses to Samantha’s murder; graphically describes sewing her eyes open and post-mortem dismemberment.
Nonchalantly fished in the lake immediately after discarding her remains.

“Immediately after dumping human remains... he went fishing. Like, I’m talking immediately after.” (1:11:24)
Bargained for his name to be kept out of the press to protect his daughter from learning of his crimes—a condition police could not uphold.
After his name was revealed, he ceased cooperation.

9. Death and Lingering Mysteries

Timestamp: 1:15:23–end

On December 2, 2012, Keyes died by suicide in his cell, leaving a cryptic note with 11 blood-drawn skulls.

“He wrote it with his own blood. It was 11 skulls drawn with his own blood labeled ‘We Are One.’” (1:16:20)
Some investigators believe his true victim count is likely higher, but the actual number is uncertain.
“We won’t ever really know for sure how many victims he had.” (1:17:10)

Notable Quotes

On Keyes’ mindset:

“To Israel Keyes, it was never about who. It was always about where.” (08:28)
Chilling self-description:

“I’ve known since I was 14 that the things I thought were normal and okay, no one else seemed to think that they were normal and okay.” (18:05, quoting Keyes)
After his first failed attack:

“I made up my mind I was never going to let that happen again.” (29:05, quoting Keyes)
On his calculated crimes:

“He created these kill kits. There were buckets filled with anything he could possibly need...” (40:10)
Samantha’s staged photo:

“He sewed her eyelids open with fishing line to make it look like she was still alive.” (1:01:47)
Michelle on Keyes’ dual life:

“It does not. It never fails to blow my mind how people like him can basically turn a switch on and off – serial killer mode and then normal family guy mode. It’s sickening.” (58:16)

Most Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Michelle’s visceral response to Keyes’ evil: (00:11)
Description of the Common Grounds abduction and Samantha’s escape attempt: (04:55–06:55)
Keyes as a methodical planner and the introduction of “kill kits”: (39:48)
Vivid narration of the staged photo and its effect on Samantha’s loved ones: (59:46–1:02:47)
ATMs and car surveillance leading to Keyes’ capture: (1:03:25–1:05:10)
Chilling description of post-murder meal with his family: (1:11:24)
Israel’s cryptic suicide note and the enduring uncertainty about his crimes: (1:16:20–1:17:10)

Final Thoughts

“It’s so vile. For days throughout this questioning... Israel played games with the police. He was trying to bargain with them to tell his many stories of his many victims on his terms.” (1:12:25)

For Listeners: Why This Case Still Haunts

Israel Keyes’ unprecedented planning, lack of motive, and methodical randomness set him apart in the annals of crime.
His ability to hide behind a mundane life while orchestrating horror remains chilling.
The suffering of his victims’ families is compounded by the enduring uncertainty he left behind.

Episode Navigation & Important Timestamps

Host Intro & Keyes’ Dreadful Persona: 00:00–02:22
Koenig Case Walkthrough: 02:22–11:55
Keyes’ Upbringing & Early Crimes: 11:55–24:35
First Known Attempted Murder: 24:36–29:26
Evolution into Serial Killer: 29:30–51:46
Samantha Koenig and Downfall: 51:47–1:04:18
Arrest & Interrogation: 1:04:20–1:15:22
Death & Aftermath: 1:15:23–end

He Hunted in Silence: The Story of Israel Keyes

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Summary

I Wish You Were Here – Episode 19

“He Hunted in Silence: The Story of Israel Keyes”

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michelle’s Approach and the Tone of the Episode

2. The Kidnapping of Samantha Koenig

3. Keyes’ Early Life and Disturbing Beginnings

4. First Attempt – The Deschutes River Assault

5. Adult Life and Methodical Evolution

6. Murders Across the U.S.

7. The Final Crime and Downfall

8. Arrest, Interrogation, and Confession

9. Death and Lingering Mysteries

Notable Quotes

Most Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Final Thoughts

For Listeners: Why This Case Still Haunts

Episode Navigation & Important Timestamps

Summary

I Wish You Were Here – Episode 19

“He Hunted in Silence: The Story of Israel Keyes”

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michelle’s Approach and the Tone of the Episode

2. The Kidnapping of Samantha Koenig

3. Keyes’ Early Life and Disturbing Beginnings

4. First Attempt – The Deschutes River Assault

5. Adult Life and Methodical Evolution

6. Murders Across the U.S.

7. The Final Crime and Downfall

8. Arrest, Interrogation, and Confession

9. Death and Lingering Mysteries

Notable Quotes

Most Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Final Thoughts

For Listeners: Why This Case Still Haunts

Episode Navigation & Important Timestamps