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Editor’s note: Channel 2 News anchor Mike Ross wrote this Facebook post Tuesday night explaining recent news coverage after a flood of details on Samantha Koenig’s death was released by Anchorage police, the FBI and the Justice Department. More than 150 people have written comments in response to Ross’s post, which you can read on our Facebook page.
Several of our viewers have emailed us today asking, "Why do you keep showing Israel Keyes' face?" or, "Why are you reporting all of these details about his crimes?"
I wanted to explain why we're reporting these details -- it's because investigators hope that by spreading the word across the country about what Keyes admitted to doing here and elsewhere, and how he did it, that it might help investigators in other parts of the nation who might have unsolved crimes. They may recognize something in the descriptions being reported here that might help them determine if Israel Keyes was responsible for a crime somewhere else, and might help them give answers to other families.
The Justice Department, FBI and APD issued a joint press release today that said they had discussed the information they planned to release with Samantha Koenig's family, and they also said this in their written statement:
"These details are being provided both to fully explain the courage and resolve Samantha displayed in the final hours of her life, as well as in the hopes that the release of additional details will help investigations of other murders committed by Israel Keyes."
I hope that adds some insight into the reasons for our coverage.
We know some viewers find these details disturbing -- that's why we give a warning before some stories so you can choose not to watch. But we feel we have an obligation to report these facts, since Israel Keyes' crimes extend far beyond Alaska, and by reporting what happened, it may help other grieving families find answers, and maybe even some comfort in finally knowing what happened to their loved ones.
Mike Ross
Managing Editor, Channel 2 News