Emotions are about as raw as the bitter chill that sweeps through this Turnagin neighborhood.
Residents are reacting to news that accused serial killer Israel Keyes killed 18-year-old Samantha Koenig at this Spurr Lane home, her body kept in a shed that used to be in his driveway.
"Praying for that poor girl” said Janine Becka. “Praying for her family, praying for the other people that he's harmed."
A 28-year resident of the neighborhood, Becka says she couldn't sleep after hearing the details of how Keyes killed Koenig, and that it happened just a few houses away from her doorstep.
"Just feeling very sad, that it was so close, and that nothing we could have done, to change the outcome."
The hustle and bustle of the daily routine continues against the backdrop of sadness and shock. Holiday decorations are up and the mail carrier continues her route through this neighborhood.
"You can't live in fear, because then they win," said Weezy Smoke.
Smoke encountered Keyes several times while making the rounds; she doesn't think anyone would have known about the secrets he was keeping on his property.
“I've waved to him before, he'd back the truck in, he was just a normal Joe, He didn't have this sign that said: serial killer."
Whether residents saw this coming or not Keyes' crime will likely impact this neighborhood for years to come.
"I worry that it has affected some of the psyche of this neighborhood,” adds Becka. “I think in a good way, because I think we are more so cautious."
Those are the consequences of one man who shocked a community, a city and the country.
Contact Adam Pinsker
