BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Israel Keyes confessed to killing the Curriers after being arrested for another murder in Alaska. Monday federal and state prosecutors revealed what Keyes told them about why he targeted the Curriers and how he carried out their murders.
Prosecutors say Keyes left Alaska on June 2nd intending to find a couple to murder. He wound up in Vermont where he checked into an Essex hotel. Keyes told police he looked for a house like the Curriers,' with an attached garage, no cars in the yard, no children and no dog. He described entering the home in a "blitz attack," quickly tying up the Curriers and driving them to an abandoned home on the other side of town. That's where he shot Bill Currier and then raped and strangled Lorraine Currier.
"By all accounts they were friendly, peaceful, good people, who encountered a force of pure evil acting at random," said U.S. Attorney for Vermont Tris Coffin.
"It's clear from the facts of this case, that though confronted with death, Bill and Lorraine Currier showed extraordinary bravery and courage and extreme dedication and love to each other. They fought to the end," said Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan.
Police read a statement from the Curriers' family, thanking the public and the police for their support. The family says Keyes' death ends this chapter in their lives and they are now starting on a new chapter of healing.
The Curriers' relatives will have that chance for closure because Israel Keyes confessed to their killing. Other families may not have that chance, because Keyes committed suicide Sunday in his Alaska jail cell. Authorities believe he took to his grave information about at least five more murders in Washington and New York.
Investigators said Keyes knew many specific details about the Curriers and their home that were never released to the public. They also found Keyes' gun and Lorraine Currier's gun in a reservoir in New York, right where Keyes told them they would be.
Click here for the statement from the Currier family.
Click here for the statement from Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan.
Click here for the statement from U.S. Attorney for Vermont Tristram Coffin.
Click here for the FBI request for public assistance on the travels of Israel Keyes.
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