Israel Keyes' suicide prompts action to dismiss charges - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A serial killer's recent suicide has prompted federal prosecutors to seek dismissal of charges in the slaying of an Alaska barista.

Prosecutors in Anchorage said in a motion filed this week that the indictment against Israel Keyes "is abated by his death" by law.

A federal magistrate recommends granting the motion and has forwarded it to the judge assigned to the case against Keyes, who confessed to the February murder of 18-year-old barista Samantha Koenig in Anchorage, as well as others across the country.

Keyes confessed to the 2011 murders of Bill and Lorraine Currier of Essex, Vt., and as many as five unnamed victims, four in Washington state and one on the East Coast, the body dumped in New York. Investigators believe there could be more victims as well.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Stories:

Click here for the FBI request for public assistance on the travels of Israel Keyes.

Related Stories:

Funeral held for Israel Keyes

Israel Keyes' family pastor says killer ranted at wedding

FBI searches for serial killer Israel Keyes' 1st victim

Keyes buried 'kill kits' in Vt. and NY

How investigators got Israel Keyes to confess

Police release details on Israel Keyes' suicide

First look at serial killer's taped FBI interview

Expert analysis on serial killing suspect Israel Keyes

More Keyes details surface, including audio recording

U.S. Attorney: Curriers encountered 'force of pure evil'

Officials confirm Alaska suspect killed Vt. couple

Federal authorities left to unravel unsolved murders

Currier neighbors, co-workers reflect on loss

FBI trace Currier case to New York

Bench, flagpole installed in memory of Curriers

Investigator: Human decomposition found in Currier case

Memorial for slain couple

Memorial service to be held for Curriers

Why are NH authorities talking about Israel Keyes?

New details on suspect in Currier murders

Missing couple murdered? The mystery unravels

Anniversary of Currier disappearance

Dig for Currier evidence continues

Insight into latest developments in Currier case

Police dig through trash for Currier clues

Police again dig for evidence in Currier case

Timeline: The disappearance of Bill and Lorraine Currier

Neighbors hope recent search turns up evidence in Currier case

Police dig for evidence in Currier case