Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew says investigators have found what they believe is the body of missing barista, Samantha Koenig. He made the announcement at APD Headquarters late Monday explaining that a forensic dive team discovered the body in Matanuska Lake.
"Investigators believe that Samantha died within hours of abduction. The person that responsible for Samantha's death acted alone and we are confident that we have that person in custody. We are working closely with the U.S. Attorney's office and charges for Samantha's kidnapping and murder will be forthcoming."
The 18-year-old barista disappeared from the Anchorage coffee stand were she worked on February 1st. Security video showed her being led away from the stand by an armed man. The FBI partnered with the APD on the investigation. Special Agent In Charge, Mary Rook says the case was perplexing.
"Investigators found no direct association between the abductor and Samantha and any member of her family. I believe it was the dissociative nature of the crime that so perplexed investigators, at least initially."
Chief Mew says the office of the state medical examiner will soon conduct a thorough examination of the body to verify the identity ... and that charges for Koenig's murder and kidnapping will be forthcoming.