Israel Keyes — an American Serial Killer
Background:
Israel Keyes was born January 7, 1978 in Richmond, Utah. He was the second of ten children to John Jeffrey and Heidi Keyes.
The family’s beliefs, lifestyles, and locations changed throughout Israel’s childhood. Israel’s life started as a Mormon. When he was 5, the family moved to Colville, Washington, became fundamentalist Christians and joined a white supremacist church. Their next move was in the late 90’s to Maupin, Oregon. From there, they moved across the US to Maine, where they settled near an Amish community.
At one point, the family resided in a one-bedroom cabin without electricity and running water. The children were forced to hunt for food, which could have contributed to the habits Israel later develops. Hunting for food allowed him the satisfaction of skinning a live deer. Something he would later brag about.
In his teenage years, Israel proclaimed his Atheism. His parents evicted him and shunned him from their family.
In 1998, at the age of 20, Israel joined the US Army. He spent time in Egypt, Texas, and Washington. He remained enlisted until 2001 when he was honorably discharged. During his Army days, Israel became involved with a woman on the Makah Reservation in Washington. They would welcome a daughter in 2000. Alaska would become their home and the last place Israel Keyes would reside.
