ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Israel Keyes’ federal trial in the kidnapping and killing of barista Samantha Koenig will begin early next year, a judge announced Friday.
U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess set March 11, 2013 as Keyes’ trial date on charges of kidnapping resulting in death, receipt and possession of ransom money, and access device fraud. Keyes has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Keyes spoke at Friday's hearing when Burgess asked what he thought about the trial date, saying his only concern was that he'd have a chance to review discovered evidence. Keyes also said he trusted prosecuting and defense attorneys to determine a realistic trial date.
Burgess also had harsh words about a Wednesday incident in which Keyes attempted to flee the courtroom and was Tasered by U.S. marshals. He called Keyes’ actions inappropriate and warned that future outbursts could result in Keyes being found in contempt of court, gagged or removed from the court entirely to watch the trial from a jail cell.
