Premium Episode 72 - FBI vs. PTK pt. 9: Israel Keyes part 1: A Supersoldier with a Black Heart
Jun 1, 2024
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Explore the chilling origins of serial killer Israel Keyes, from his family's Christian Identity beliefs to his military training and dark aspirations. Uncover his troubled past, early warning signs, and connections to extremism and crime. Delve into the CIA's recruitment tactics and the evolution of 'sheep dipping,' revealing the sinister depths of Keyes' supersoldier persona.
Israel Keyes' upbringing in a strict religious family influenced his extremist ideologies and cult-minded upbringing.
Israel Keyes exhibited sophisticated planning in his first known crime of attempted murder and sexual assault, with intentions of rape, torture, and killing.
Israel Keyes' military journey hinted at undisclosed special training beyond official records, earning him the reputation of a 'super soldier' with skills in sniping and strategic combat.
Deep dives
Israel Keys' Disturbing Background and Influences
Israel Keys, a notorious serial killer, drew parallels to the fictional character Dexter and was described by Maureen Callahan as the first sui generis serial killer of the 21st century. Keys exhibited concerning behavior from a young age, including violence against animals, reflecting potential warning signs for future violence. His upbringing in a secluded, strict religious family, associated with Christian identity beliefs, contributed to his cult-minded upbringing and exposure to extremist ideologies.
Early Criminal Activities and Attempted Murder
In his late teens, Israel Keys committed his first known crime, an attempted murder and sexual assault of a teenage girl near the Dushuats River. Keys had meticulously planned this attack, intending to rape, torture, and kill his victim. He demonstrated a high level of sophistication in his disposal plan, aiming to drop the body into a concrete tank to eliminate evidence. The victim's unexpected response ultimately thwarted his dehumanizing intentions.
Transition to Atheism, Family Dynamics, and Military Service
Following his attempted murder, Israel Keys faced consequences from his family and his decision to join the army. As a teenager, Keys transitioned to atheism, leading to his expulsion from his family home. His parents' restrictive measures forced a separation from his siblings. Despite these challenges, Keys embarked on a military journey, setting the stage for future disturbing criminal activities and unsettling discoveries surrounding his violent tendencies.
Israel Keys' Enlistment in the US Army and Suspicions of Special Training
Israel Keys enlisted in the US Army to rebel against his family, eventually serving in the army for approximately three years. His military records suggest a possible sheep dipping, indicating undisclosed special training beyond what was officially documented. Keys passed the pre-Ranger course, and his Army buddies referred to him as a 'super soldier,' mentioning his skills in making a ghillie suit for sniping, hinting at additional training not reflected in his released records.
Israel Keys' Disturbing Relationships and Criminal Enthusiasm
Israel Keys' behavior raised red flags among his army mates, showcasing odd habits like watching scorpions fight. His close connection to a fellow soldier, Perkins, led to speculations about their relationship. Keys harbored dark thoughts and detailed plans involving bank robberies, mass-scale kidnappings, and killings. He held a fascination with serial killers, admiring Ted Bundy and H.H. Holmes, studying their behavior alongside FBI texts on criminal psychology.
This is the first episode about the serial killer Israel Keyes. I begin with the logical starting place: the Keyes family, and get into a brief history of Christian Identity in the UK and US. From there, we discuss the Kehoe family including some interesting details which are often left out of the conversation.
Then I go over Israel's early life and upbringing, his early military service, his first major relationship, and end discussing Israel's Grand Plan.
(note 1: I wrote and recorded this before I had Wendy Painting on the show and consequently realized I kept saying 'Aberrations' instead of Aberration in the Heartland of the Real, the correct title
note 2: I have learned much more about Fort Gulick since writing these episodes and I think Keyes was trained there)
Songs:
I Saw the Sign by Ace of Base
Loco by Coal Chamber (when talking about psychiatric evaluation?)
TRYNA SPIT GAME by STOVE X DJ AKOZA (outro)
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