American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century

Content Warning: This section of the guide references extremely distressing themes, including drug abuse, violence against children, abduction, gun violence, and murder. 

Chapter 1 introduces the first central figure in the narrative: Samantha Koenig, an 18-year-old girl from Anchorage, Alaska. On February 2nd, 2012, she was reported missing from her job at a Common Grounds coffee kiosk that stayed open late—the last place she was seen. Investigators were confused about several details in the case: There was a panic button that a staff member could press if a customer was aggressive or threatening, but Samantha hadn’t used it, and they found no signs of a struggle. A popular and well-liked girl, Samantha had a single father, James, and a boyfriend, Duane, both of whom had been communicating with her at the time of her disappearance. 

Detective Monique Doll was assigned to Samantha’s case during her first day in Anchorage’s homicide division. An officer with over 10 years in experience, Doll was a well-respected officer. The police also reached out to FBI Special Agent Steve Payne who took issue with one of the main theories—that Samantha had taken money from the register and left of her own accord to blow off steam and have fun.