The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes - Remembering Bill & Lorraine Currier (Part 4)

“The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes - Remembering Bill & Lorraine Currier (Part 4)”

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🎙 The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes 🎙 – 🎞 Part I | 🎞 Part II | 🎞 Part III | 🎞 Part IV | 🎞 Part V

Part I – The Introduction
Part II – Who Was Israel Keyes?
Part III – Into the Mind of Israel Keyes
Part IV – Remembering Bill & Lorraine Currier
Part V – Samantha Koenig

Books
📚 Devil in the Darkness By: JT Hunter

📁 William "Bill" Scott Currier & Lorraine Currier Case (Case #11ES03888)  📁

Essex Police Department
👮🏽‍♂️ Detective Morgan Lawton
☎️ [phone]

Vermont State Police 👉🏽 Case Information (Click Here!)
👮🏽‍♂️ Lieutenant John MacCallum
☎️ [phone]
📧 [e-mail]

Report a Tip!
📮 vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit 👉🏽 Click Here!
💬 Text, "VTIPS" to 274637 (CRIMES)

The Charley Project (TCP)
📇 Bill
📇 Lorraine

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
📇 Bill (MP #11678)
📇 Lorraine (#MP11677)

Welcome, fellow true-crime enthusiasts, to today’s case file: “The Dark Devotion – Unmasking Israel Keyes”  

Part IV – Remembering Bill & Lorraine Currier

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Creators & Guests

Host

Crystal Garcia

Host

Jose Medina

What is Body of Crime?

Body of Crime is a true crime podcast for crime lovers. Join hosts, Crystal, Joe, and Alicia as they present cases and dissect each body of crime. Rather your love is to hear true crime stories, research, debate, and / or even attempt to solve some of the world’s most intriguing cases, we have you covered. Get ready to put your detective hats on and take some notes – you never know which mysteries will get messier with each case!

Welcome fellow true crime enthusiasts to today’s casefile “Remembering Bill and Lorraine Currier.” Part 5 in our Israel Keyes series.

INTRODUCTION
On June 8, 2011, the town of Essex, Vermont, was shaken to its core when the lives of a selfless and loving couple, Bill and Lorraine Currier, took a dark and mysterious turn. Bill, a veterinary technician at the University of Vermont, and Lorraine, working in the financial services department at what is now known as the University of Vermont Medical Center, were the kind of neighbors who warmed your heart. They had no children of their own, but their open hearts invited the neighborhood kids over to swim, and they'd readily shovel sidewalks and mow lawns for those in need.

Their quaint neighborhood, nestled in the town of Essex with fewer than 20,000 residents, was the picture of small-town charm against the backdrop of Vermont's rich history and natural beauty. With 107 individual historic sites, Essex had come a long way since its incorporation as a town in 1810, evolving from a hub of sawmills and gristmills powered by the Winooski River to a thriving, vibrant community in Northern Vermont. But little did anyone know that this picturesque setting would soon become the center of a grim and baffling true crime story.

In the wake of their disappearance, Bill and Lorraine would become inextricably linked to the alleged actions of a serial killer, Israel Keyes, who, less than a year after his capture in connection to the kidnapping and murder of Samantha Koenig in Anchorage, Alaska, would take his own life in a prison cell. The story that emerged, though shrouded in uncorroborated details, was a gruesome legend, with only evidence of theft, a struggle, and no recovered bodies. But Bill and Lorraine were not just victims in a chilling narrative; they were beautiful souls who left an indelible mark on their community, a testament to the goodness in humanity. Join us as we delve into the mystery that surrounds the disappearance of Bill and Lorraine Currier, exploring the depths of their lives, the darkness that engulfed them, and the enduring legacy of two individuals who made the world a better place.

THE BEGINNING - Bill
In the quiet town of Proctor, Vermont, on October 18, 1936, Bill Currier wasn’t even a thought, as his father, Andrew Boutwell Currier Jr., affectionately known as "Sonny," was born to his parents, Andrew Boutwell Currier Sr. and Leona Rolinda Cameron. Little did they know that Sonny would be the cornerstone of a family marked by both growth and change. Across the years and just a few towns away, in 1939, Bill’s mother, a girl named Marilyn Ann MacArthur entered the world to her parents, Stewart "Stub" Alexander MacArthur and Dorothy Elaine MacArthur (Haselton).

Fast forward to 1956, when Marilyn, Bill’s mother, at the tender age of 16, found herself expecting her first child. In an era where expectations ran high, Marilyn boldly walked down the aisle of the Essex Center Methodist Church, marrying Bill’s father, Sonny, on May 22, 1956. Just four short months later, they embraced the arrival of their first child, Cynthia. They wasted no time in growing their family as a year later, Michele was born, in 1957, followed by Diane in 1959, and the birth of their only son, William Scott Currier, known as Bill, was born in 1961. A young family of six had taken shape.

However, marriage wasn’t enough to tame Sonny’s spirit and when Bill was around 3-years-old, Sonny fathered a fifth child, Lori, with his mistress, another woman, named Suzanne Marie Harbinger, in Burlington, Vermont. This was more than Marilyn could bear and before Lori's first birthday, Sonny and Marilyn separated, officially divorcing on October 2, 1964. He would later marry Suzanne.

As Bill entered his teenage years, he found himself surrounded by sisters, and lived predominately with his father, Sonny and his step-mother Suzanne. This unique upbringing allowed bill to mature faster than most boys, and instilled in him the virtues of a gentleman, as he was raised to respect women. He was a true gentleman, renowned for his kind-hearted nature.

Bill graduated from high school in 1979 but stuck around Vermont, undecided of his next steps in life. In May of 1983, Sonny and Suzanne divorced. This forced Bill to make a life-changing decision, as he left Vermont and his sisters behind, enlisting in the United States Army. Bill was ready to embark on a path he believed in. For the next four years, Bill served his country, and he found himself stationed in the enchanting paradise of Hawaii – a dream destination for many soldiers.

That same year, on February 13, 1983, Bill faced the tremendous loss of his maternal grandfather at the age of 73, and 2-years later, his stepmother, Suzanne, passed away after long battle with lung cancer, succumbing to respiratory arrest at the tender age of 43 on June 23, 1985. As Bill's service came to an end, and he found himself ready to come home.

THE BEGINNING - Lorraine
In the serene town of Norton, Vermont, a town known for its logging industry, a chapter of history was unfolding as Lorraine Simonne Arnold was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1955. Her parents, Paul Valmore Arnold and Clara Mary Brousseau, at 27 years old, both held their own unique stories. Paul, Lorraine’s father, was an Aquarius, born on February 7, 1928, in Standhope, Quebec, Canada. He was the son of Richard and Roma Arnold. In contrast, Clara, Lorraine’s mother, was a Capricorn, born on December 28, 1927, in Norton, Vermont, to Amedie M. Brousseau and Marie Marguerite "Margaret" Eulalie Klein.

Lorraine’s parent’s love story blossomed when they married at the young age of 20 on June 5th, of 1948, at the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia. However, the fear of nuclear war didn’t dampen Paul or Margaret’s determination to grow their family and it didn't take long for the arrival of their first child, Pauline, in 1951, after just three years of marriage. As the years rolled on, they embraced the birth of their first son, Ronald, in 1953, followed by two more daughters, Diane and the young Sally, forming a close-knit family of seven that included Lorraine.

Lorraine was a woman whose essence was described by those who knew her as a warm, loving soul with a heart of pure gold. She embodied a unique blend of qualities, combining a penchant for all things "girly" with a strong work ethic, never shying away from getting her hands dirty when needed. Her roots were firmly planted in the Winooski, Vermont area, a place that would witness the unfolding of her life's story.
Lorraine's journey began with her role as a high school cheerleader, reflecting her vibrant and spirited personality. She cheered in the big Division II Championship between Winooski High School and Hartford High School as a junior in 1972.

Lorraine was also known for her unwavering determination and drive, setting clear goals for herself from a young age. In 1973, at the age of 18, she proudly walked the stage as a graduate of Winooski High School, marking the beginning of a promising future. Lorraine had a generous spirit, always ready to offer a helping hand, and her deep connection to her family was a defining aspect of her life.

BILL & LORRAINE
In the heart of Vermont, a unique love story unfolded as William "Bill" Scott Currier, a dedicated U.S. Army Soldier at 24-years-old, and Lorraine Simonne Arnold, a seasoned professional, 6-years his senior, at 30, found themselves deeply enamored with one another. Their connection was marked by selflessness and unwavering love. Their love affair would culminate in a beautiful marriage ceremony in Grand Isle, Vermont, on July 20, 1985.

Bill devoted his days to caring for animals as an animal care technician at the University of Vermont, while Lorraine took on a crucial role at Fletcher Allen Healthcare, now known as the University of Vermont Medical Center, working as a finance specialist in the finance department. Together, they created a homebody haven at 8 Colbert Street, Essex, Vermont, where they could often be found working on household projects, basking in the serenity of their backyard, or enjoying the warm embrace of the sun in their pool. Their compassionate nature extended beyond their home, as they were frequently spotted assisting neighbors and actively participating in acts of kindness within their community.

As the years passed and the aging process brought its inevitable challenges, Bill and Lorraine faced their respective health issues with remarkable resilience. Bill, at 5'11", weighed between 200-240lbs, and though he grappled with a receding hairline, he maintained his dark brown hair with his most striking feature, his piercing hazel eyes. Bill however struggled with Type II Diabetes, a chronic condition that demanded daily insulin injections. Additionally, a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's Disease), left Bill’s vertebrae fused together, limiting the movement of his head and neck.

Lorraine, who was five years Bill's senior and stood at 5'4", weighing between 150-170lbs, faced her own challenges. She had straight brown hair that flowed past her shoulders and kind brown eyes. Her left leg was shorter than her right following an ankle surgery, that caused her to endure an altered and noticeable gate pattern. Her finance work had impacted her vision over time, and she required glasses or contacts to safely drive. Her medical journey was marked by cardiomyopathy, a condition that necessitated daily medication to support her heart's function.
Despite these hurdles, Bill and Lorraine forged an unbreakable bond, adhering to a consistent routine of hard work and unwavering commitment to one another. They found profound contentment in the life they had built and chose to fill it with the joy of nieces and nephews. They had decided early into their relationship that children of their own was not a necessity and shared the home with their one and only pet, a bird. Their love was a testament to resilience, and their story was far from ordinary, offering a glimpse into a remarkable partnership that defied the odds.

THE DISAPPEARANCE
Bill and Lorraine Currier's story is a sad one. With their abrupt disappearance the mystery of their abduction left a hole in the community where they lived and were loved. These two selfless souls vanished from their Vermont home on the fateful evening of June 8th, 2011. When they both failed to show up for work the next day, their co-workers knew something had to be wrong. It was uncharacteristic of them to miss work, and the concerns were elevated immediate.

Bill's older sister, Dianna, took the initiative and reported them missing to the Essex Police Department. As the police began their investigation, it became abundantly clear that something sinister had occurred when the phone lines were discovered severed, a broken window hinted at a forced entry. The Currier’s vehicle was also missing. Lorraine's purse and wallet had vanished, but medication that she needed to survive was present. This was worrisome to the family and investigators. It was also determined early into the investigation that Lorraine's recently acquired handgun was also missing.

It wasn’t long before the Currier’s vehicle was located abandoned near a dumpster, and witnesses provided a sketch of a mysterious man that had been seen driving the abandoned car. It was obviously not Bill. On June 15, 2011, the Essex Police Department declared Bill and Lorraine Currier victims of foul play, shifting the investigation from a missing persons case to a suspected homicide. Yet, despite an intensifying search and a national spotlight on the case, their remains were never recovered.

In early 2012, on the other side of the world, a manhunt was underway for the abduction of a kidnapped and missing 18-year-old girl barrista, named Samantha Koenig, in Anchorage, Alaska. There were no suspects, but the person who had abducted her was using her boyfriend’s ATM card as he traveled from Alaska to through Texas. The FBI has been tracking the use of the debit card, and through video footage identified a suspect. It wasn’t long before the police had Israel Keyes in custody. Keyes’ arrest, while in Texas for his sister’s wedding, should have brought more answers than questions, but as the FBI took over the investigation, and Keyes began disclosing pieces of the truth, the FBI learned of Keyes involvement with the disappearance of the Curriers.

Keyes would eventually disclose to law enforcement and the FBI that he had broken into the Currier residence, cutting the phone line, ransacking their car in the garage, and then kidnapped the couple, and ultimately took both of their lives. He would provide additional details of other crimes he had committed, but that could not be fully corroborated with evidence.

While some details he provided matched unpublished information about the home invasion, the full extent of his story remained shrouded in uncertainty and as of the publishing of this podcast episode, neither Bill nor Lorraine's remains have been found. Authorities have searched where Keyes claimed to have left the remains of the Curriers, in an abandoned home, that had eventually been demolished.
While there is a strong belief, a belief that has remained grounded in evidence, that Keyes committed a home invasion and theft at the Currier residence, the extent of his full narrative and the horrific details of what he told authorities he did to the Curriers still remains a subject of scrutiny, as no real physical evidence has been brought forward.

Israel Keyes would eventually make the decision to take his own life, as he struggled to maintain control over his incarceration. His negotiation with the FBI was not going as planned for him and after a failed escape attempt, Keyes knew he would never get another chance. As a result, in the end, he used a razor to slit his left wrist and strangled himself with a bedsheet for good measure, leaving behind drawings he had made using his own blood and a poem, an Ode to Death.
His untimely death would result in Keyes not beig charged for the disappearance and deaths of Bill and Lorraine Currier, leaving their fate to haunt the unresolved shadows of a true crime mystery.

CONCLUSION
It is true that bad things happen to good people, and this case is a great example of the tragedy that often befalls those who are least deserving. Of course, Israel Keyes has garnered the title of serial killer, although very little evidence supports his boastful claim of being more prolific than Ted Bundy or the Green River Killer. And only one victim, Samantha Koenig can be tied to him directly.
Bill and Lorraine continue to be listed as missing persons. Should you possess any information about the disappearance of Bill and Lorraine Currier, we urge you to contact the Essex Police Department at [phone], referencing case number 11ES03888, or reach out to the Vermont State Police.

Anonymous tips can be submitted on their website, as detailed in our show notes, or by texting VTIPS to 274637. Additional information about the Curriers' case can be found on NamUs, the Vermont State Police, and The Charley Project websites, all conveniently linked in our show notes and on the Body of Crime Facebook page.
As we close the Israel Keyes series, it is important to understand that true crime stories should avoid idolizing those of us who are often broken beyond salvation. Israel Keyes was no folk hero. He was no Robin Hood. Serial killers should be studied for prevention. They should be studied for understanding. They should be studied to predict and prevent and when necessary to apprehend and stop them.

Israel Keyes preyed on the weakest of our society. He wasn’t a lion among men. He was a rabid Hyena, scouring the shadows of the world looking for the weakest and the most feeble. What does it say of you to admire a man who robbed the poor, raped the young and killed the old and the weak? Israel Keyes told the FBI tall tales of robberies, tortures, murders and rapes, all just unconfirmed stories that he used to barter and negotiate for control, with the FBI while he was incarcerated. The only real thing about Israel Keyes is that he lived a pathetic life and died a pathetic death. Good riddance.